Ingredients
For the Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage:
- 1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced (kielbasa or andouille work great!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Let’s Talk Sausage Selection
Okay, let’s be real – the sausage is the star of the show! When you’re picking out your Cajun sausage, you have a couple of awesome options. Kielbasa is a classic and readily available choice, offering a good smoky flavor. If you’re feeling a little bolder (and I know you are!), go for andouille sausage. It packs a spicier punch that really brings that Cajun heat! Whichever you choose, just make sure it’s fully cooked before you start. And hey, if you’re watching your sodium intake, look for lower-sodium options. The honey garlic glaze will still give you that amazing flavor without all the extra salt.Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started with the Sausage:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet – all those flavorful bits are staying right where they are!
Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll taste bitter.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey garlic glaze. Set aside.
Cook the Rice:
- In a separate large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to toast the rice and enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek! Keeping the lid on is key to perfectly cooked rice.
Combine and Serve:
- Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
- Stir in the Cajun honey garlic sausage with the glaze into the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
Rice can be tricky, right? Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid common pitfalls:- Sticky Rice: If your rice turns out sticky, it could be due to too much starch. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking helps remove excess starch. Also, make sure you’re using the correct water-to-rice ratio. For most long-grain rice, it’s 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of rice.
- Burnt Rice: Nobody likes burnt rice! Make sure your heat is on low and that you’re not tempted to lift the lid during cooking. If you smell burning, immediately take the pot off the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This might save the rest of the rice.
- Undercooked Rice: If the rice is still crunchy after the recommended cooking time, add a little more broth (about 1/4 cup) and continue to simmer, covered, until the rice is tender.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Want to customize your Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice? Here are a few ideas:- Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies like celery, corn, or diced tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you’re a heat seeker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
- Protein Power: Add some cooked shrimp or chicken for an extra protein boost.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
This Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice is fantastic for meal prepping! You can cook the sausage and rice separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in a skillet or microwave and combine. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.What to Serve with This Dish
This is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sausage and rice.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy additions.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is the perfect complement to this Cajun-inspired dish.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re looking for more easy and flavorful weeknight dinners, be sure to check out these recipes: Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, Chicken Lo Mein, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta.Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I know you’ll love the combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using Cajun sausage, and kielbasa or andouille sausage are both great options. Kielbasa offers a classic smoky flavor, while andouille provides a spicier kick.
How can I prevent the rice from becoming sticky?
To avoid sticky rice, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, ensure you’re using the correct water-to-rice ratio, typically 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of long-grain rice.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping. You can cook the sausage and rice separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat and combine when ready to eat. You can also freeze the cooked dish for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).
What are some ways to customize this recipe?
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like celery, corn, or diced tomatoes. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. To make it creamy, stir in sour cream or cream cheese. You can also add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Easy Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage and Rice
This recipe delivers a flavor explosion with a sweet, spicy, and savory punch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and easy to make. The combination of Cajun sausage, honey garlic glaze, and flavorful rice is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey garlic glaze. Set aside.
- In a separate large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
- Stir in the Cajun honey garlic sausage with the glaze into the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For sticky rice, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio. If the rice is still crunchy after cooking, add a little more broth and simmer, covered, until tender. To customize, add other vegetables like celery, corn, or diced tomatoes. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier dish. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread.
