Rice is one of my favorite side dishes because it pairs with almost any main dish. And it’s easy to customize to my family’s preferences. Charleston red rice is a unique and delicious variation of plain, white rice. Packed with meat, veggies, and oodles of flavor, I can serve it as a robust side dish or a satisfying main dish. It’s super easy, with minimal prep and clean-up. If you’re looking for a new twist on your regular rice dishes, give this flavorful Southern classic a try!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Charleston Red Rice
Prep – If using the oven method, preheat oven to 350°F (175℃). Rinse rice and drain. Meat – Cook the bacon in a large skillet (cast iron or other oven-proof skillet) over medium heat until crisp, 7-8 minutes. Remove it with a slotted spoon and put it on a paper-towel-lined plate, reserving the drippings in the pan. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes. Take it out of the pan and set aside. (Photos 1-2) Onion – Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high. Then add onions and cook, stirring them until they soften, 3-4 minutes. (Photo 3) Seasoning – Add the garlic, thyme, bell pepper, paprika, black pepper, bouillon powder or salt, sugar, and Creole Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. (Photos 4-5) Rice – Stir in rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until the rice is coated in oil. (Photo 6) Tomato Puree – Stir in the tomato puree and tomato paste. Cook for one more minute. (Photos 7-8) Broth – Add in your chicken broth or water and stir. Add the bacon and sausage. (Photo 9)
Bake – At this point, you can cover the pot with a tight lid or foil paper or transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or casserole and bake for about 40-45 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes until the rice is tender if using the oven method. (Photos 10-11)Stovetop: Bring to a boil, stirring once or twice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid absorbs (20-25 minutes). Rest – Remove pan from heat, let it sit covered for five minutes, then fluff rice with a fork or serving spoon. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. (Photo 12)
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Charleston red rice is easy to start the day before and finish cooking right before serving. Prepare the rice dish and bake it for 20-25 minutes. Let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer it back into a casserole dish, cover it tightly, and complete the cooking time, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Serving and Storage Instructions
I like to serve Charleston red rice fresh from the oven after it has rested for a few minutes. Leftover rice stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. Or you can freeze it for up to three months. Reheat the leftover rice on the stovetop over low heat or in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for 20 minutes. You could also microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals until heated. Add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate if necessary.
What to Serve With Charleston Red Rice
This soul-warming side dish goes with almost any Southern main dish. I love serving it with pan-fried boneless pork chops or smoked pulled pork and oven-roasted okra. Add a side of skillet cornbread for a Southern feast!
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Watch How to Make It
