What Is Spicy Rice?
Spicy rice is a type of rice dish that is seasoned with a variety of different types of spices, herbs, chili peppers, and even hot sauce. Each recipe will vary based on the ingredients used, the type of cuisine, and the region that it’s from, but common ingredients in spicy rice include onions, garlic, cumin, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce. Popular types of spicy rice dishes from around the culinary world include jambalaya from Louisiana, biryani from India and Pakistan, and Kimchi fried rice from Korea.
Spicy rice is a simple, yet delicious food that can be enjoyed as a side dish to complement the rest of a meal, or as a dish on its own! Here we are going to give you our super simple recipe for spicy rice that’s sure to spice up your food!
What Types Of Spicy Rice Are There?
There are many different types of spicy rice recipes and dishes from around the world. Here are just some of the examples:
Jambalaya - a spicy rice dish that originated in Louisiana, USA, typically made with chicken, sausage, vegetables, and spices such as cayenne pepper and paprika.
Biryani - a popular rice dish from the Indian subcontinent, made with rice, meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef), and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
Kimchi fried rice - a Korean dish made with cooked rice, kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), vegetables, and often meat or seafood, seasoned with gochujang (Korean chili paste) and other spices.
Arroz con pollo - a Latin American dish of chicken and rice, typically made with tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and chili powder.
Cajun dirty rice - a Louisiana dish made with rice, chicken liver, or gizzards, and vegetables such as onions, celery, and bell peppers, seasoned with Cajun spices.
Spicy Thai basil fried rice - a popular Thai dish made with cooked rice, Thai basil, chili peppers, garlic, and often meat or seafood, seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce.
What Is The Best Hot Sauce For Spicy Rice?
There are many types of hot sauces available, and the best one for spicy rice depends on your personal preference and the flavour profile you are looking for. You may want to use something mild and flavour like a scotch bonnet hot sauce, or you may be looking for the hottest of the hot with a Carolina reaper hot sauce.
Here are some of the different types of hot sauce that you can try with spicy rice:
Sriracha: This is a versatile sauce that is made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It has a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs well with rice dishes.
Tabasco: Made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt, this sauce has a tangy and spicy flavor that can add a nice kick to rice dishes.
Sambal oelek: This sauce is made from fresh chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It has a slightly thicker consistency than other hot sauces and a bold, spicy flavour that goes well with rice dishes.
Harissa: This is a North African hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It has a smoky and spicy flavour that can add depth to rice dishes.
Korean gochujang: This is a fermented chili paste that has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. It can be used to add a unique and complex flavour to rice dishes.
The best hot sauce for spicy rice is one that complements the flavours in the dish, and isn't so hot for your taste buds that you can't enjoy it. You don't need to use a ridiculously hot sauce to make the dish spicy!
What Is The Best Rice For Spicy Rice?
When it comes to making spicy rice, the type of rice you choose can make a big difference in the overall flavour and texture of the dish. The best rice for your is all about the type that you prefer and the specific recipe you are using, but here are some of the different options
Basmati rice: This long-grain rice has a delicate flavour and a fluffy texture, which makes it a good choice for spicy rice dishes. Basmati rice pairs well with Indian and Middle Eastern flavours, and its ability to absorb spices and flavours make it a popular choice for dishes like biryani.
Jasmine rice: Another long-grain rice, jasmine rice has a slightly sweet flavour and a sticky texture, which makes it ideal for dishes with a lot of sauce or liquid. It pairs well with Thai and Vietnamese flavours, and its subtle flavour won't overpower the spices in your dish.
Brown rice: If you prefer a healthier option, brown rice is a good choice for spicy rice dishes. Brown rice has a nutty flavour and a chewy texture that pairs well with bold spices and flavours.
Experiment with different types of rice to find the one that works best for you!
Our Spicy Rice Recipe
Here's our quick and easy recipe for Spicy Rice!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white rice
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Sriracha)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice in cold water and drain it.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rice, water, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in your choice of hot sauce until the rice is evenly coated.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for your favourite meat, fish or vegetables.
Enjoy your delicious and spicy rice!
What Food Goes Well With Spicy Rice?
Spicy rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of different foods to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for foods that go well with this rice dish:
Grilled or sautéed vegetables: Spicy rice pairs well with a variety of grilled or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. These vegetables add texture and flavour to the dish and help balance out the heat of the spices.
Protein sources: Spicy rice can be served with a variety of protein sources, such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Grilled, sautéed, or roasted protein sources add a delicious flavour and texture to the dish and make it more filling.
Yogurt or raita: A cool and creamy yogurt or raita is a perfect accompaniment to a spicy dish like this. The coolness of the yogurt helps to balance out the heat of the spices and adds a refreshing element to the dish.
Naan or roti: Freshly made naan or roti bread is a perfect accompaniment to spicy rice. The bread helps to soak up the flavourful sauce and adds a delicious texture to the dish.
Chutney or salsa: A tangy and flavourful chutney or salsa can add a burst of flavour to the rice. Consider serving with mango chutney or fresh tomato salsa to add an extra element of flavour to the dish.
Experiment with different flavours and textures to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
What Is The Best Meat To Use With Spicy Rice?
Spicy rice pairs well with a variety of meats, but some options that complement the heat and flavour of the dish include:
Grilled chicken: A grilled chicken breast or thigh seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder would be a great option.
Shrimp: This dish also pairs well with shrimp. You can sauté the shrimp in a bit of oil with some garlic and chili flakes to add even more heat.
Pork: This type of rice is also great with pork. A tender pork chop or grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic would be a delicious addition.
Beef: If you're a fan of beef, a spicy stir-fry made with thinly sliced beef and vegetables would be a great way to enjoy your spicy rice.
Spicy rice can be paired with a variety of meats, so try what you feel like and find your favourite pairing!