Web Exclusive Round 2 Recipe Mexican Fried Rice Food

ROUND 2 RECIPE: CAJUN DIRTY RICE

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes, and let it infuse in the oil for 15 to 20 seconds. Add the leftover white rice, flaked catfish fillet, sauteed vegetables, Cajun seasoning, and the kidney beans. Stir to combine and cook until the mixture is heated through, about 3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Transfer to a serving platter and serve.
• In a large pot, bring 5 1/4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the rice, turn the heat down to low and simmer until rice has absorbed all the water and is light and fluffy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Reserve 3 cups of cooked rice for round 2 recipe: Cajun Dirty Rice. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the celery, green pepper, onion, garlic, and season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Saute until slightly tender about 5 minutes. Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley and cook for another minute. Reserve 1 cup of the sauteed vegetables for round 2 recipe: Cajun Dirty Rice. Transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl and set aside.
• While the vegetables are sauteing, heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Brush the catfish with the remaining canola oil and then sprinkle both sides with Cajun seasoning. Place the catfish onto into the hot pan and cook, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
• Arrange the catfish on a serving platter and serve with rice and sauteed vegetables.

ROUND 2 RECIPE - RICE CAKES WITH CREAMY CILANTRO SAUCE

Steps:

• For the rice cakes: In a bowl, combine the rice, breadcrumbs, egg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix together until well until incorporated. Take 1/4 cup of the rice mixture and form into 1/2-inch thick patty. Set aside while you form the other 3 patties.
• In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the oil. When it is hot, fry the rice cakes in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a brown paper bag.
• For the creamy cilantro sauce: In the bowl of a food processor, add the cilantro, vinegar, garlic, and sour cream and process to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve the rice cakes with a dollop of the Creamy Cilantro Sauce.

TEX-MEX FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet and brown the sausage meat, breaking it up into small pieces. When starting to brown, add the frozen corn (no need to thaw), onions, bell peppers and jalapenos. Season with the chili powder, salt, red pepper flakes and plenty of black pepper. Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Add the rice and stir-fry until heated through and coated with the vegetable mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and lime zest and juice. Stir-fry until the rice is just starting to brown. Add the scallions and stir well so that they are thoroughly mixed in. Serve and garnish with cilantro.

MEXICAN FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Fry the bacon just past soft stage but not totally crispy (soft crisp), then drain & save the bacon fat.
• Sauté the peppers, onion, corn & garlic in 2-3 Tblsp. of the saved bacon fat, drain & then set aside.
• Fry the cold cooked rice with 2-3 Tblsp. bacon fat until hot & softly browned, (turning as little as possible).
• Add the tomatoes, chili powder, sautéed items and continue frying on medium heat, turning as infrequently as is possible until desired amount of juice from the tomatoes is evaporated out (may drain tomatoes before hand if you like the dish more firm vs. soft).

MEXICAN FRIED RICE

Steps:

• In 12" skillet, heat oil, add rice.
• Cook until golden brown, stirring frequently.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

MEXICAN RICE II

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden. While rice is cooking, sprinkle with salt and cumin.
• Stir in onions and cook until tender. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff with a fork.