Dirty Rice In Rice Cooker

Another one-pot recipe to make in your rice cooker is this Dirty Rice, made with long-grain rice, ground pork, chicken livers, bacon, onion, and green bell peppers and takes around 50 minutes to prepare and serves 4. Pair your Dirty Rice with grilled chicken, Steamed Vegetables, green beans, and cornbread.

To cook this Dirty Rice in your rice cooker, start by sautéing bacon and ground pork. Add vegetables and liver, followed by rice and chicken broth. Cook using the ‘White Rice’ setting. Stir in green onions before serving.

You can always make wonderful meals like Steamed Salmon, Teriyaki Shrimp, Black Bean Soup, and many more flexible dishes in any brand of rice cooker, whether it’s an Ambiano, Dash, or Toastmaster.

Rice Cooker Dirty Rice Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (like Carolina, basmati, jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup chicken livers, finely chopped or pureed
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, or 1 to 3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 green onions, chopped

How To Make Dirty Rice In Rice Cooker

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the bacon, onion, celery, bell pepper or jalapeños, and green onions. Mash or puree the chicken livers.
2. Cook Bacon and Pork in Rice Cooker: Set your rice cooker to the ‘Sauté’ setting if available. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the bacon. Cook until crispy. Then add the ground pork and cook until browned. If your rice cooker doesn’t have this feature, do this step in a skillet on the stove. Once done, transfer the cooked bacon and pork to the rice cooker.
3. Add Vegetables and Liver: Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, or jalapeños, and the minced liver to the rice cooker. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the liver is cooked through.
4. Add Rice and Liquids: Add the rice, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the rice cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cook the Rice: Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the ‘White Rice’ or regular cooking setting. Let it cook until the cycle is complete.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the rice cooker switches to ‘Keep Warm’ or indicates that cooking is complete, let the rice rest for about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped green onions and the remaining olive oil. Stir to combine.
7. Serve Hot: Your Dirty Rice is ready to be served directly from the rice cooker.

Recipe Tips

1. Sautéing in Rice Cooker: If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to cook the meats and vegetables. This enhances the flavors by caramelizing them.
2. Rice Selection: Use a long-grain rice like Carolina or basmati for best results, as they stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
3. Chicken Liver Substitute: If chicken livers aren’t to your liking, you can omit them or substitute with another type of ground meat.
4. Even Cooking: Stir the mixture a couple of times during cooking to ensure even distribution of heat and flavors.
5. Liquid Ratio: Adjust the broth ratio if you switch from white to brown rice, as brown rice typically requires more liquid.
6. Resting Time: Let the Dirty Rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Recipe Variation

1. Spicy Dirty Rice: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier version.
2. Creole Dirty Rice: Incorporate Creole seasoning and a bay leaf for an authentic Louisiana flavor.
3. Vegan Dirty Rice: Use a vegan ground meat substitute and vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
4. Seafood Dirty Rice: Stir in cooked shrimp or crawfish in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a seafood variation.
5. Herb-Infused Rice: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or green onions for added herby freshness.
6. Tomato-Based Dirty Rice: Mix in a can of crushed tomatoes for a tomato-infused version, adjusting the liquid content accordingly.

Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Pork in This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of Dirty Rice. The cooking process remains the same, but you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly to complement the milder flavor of poultry.

How Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?

To add more vegetables to Dirty Rice, consider incorporating diced carrots, sweet peas, or chopped spinach. These can be added along with the bell peppers and onions to increase the nutritional value and add color to the dish.

Is It Possible to Make Dirty Rice Without Meat?

Certainly. For a vegetarian version of Dirty Rice, omit the meat and liver and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the spices to maintain the dish’s robust flavor profile.

What To Serve With Dirty Rice

Serve Dirty Rice with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a hearty meal. It pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or cornbread complements the rich flavors of the rice.

How To Store Dirty Rice

In The Fridge:

Once Dirty Rice has cooled to room temperature, seal it in a container and store it in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for about three to five days, prolonging its shelf life and making sure it’s safe to eat.

In The Freezer:

Store Dirty Rice in freezer-safe containers or bags to extend its shelf life. With this method, you may extend the rice’s shelf life by up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge for at least one night before reheating it for the second time. The taste of the rice may be maintained for a longer period by freezing it.

How To Reheat Dirty Rice

To reheat the Dirty Rice on the stovetop, you should add a little water or broth to it. Then, cover the rice and warm it gently over low heat. Remember to stir it occasionally. By following this method, you can keep the rice from drying out and preserve its delicious taste and texture.

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Zojirushi Rice Cooker Quinoa
• Beef Stew In Rice Cooker
• Whole Chicken In Rice Cooker