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Charleston Red Rice

This easy stovetop Charleston red rice is made with jasmine rice, smoky bacon, tomato paste, onion, garlic, and my mom’s signature cilantro infusion. The rice cooks until tender and fluffy, then is finished with crispy crumbled bacon for a comforting Southern side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rest Time10 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 4
Calories: 258kcal
Author: Ebony Robinson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice
  • 3 strips Bacon (fried until crispy; reserve the bacon grease)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • ½ Medium Onion (Chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic (Chopped)
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 4 sprigs Cilantro

Instructions

  • Fry the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pot and set it aside, reserving the rendered bacon grease.
  • To the medium pot containing the leftover bacon grease, add the chopped onion and garlic, then sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, and salt. Stir until the tomato paste is completely incorporated into the broth.
  • Place the cilantro sprigs on top of the liquid and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Do not stir the rice while it cooks.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and discard the cilantro. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Cover the pot again and let the rice rest for 10 minutes.
  • Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Bacon grease - Save the rendered grease and use it to sauté the onion and garlic for a smoky flavor throughout the rice.
  • Cilantro -Place whole sprigs on top of the cooking liquid, then remove them before serving.
  • Do not stir - Leave the rice undisturbed while it simmers to help the grains stay fluffy.
  • Bacon topping - Add the crumbled bacon after the rice cooks so it keeps its crisp texture.
  • Broth amount - Jasmine rice brands vary. Test the recipe with your preferred brand and adjust the broth to achieve fluffy, separate grains.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 1194mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg