Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. This classic recipe combines creamy red beans with smoky bacon fat and spices, served over fluffy white rice for an authentic taste.

Ingredients

• 2 16-oz cans red beans
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
• 3 tbsp bacon fat
• 2 cups cooked white rice (drained)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start the rice by boiling 1.5 cups of water with 1/2 cup rice and 1 tablespoon butter. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Pour both cans of beans, including the juice, into a large saucepan. Add water, onion powder, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, liquid smoke, and bacon fat.
3. Step 3: Use a potato masher to partially mash the beans and mix the ingredients together. Leave some beans chunky for texture.
4. Step 4: Cook the beans slowly over medium heat until thickened and most of the water has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: When the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit for five minutes to fluff and absorb remaining water.
6. Step 6: Once the beans and rice are done, remove both from heat.
7. Step 7: Serve the rice over the red bean mixture to stay authentic to the Popeyes style.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try adding a smoked sausage or ham hock while cooking the beans.
• Use fresh garlic and onion instead of powders for more vibrant flavor.
• Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level or substitute with cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover red beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried beans thoroughly before using. This will take longer but can offer a fresher taste and better texture.

Is bacon fat necessary for this recipe?

Bacon fat adds a smoky richness that is key to the traditional flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with butter or a neutral oil, though the taste will be less authentic.

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 114 reviews

This recipe recreates Popeyes’ famous Red Beans and Rice, featuring creamy, smoky red beans simmered in bacon fat and spices, served over fluffy, buttery white rice. It’s a hearty, comforting Louisiana-inspired dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Louisiana Creole

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Seasoning

• 2 16-oz cans red beans
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
• 3 tbsp bacon fat

Rice

• 2 cups cooked white rice (drained)
• 1/2 cup Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice (dry)
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Start the rice: Bring 1.5 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup Uncle Ben’s rice and 1 tablespoon butter. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Prepare the beans: Pour both cans of red beans, including the juice, into a large saucepan. Add 1/4 cup water, onion powder, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, liquid smoke, and bacon fat.
3. Mash the beans: Use a potato masher to partially mash the beans and seasoning together, leaving some beans intact to maintain texture.
4. Simmer the beans: Cook the bean mixture slowly over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until thickened and excess water has evaporated.
5. Finish the rice: Once cooked, remove the rice from heat and let it sit covered for five minutes to fluff and absorb any remaining moisture.
6. Serve: Remove both the beans and rice from heat. For an authentic Popeyes presentation, plate the cooked rice over the warm spiced red beans.

Notes

• Use bacon fat for authentic smoky flavor; however, butter or oil can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Partial mashing of beans gives the classic creamy yet chunky texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the hot sauce slightly.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Popeyes, red beans and rice, Louisiana, Creole, red beans, rice, Southern, smoky beans, easy side dish