Savory Creole Red Rice

Name: Savory Creole Red Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups vegetable broth; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I absolutely love making Savory Creole Red Rice! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen due to its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of spices, vegetables, and the rich tomato base comes together beautifully, creating a hearty meal. Whether served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed as a stand-alone dish, this red rice is bursting with character. In just under an hour, you can have a plateful of deliciousness ready to share. I can't wait for you to try this recipe and savor its delightful taste!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T17:06:27.996Z

When I first tried making Creole Red Rice, I was amazed at how the simplest ingredients could come together to create such a fulfilling dish. By sautéing the vegetables first, I could really develop the flavors, which is key to this recipe. I always use high-quality tomatoes, as they provide the essential depth to the dish.

The first time I served it at a family gathering, everyone raved about it! A little tip I picked up is to let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking—it really enhances the texture. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to favorite!

Why You'll Love This Savory Creole Red Rice
Rich, complex flavors from a blend of spices and fresh vegetables
Versatile dish that complements any protein or stands alone
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings

Mastering the Flavor Profile

The key to elevating your Savory Creole Red Rice lies in the balance of spices used. The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano not only adds depth but also a beautiful aromatic quality to the dish. Be cautious with the cayenne, as it packs heat; adjust the amount according to your preference. A quick tip: to enhance the flavor, toast the spices in the pot for about 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes. This will activate their essential oils, resulting in an even richer taste.

Using fresh vegetables is vital to the overall success of this dish. Not only do they contribute texture, but they also complement the spices perfectly. If you're running short on time, consider using pre-diced vegetables or frozen ones to speed up the preparation without sacrificing much in terms of flavor. For a variation, you could include chopped green onions or even corn — these can add a subtle sweetness and additional color to your dish.

Making the Perfect Rice

The rice is integral to this dish, as it absorbs the rich tomato and vegetable broth flavors beautifully. When adding the rice to the pot, make sure to give it a thorough stir to coat the grains in the oil and flavors. This helps prevent clumping. Choosing a long-grain rice is essential here, as it remains fluffy and separate rather than sticky, which can happen if you use short-grain or jasmine rice.

Monitoring the cooking time is crucial throughout the simmering phase. I recommend keeping an eye out for bubbles rising through the broth. Once you see small, steady bubbles, it’s time to reduce the heat. Avoid lifting the lid unnecessarily as this releases steam, which can affect the cooking process. After the recommended cooking time of about 20-25 minutes, let the rice rest for five minutes off the heat; it'll finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful Creole Red Rice that is sure to impress!

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Savory Creole Red Rice.

Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Cook for another minute before adding the diced tomatoes with their juice.

Combine Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the pot and stir well. Then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Simmer

Let the rice simmer for about 20-25 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and black pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Your Savory Creole Red Rice is now ready to enjoy! It makes for a delicious and colorful addition to any meal.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. You can also adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Savory Creole Red Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore moisture, ensuring the rice doesn’t dry out. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, it can also be reheated in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to trap steam, for about 2-3 minutes on high.

If you have leftovers, consider turning them into a new dish! Combine any additional proteins, such as shredded chicken or beans, and toss it with fresh greens for a vibrant salad. Adding a squeeze of lime will brighten up the flavor and make an exciting meal change.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize your Savory Creole Red Rice to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you're looking for a heartier version, you can mix in cooked sausage, shrimp, or even diced chicken while the rice is simmering. This not only boosts the protein content but also adds additional flavor layers to the dish. For a vegetarian option, try incorporating black beans or chickpeas instead, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

To amplify the dish's freshness, consider adding a handful of freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving. Additionally, you can experiment with different kinds of peppers — a spicy jalapeño or a sweet banana pepper could introduce new dimensions to your red rice. The versatility here is what makes this dish a recurring favorite in my kitchen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and use more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be prepared in advance and reheated. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based additions.

→ What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables make great companions for Creole Red Rice.