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Spicy Cajun Jailhouse Rice

spicy cajun jailhouse rice - featured image

A quick and comforting 5-ingredient meal featuring instant rice, smoky sausage, bell peppers, and bold Cajun seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavorful comfort food without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup instant white rice (185 g)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, thyme)
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa recommended)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green mix, about 150 g)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (475 ml, low-sodium preferred)
  • Optional: ½ cup finely chopped onion (75 g)
  • Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: hot sauce, to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell peppers, slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch thick rounds, and measure out the Cajun seasoning. If using, chop onion and garlic finely.
  2. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and smoky.
  3. Add diced bell peppers (and onions/garlic if using) and sauté for another 4 minutes until softened but still vibrant.
  4. Stir in 1 cup instant white rice, coating it well with the sausage and veggies. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning over and stir to combine evenly.
  5. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Stir quickly, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 5 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice rest for an additional 5 minutes to finish steaming.
  7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the resting step after cooking to ensure fluffy rice. Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor. Adjust spice level gradually. If rice is too dry, add a splash more broth or water during cooking. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute sausage with smoked tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy rice, Cajun rice, quick dinner, comfort food, sausage rice, easy recipe, weeknight meal