I love dirty rice, and this Bored of Lunch Dirty Cajun Rice in the slow cooker is a hit with well-seasoned pork strips. It’s made with pork, onion, hot sauce, dried coriander, ground cumin, chili flakes, celery salt, Cajun seasoning, garlic purée, Worcestershire sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken stock, rice, and peppers.

To make Dirty Cajun Rice in your slow cooker or crockpot, cook the pork and spices on high for 3 hours, then add rice and stock and cook for 45 minutes more.

This dish is budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make, which I appreciate. You can switch up the veggies with green beans or broccoli, but I prefer using peppers.

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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Add extra chicken stock and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or 1 hour on low. Check for doneness before serving.

Slow Cooker Dirty Cajun Rice Ingredients

• 500g of pork chops or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced, fat removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp of hot sauce
• 1 tsp of dried coriander
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• 1 tsp of chili flakes
• 1 tsp of celery salt
• 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp of garlic purée
• 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp of dark soy sauce
• 850ml of chicken stock
• 150g of easy-cook rice, rinsed
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped spring onions, for garnish
• Fresh coriander, for garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Dirty Cajun Rice

1. Prepare the pork and onion: Toss the pork strips and chopped onion in a mixture of hot sauce, dried coriander, ground cumin, chili flakes, celery salt, Cajun seasoning, garlic purée, Worcestershire sauce, and dark soy sauce until well coated.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Add the seasoned pork and onion mixture to the slow cooker along with 100ml of the chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook the pork: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
4. Add the rice and stock: After the initial cooking time, add the rinsed rice and the remaining 750ml of chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir to distribute the rice evenly.
5. Continue cooking: Cook on high for an additional 45 minutes or on low for 1 hour. Add the sliced yellow and green peppers, stir well, and cook for a further 15 minutes on either setting.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the rice is tender and the peppers are cooked, garnish with chopped spring onions and fresh coriander. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance by marinating the pork and chopping the vegetables. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and cook the dish in the slow cooker when ready. This saves time and ensures a quick and easy meal preparation.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right pork: Use lean cuts like tenderloin or pork chops to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy. Trim any excess fat to avoid a greasy texture.
• Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents the dish from becoming too starchy and ensures each grain stays separate.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce. This way, you can enjoy the Cajun flavor without too much heat.
• Layering ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer the pork on the bottom and the rice on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking.
• Keep an eye on the liquid: Check the liquid level occasionally to ensure the rice absorbs enough but doesn’t dry out. Add a bit more stock if needed to keep the consistency just right.

Recipe Variations

• Use different proteins: Substitute chicken thighs or beef strips for the pork to change up the flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate veggies like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Add them along with the peppers for a balanced dish.
• Change the rice: Try using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option. Note that cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on it.
• Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or thyme to give the dish a unique twist. Add these in small amounts to enhance the Cajun seasoning.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a richer texture. This can balance out the heat and add a luxurious touch.

What To Serve With Dirty Cajun Rice

Serve your Dirty Cajun Rice with zesty coleslaw, Greek Green Beans, cornbread, spicy grilled shrimp, and avocado salad.

You can also pair it with roasted sweet potatoes and black bean salsa for a complete meal.

How To Store Leftover Dirty Cajun Rice

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Dirty Cajun Rice in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and keeps your rice fresh.

In The Freezer:

Freeze Dirty Cajun Rice in portion-sized containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freezing helps maintain flavor and texture, making it a great meal prep option.

How To Reheat Leftover Dirty Cajun Rice

Reheat your leftover Dirty Cajun Rice on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on medium power, stirring halfway through. Enjoy your reheated rice with fresh garnishes for extra flavor.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice
• Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Soup
• Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Rice Pudding