Description
This Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice recipe recreates the classic Southern comfort dish known for its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture. Featuring tender red beans slowly simmered with smoky bacon fat and spices, served over fluffy white rice, this hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a taste of authentic Louisiana cuisine at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
- 1/2 cup Uncle Ben's Converted White Rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Bring 1.5 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter to a boil in a pot. Add 1/2 cup of Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff and absorb any remaining water.
- Prepare the Beans: In a large saucepan, pour in the two cans of red beans along with their juice. Add 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, and 3 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- Mash the Beans: Use a potato masher to partially mash the beans, ensuring some beans remain chunky to maintain texture.
- Simmer the Beans: Cook the bean mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and most of the water evaporates, about 15 minutes. This prevents sticking and helps develop the creamy texture.
- Serve: Remove both the beans and rice from heat. To replicate Popeye’s style, serve the cooked rice over the red bean mixture for an authentic presentation and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use bacon fat for authentic smoky flavor; can substitute with butter or oil if preferred.
- Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice is recommended for best texture but any long-grain white rice can be used.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity based on desired spiciness.
- Do not fully mash the beans to retain a nice creamy yet chunky texture.
- Stir beans frequently during cooking to prevent burning and sticking.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better after flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup beans with 1/3 cup rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
