Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than the bold, mouth-numbing flavors of dirty rice. This classic Southern dish has been a staple in many cuisines for generations, and we’re excited to share 18 new twists on this beloved recipe. From Cajun-style dirty rice with andouille sausage to Spicy ground beef dirty rice, Vegetarian dirty rice with mushrooms, and everything in between, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In the following pages, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of spicy dirty rice, featuring a diverse range of ingredients, techniques, and flavors. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a new way to mix things up, there’s something for everyone in this collection of bold and delicious recipes.
Cajun-style dirty rice with andouille sausage
A classic Louisiana dish, dirty rice is a flavorful side that’s perfect for pairing with andouille sausage. This hearty recipe combines the two in a deliciously spicy and savory blend.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked rice, cooked sausage, and the onion mixture in a large bowl.
7. Dot the top with butter and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Creole dirty rice with chicken livers
This hearty dish is a staple of Louisiana cuisine, featuring chicken livers cooked with rice and spices to create a rich, savory flavor profile. Perfect for a comforting meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 4-6 chicken livers, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken livers and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the livers from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the spice mixture.
7. Return the chicken livers to the skillet; stir to distribute evenly.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy ground beef dirty rice
Add a kick to your rice game with this flavorful Spicy Ground Beef Dirty Rice recipe. This twist on traditional dirty rice combines ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a blend of spices for a bold and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 large bell peppers, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and bell peppers; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetarian dirty rice with mushrooms
A hearty, flavorful twist on the classic dirty rice dish, this vegetarian version adds a savory depth with sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and paprika; stir for 1 minute.
5. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir until well combined with mushroom mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dirty rice with smoked turkey and bell peppers
This hearty one-pot dish combines the rich flavors of smoked turkey, crispy bell peppers, and savory dirty rice for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add turkey sausage; cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Add rice and water; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover; simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff with fork; stir in cooked turkey sausage.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Jambalaya-inspired dirty rice with shrimp
Get ready to spice up your rice game with this bold and flavorful dirty rice recipe, featuring succulent shrimp and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the spice mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern-style dirty rice with pork sausage
Get ready for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing side. This Southern-style dirty rice recipe combines cooked pork sausage, vegetables, and spices with plain white rice to create a savory, satisfying mix.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound cooked pork sausage (such as Andouille or smoked sausage), sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine well to coat the rice with the flavorful mixture.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dirty rice with chorizo and black beans
This recipe puts a twist on the classic dirty rice dish by adding spicy chorizo sausage and creamy black beans. The result is a flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff with a fork and stir in the black beans and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Spicy dirty rice with jalapeños and cheddar
Add a kick to your usual dirty rice recipe by incorporating spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese. This flavorful side dish is perfect for accompanying your favorite barbecue or Tex-Mex meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 jalapeños, diced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add diced jalapeños and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in paprika and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty rice with duck confit and herbs
Dirty rice, a classic Louisiana dish, gets an elevated twist with the rich flavors of duck confit and aromatic herbs. This hearty recipe is perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup duck confit (coarsely chopped)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add duck confit, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Add the duck mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the dirty rice to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mexican-inspired dirty rice with ground chorizo
A flavorful twist on classic dirty rice, this recipe combines the spicy kick of ground chorizo with sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a bold and aromatic side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 lb ground chorizo, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Once browned, add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Dirty rice with bacon and green onions
Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering Dirty Rice recipe, infused with crispy bacon and a punch of fresh green onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed.
4. Fluff the dirty rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creole dirty rice with crawfish tails
This classic Creole dish combines the flavors of Cajun country with succulent crawfish tails, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or as a side dish to complement your favorite meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup crawfish tails (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper; stir for 30 seconds.
4. Add cooked crawfish tails and garlic; stir to combine.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a fork. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Spicy dirty rice with habanero and lime
This recipe adds a bold twist to classic dirty rice by incorporating the spicy kick of habaneros and the brightness of lime. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and habanero and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
7. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the liquid is fully absorbed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty rice with smoked brisket and barbecue sauce
A twist on the classic dirty rice recipe, this dish combines flavorful smoked brisket with spicy barbecue sauce and savory rice for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cooked smoked brisket, shredded
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with onion mixture.
5. Add chicken broth, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Stir in shredded smoked brisket and barbecue sauce. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dirty rice with turkey sausage and okra
This hearty dirty rice dish is a twist on the classic Cajun recipe, adding juicy turkey sausage and tender okra for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups water
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook turkey sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add okra and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. In a separate pot, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is cooked.
6. Fluff cooked rice with fork and stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine cooked sausage mixture with cooked rice; serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Louisiana-style dirty rice with giblets
Experience the rich flavors of Louisiana with this classic dirty rice recipe that incorporates savory giblets. This hearty dish is perfect for serving alongside your favorite meats or as a standalone side.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound giblets (liver, heart, and gizzards), cut into small pieces
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add giblets; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the giblet mixture.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the rice is lightly toasted.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty rice with venison and wild mushrooms
A hearty one-pot dish that combines the rich flavors of venison, wild mushrooms, and dirty rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 1 cup uncooked dirty rice mix
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the venison and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the paprika and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the dirty rice mix and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.
8. Return the venison to the pot and stir to combine.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 bold and flavorful dirty rice recipes! From classic Cajun-style dishes to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Try making Spicy Ground Beef Dirty Rice, Vegetarian Dirty Rice with Mushrooms, or Smoked Turkey and Bell Peppers Dirty Rice. For a real kick, try adding jalapeños and cheddar to your recipe. Or, go bold with Jambalaya-inspired Shrimp Dirty Rice or Mexican-inspired Chorizo Dirty Rice. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect blend of flavors for your taste buds.