Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice It’s a delicious way to enjoy creamy red beans seasoned with Cajun spices and fluffy, tender white rice. This is one of those great recipes that tastes even better the next day. This has to be one of Popeyes’ most requested recipes. These kidney beans are an easy recipe to make! These beans are a delicious meal or I know they will soon become the whole family’s favorite side dish.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What makes Popeyes red beans and rice so good?

While there’s no denying that Popeye’s serves amazing chicken, the chain’s other Southern classics, like their version of red beans and rice, are just as good. Red beans and rice are a favorite of many diners because they are inexpensive, filling, and have that authentic Louisiana that everyone loves.

If you like Popeyes’ red beans and rice recipe, try this copycat version because it’s even tastier. Don’t miss this delicious side dish.

Why You Should Try This Copycat Red Beans and Rice Recipe

This version even surpasses Popeye’s because it uses a real ham hock. Southern cooks traditionally love ham hocks for the deep, meaty, smoky flavor they give their beans, but Popeyes’ red beans and rice recipe doesn’t include it.

If you can find one, use it, but if you’d rather not, check out an inexpensive vegetarian alternative below.

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Ingredients

To make this Popeyes Red Beans and Rice recipe, you will need:

• Red beanscanned – Base of the dish, provides protein and a creamy texture.
• Smoked ham hock – Provides essential smoky depth and authentic flavor.
• Water – Acts as a cooking medium and helps control consistency while allowing flavors to blend.
• onion powder – Provides a consistently savory flavor without adding the texture that fresh onions would introduce.
• garlic salt – Provides garlic flavor and the necessary seasoning in a single ingredient to achieve the right flavor balance.
• red pepper flakes – Adds subtle heat and an authentic Cajun spice profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors and helps break down grains for proper texture.
• Lard – Creates a rich mouthfeel and authentic flavor.
• ground pepper – Provides warmth and depth while complementing the smokiness of the hock.
• long grain rice = Provides adequate texture and absorbs flavors well

Ingredient notes

A larger ham hock means more flavor. Select one that weighs half a pound or more. If you don’t want to use hock, 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke It is a good alternative.

If you omit the ham hock because you want a vegetarian version of this recipe, replace the lard with three tablespoons of olive oil.

Use good quality rice with this. We didn’t like the results with Minute Rice, but the Success Rice bagged boiled rice turned out well. This recipe allows you to make Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice at home.

How to Make Red Beans and Rice Like Popeyes

To make this Popeyes Red Beans and Rice Copycat:

1. Empty two cans of beans into a medium saucepan. Add the hock and water.

2. Bring the uncovered beans to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about an hour until the meat is tender. Keep an eye on the beans to make sure they never boil completely or dry out.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit until the hock is cool enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bone and cut into small pieces.
4. Discard the bone and return the meat to the pan. Add the remaining seasons and lard.
5. Use a immersion blender Mash the beans for just a few seconds to help break them up. You can use a food processor if you don’t have a stick. blender.

6. Pour in a can of drained kidney beans and pulse once or twice to break them up. Return the bean mixture to the pan if you are using a food processor.

7. Stir the uncovered beans over low heat for a few minutes to heat them evenly, and serve with fluffy white rice on top.

How to Serve Red Beans and Rice

Place kidney beans in a bowl; pour hot white rice into center of red beans. Try garnishing with a few slices of green onions or scallions for a pop of extra color and flavor. Serve with chutney on the side.

What goes with red beans and rice?

You can serve red beans and rice as a main dish, as it is a hearty dish, but it is often accompanied with fried chicken. Other accompanying sides include macaroni and cheese, cookiesand coleslaw.

How to store leftovers

Let the extra kidney beans cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To preserve beans longer, you can freeze them for up to three months in a freezer bag.

If you have a lot left over, try freezing individual portions.

How to Reheat Beans and Rice for Best Results

For the best flavor and texture, prepare the rice fresh.

While the rice is cooking, you have time to reheat the beans the right way:

1. Pour the thawed beans into an oven-safe casserole dish with a splash of water in the bottom.
2. Cover and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until hot.

Popular fast food imitation recipes

Do you enjoy rice? Check out my favorite rice recipes.

Be sure to check out more best side dishes and copycat restaurant recipes.