I must admit I have become an instant pot fan over the years. I don’t cook a lot of things in it, but it’s great on the dishes for which I use it. Forget to soak some beans? No problem, have them ready in about an hour. Want to have easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs? No problem, instant pot. And rice? I love it for cooking rice, and this Instant Pot Cajun Rice recipe is delicious and comes together in 30 minutes!
Saute the Cajun Trinity
One reason I love the instant pot for this and similar rice dishes is the ability to sauté and cook the rice in one dish. Like any good cajun dish, we start with the “cajun trinity,” or diced bell pepper, celery, and onion in equal parts. Sauté the trinity in oil, then when almost done add garlic and continue to cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Then, it’s as easy as adding the rest of the ingredients and turning on the “rice” program.
Flavor and Spice
There’s a common misconception that dishes labeled “creole” or “cajun” are spicy. While there is definitely some heat in some cajun items (as in every crawfish boil I’ve ever been to,) most dishes just have a good, robust flavor. Now, you can always add some more spice and heat to your liking, but this cajun rice dish won’t light a signal fire on your palate. In addition to the trinity, I use my new Cajun Garlic Sauce and fresh oregano and thyme to really add some depth of flavor. I also use some tomato juice, which adds a nice color and taste.
Serving Instant Pot Cajun Rice
As soon as your rice cycle is done, manually release the steam in the instant pot and stir with a fork. Place in a bowl and serve. This dish goes well with many main dishes such as Lucky 7 Smoked Salmon with Whole Grain Honey Mustard and Grilled Lamb Chops with Shallot and Date Jam.
As always, I hope you enjoy! Now get in there and cook a great dinner!
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Instant Pot Cajun Rice
Description
Using an instant pot for rice turns out perfectly cooked rice. Up your side item game with this easy and quick cajun rice dish, and it will be in your rotation for good!
Ingredients
1 cup long grain rice
1 1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato juice
2 TBS Cajun Garlic Sauce
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 stalk celery diced
1 TBS canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 TBS paprika
1 TBS fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp fresh black pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp cayenne, optional
Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
Prep vegetables. Turn Instant Pot to sauté function and add oil. Allow it to heat for 2 minutes, then add onions, peppers, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook 1-2 more minutes, or until garlic is golden and fragrant. Turn Instant pot off.
Add chicken stock, rice, herbs, seasonings, and tomato juice. Put lid on instant pot, then press rice function. Allow instant pot to cook for time of rice function.
Manually release steam as soon as timer goes off. Open lid and fluff rice with a fork. Serve.
