Classic Louisiana-style seasonings are the key ingredients in the best Cajun dirty rice recipe.

Think of dirty rice as a Cajun rice pilaf.

Why is it that so much great food comes out of Louisiana?

Overhead view of dirty rice in a skillet.

Michelle Becker

Case in point, this “dirty” rice.

What Is Dirty Rice?

Why Dirty Rice Is a Must-Try

If you aren’t a liver lover, don’t worry!

Side view of two bowls of Cajun Dirty Rice on a marble countertop.

Michelle Becker

The Origins of Dirty Rice

Dirty rice can be traced back to the plantation days of Louisiana.

Cajun Seasoning Vs. Creole Seasoning

Cajun and Creole seasonings differ in their ingredients.

A cajun seasoning mix is pepper-heavy with bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and other peppers of varying heats.

Spooning rice onto a sheet pan to make a dirty rice recipe.

Michelle Becker

Note that the salt content varies greatly by brand.

it’s possible for you to add more to taste later.

How To Store for Later

Refrigerate dirty rice in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.

Adding olive oil to a sheet pan of rice to make a dirty rice recipe.

Michelle Becker

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freeze dirty rice in freezer proof containers or freezer zipper top bags for up to 3 months.

Defrost in the refrigerator.

Chopping chicken livers to show how to make dirty rice.

Michelle Becker

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Classic Cajun-Inspired Recipes to Try!

Cajun-Style Dirty Rice

Use green bell peppers if you want a relatively mild result.

Cooking bacon to show how to make dirty rice.

Michelle Becker

If you are looking for something spicier, use jalapeno chili peppers.

Ingredients

1 1/2cupslong-grain rice(Carolina, basmati, jasmine, etc.)

Once the rice has finished cooking, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Adding vegetables to a skillet to make Cajun dirty rice.

Michelle Becker

Turn the rice out onto a sheet pan and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it.

Mix to combine and let cool.

Add the ground pork and increase the heat to high.

Mixing in meat for a dirty rice recipe.

Michelle Becker

Allow the meat to brown before stirring.

Brown them all over medium-high heat.

You may notice the bottom of the pan getting crusty.

Adding broth to a skillet to make dirty rice.

Michelle Becker

Keep it from burning by lowering the heat if needed.

Add the minced liver and cook for a few minutes more.

Add the Cajun seasoning and turn the heat to high.

A wooden spoon mixes ingredients for a dirty rice recipe.

Michelle Becker

Boil away most of the chicken stock and then add the cooked rice.

Toss once more to combine and serve hot.

Two wooden utensils mix in rice to the meat and vegetable mixture to show how to make Cajun dirty rice.

Michelle Becker

Overhead view of dirty rice in a skillet.

Michelle Becker