20 Cajun Rice Dishes That Reign Supreme in New Orleans Cuisine

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Discover the bold flavors of authentic Louisiana cuisine with these delectable Cajun rice dishes. Each featuring the distinctive essence of New Orleans, this delicious mix of classic and contemporary recipes is both body and soul-satisfying.

Cajun cabbage jambalaya in a black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

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How to Cook Rice on the Stove

Freshly cooked white rice in a small pot.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Curious about Cajun rice dishes but want to make sure you have the basics down pat first? This tutorial on how to cook rice on the stove gets you poised and ready for all the festive New Orleans-style deliciousness to follow! Get the recipe.

Cabbage Jambalaya

Cajun cabbage jambalaya in a round white bowl.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

One of the most popular contemporary Cajun rice dishes, cabbage jambalaya is a multi-layered masterpiece. Simple ingredients transform into super-sophisticated flavors, made stick-to-your-ribs hearty by the inclusion of soft, fluffy rice. Get the recipe. Get the recipe.

New Orleans Red Beans & Rice

Red beans and rice on a round white plate.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Arguably the most famous dish in the Big Easy, red beans and rice is creamy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that everyone on Earth should experience at least once. Many locals still enjoy the time-honored tradition in South Louisiana each and every Monday. Get the recipe.

Cajun Fried Rice

Cajun fried rice in a black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

An original recipe from a New Orleans-area native, Cajun fried rice is an unforgettably delicious fusion of flavors. Seasoned shrimp, browned smoked sausage, and an assortment of veggies in a 3-ingredient sauce that ties it all together scrumptiously. Get the recipe

Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cajun stuffed bell peppers in a cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Cajun-stuffed bell peppers are a regional favorite. They are traditionally prepared for holidays and big family dinners. These perfectly seasoned bundles of deliciousness are among the Cajun rice dishes that freeze well, making them suitable for meal planning. Get the recipe.

Cajun Shrimp Stew

Cajun shrimp stew in a  red enameled cast iron Dutch oven.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Rice is the most common accompaniment to Cajun shrimp stew, a classic dish featuring a rich roux-based gravy with seasoned shrimp and potatoes. This holiday-worthy recipe is a family favorite that's always a hit around the table. Get the recipe

Cajun Rice Dressing

Cajun rice dressing in a bowl.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

A South Louisiana holiday favorite, Cajun rice dressing features seasoned ground beef, rice, and browned trinity veggies. So simple yet so unbelievably delicious, this recipe doubles as weeknight meal-in-one. Get the recipe.

Cajun Butter Beans with Shrimp & Sausage

Cajun butter beans with shrimp and sausage on a round white bowl alongside rice and a flower.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Hot, fresh rice is the only topping local New Orleanians will accept alongside Cajun butter beans with shrimp and sausage, y'all. A super lush consistency makes this classic dish the one to make to truly experience the heartbeat of South Louisiana culture. Get the recipe

Cajun Baked Chicken & Rice With Okra

Cajun Chicken and Rice with Okra
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Cajun baked chicken with rice and okra features ALL of the NOLA flavors you crave with a fraction of the work!! Developed by a local home cook, this recipe is a weeknight wonder that's impressive enough for company. Get the recipe

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Chicken and sausage gumbo in a bowl.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

No list of Cajun rice dishes is complete without a proper chicken and sausage gumbo with okra. Authentically delicious, this recipe features the Trinity Roux™, which makes it just as light on the tummy as it is ultra-flavorful on the lips. Get the recipe

Crawfish Etouffee

Crawfish etouffee in a black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

A bayou-area classic, crawfish etouffee is universally beloved for its deep, rich gravy that's traditionally served over rice. Each well-seasoned bite is even more scrumptious than the last. Therefore, making a double batch is always recommended. Get the recipe.

Cajun Cabbage Casserole

Cajun cabbage casserole in a cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Each bite of this Cajun cabbage casserole is body and soul-warming comfort food bliss, y'all!! A classic Cajun rice dish with tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and caramelized trinity veggies, this Sunday dinner favorite feeds a crowd. Get the recipe

Chicken Sauce Piquante

Chicken sauce piquante in a red enamled cast iron Dutch oven.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Super scrumptious with a multi-layered depth of flavor, chicken sauce piquante is served the right way with rice. A hearty meal that's perfect for a Sunday dinner, this company-worthy dish also shines at dinner parties. Get the recipe.

Cajun Beef Stew

Cajun beef stew with rice in a bowl.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Marinated stew meat literally falls apart in this super delicious Cajun beef stew. The perfect family meal for four, this stew doubles as a meal-prep main dish you can't wait to get home to savor. Get the recipe.

Cajun Chicken Stew

Cajun chicken stew in a black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Rice is always served with Cajun chicken stew, another captivating classic regional dish. This kid-friendly recipe is beloved for its rich roux-based gravy and tender seasoned chicken and veggies. Get the recipe.

Catfish Courtbouillon

Catfish courtbouillon in a black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

It's almost impossible to describe how unforgettably delicious this catfish courtbouillon is with mere words, y'all! One of the oldest Cajun rice dishes around, these perfectly-seasoned fillets in a homemade red gravy are served over rice for a delectably fulfilling meal you will never, ever forget!! Get the recipe.

Cajun Cabbage Stew

Cajun cabbage stew in black cast iron pot.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Soft, sweet cabbage and browned sausage pair together perfectly in this roux-based Cajun stew. A hit on New Year's Day, it also makes a delicious family dinner. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Etouffee

Shrimp etouffee in a round white bowl.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Each day, freshly made pots of rice are prepared for local New Orleanians to enjoy piping-hot bowls of shrimp etouffee, y'all! This super scrumptious dish is nothing short of fantastic, a Sunday dinner-style main that is just as hearty as it is visually stunning. Get the recipe.

Cajun Egg Stew

Cajun egg stew in black cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Egg lovers rejoice at the first taste of this scrumptious Cajun egg stew with sausage. A family recipe that's always served with rice, this hearty dinner dish doubles as a breakfast and brunch standout. Get the recipe.

Cajun Chicken Fricassee

Cajun chicken fricassee in an enameled cast iron skillet.
Image Credit: A Sprinkling of Cayenne

Cajun chicken fricassee is one of the oldest and most beloved dishes in South Louisiana. A small topping of freshly cooked rice makes the thick brown gravy and fall-off-the-bone chicken all the more magnificent. Get the recipe.

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