Delicious BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe
Barbecuing isn’t just about the sizzle of meat on a hot grill. It’s about creating a masterpiece of flavors and textures that tantalizes your taste buds like nothing else can. And what better way to elevate your BBQ game than with a bowl of BBQ Black Beans and Rice?
Picture this: tender, smoky black beans swimming in a tangy barbecue sauce, served on top of fluffy white rice. The combination is pure magic, as the beans soak up the caramelized sweetness of the sauce and complement it with their earthy richness. But the recipe doesn’t stop there: we add corn kernels for a pop of sweetness and diced green bell peppers to provide crunchiness and an additional layer of flavor.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Black beans and rice might not be the most obvious choice when it comes to BBQ food. But trust me when I say that this dish is a hidden gem that’s sure to become a staple at your cookouts.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it’s also vegetarian-friendly (just substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth) and gluten-free. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding crowds since you can easily scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
So why not take your barbecue game to the next level with BBQ Black Beans and Rice? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up folks because I’m about to tell you all about an incredible dish that is sure to rock your world! If you’re anything like me, then you love a good BBQ recipe with bold flavors that pack a punch. Well, let me tell you, this BBQ Black Beans and Rice recipe is just what the doctor ordered.
What’s not to love? With tender black beans and perfectly cooked white rice, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. But wait, there’s more! We add some frozen corn kernels and green bell pepper to really give it a savory edge. And if that wasn’t enough, we toss it all in some rich, tangy barbecue sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
But here’s the best part: this recipe is incredibly easy to make! You don’t need any fancy equipment or a degree in culinary arts. Just follow our simple instructions and you’ll have a mouth-watering dinner on the table in no time.
Not only is this BBQ Black Beans and Rice recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite protein. Throw it on top of some pulled pork or enjoy it on its own – either way, you won’t be disappointed.
So don’t wait any longer to try out this amazing dish. A plate of BBQ Black Beans and Rice is sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Trust me when I say, your taste buds will thank me later.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at what’s needed to create this BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is relatively short, so you won’t need to make a trip to the grocery store for any hidden, hard-to-find items.
The ingredients you will need:
- White Rice: 1 cup.
- Water: 2 cups.
- Green bell pepper: 1/2 cup diced.
- Onion: 1 chopped.
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced.
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons.
- Barbecue sauce: 1/4 cup (plus more for serving).
- Black beans: 2 cans drained and rinsed.
- Frozen corn kernels: 1 cup.
- Chicken broth: 1/4 cup (or water).
- Olive oil, Salt, Pepper: As needed.
These ingredients are all fairly common kitchen items, but if you’re missing any of them, make sure to grab them on your next shopping trip.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’re ready to cook, let’s dive into the recipe tutorial. This one-pan BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe is a fantastic way to have a quick and enjoyable dinner on your busy weeknights. You’ll be surprised by how easy and delicious it is.
Gathering Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients we listed above. If you have any plan to substitute something, get that as well. The cooking process becomes much more comfortable when everything is prepped beforehand.
Cooking Rice and Sautéing Vegetables
First, in a medium-sized pot, add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of white rice. Bring it to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Once done, remove it from the heat and fluff it using a fork.
While the rice is cooking, take out a large skillet and heat 1 Tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add in 1 chopped onion, 1 green bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
Adding Rest of The Ingredients
After the onions are softened, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook them for another 30 seconds.
Now add 2 cans of black beans (drained-rinsed) into the skillet along with 2 cups of water, 5 oz frozen corn kernels, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tsp chili powder, and stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Once boiled, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for around 10-12 minutes or until the liquid absorbed almost entirely.
Serving
When done simmering, fluff up the rice again using fork and get ready to serve your sumptuous BBQ black beans and rice recipe. In bowls or plates, add some barbecued black beans mixture over some warm white rice. You may top it off with some extra BBQ sauce if you wish.
That’s it! Your mouthwatering meal is now ready to devour. I hope you’ll love making this recipe as much as I do!
Substitutions and Variations
in BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe
Let’s face it, cooking is all about experimentation. You can take a recipe and make it your own by adding your own personal touches, preferences or even restricted diets. In this section, I’ll show you how to adapt this BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
1. Substitute the peppers: If you’re not a fan of green bell pepper, you can swap it out for red or yellow peppers. They impart a sweeter taste to the dish without disrupting the flavors.
2. Switch up the beans: While black beans are the traditional entrée for this recipe, you can also try red beans or navy beans instead. They retain their shape better when cooked, making them ideal options.
3. Change the protein: Ground beef, pork or chicken breasts are excellent alternatives for the vegetarian version of this dish. You can substitute them for meatless crumbles, tofu or tempeh as well.
4. Use different rice varieties: Take this dish from classic to exotic by swapping out white rice for jasmine rice or basmati rice. You’ll need to adjust cooking times and water-heat ratios slightly based on your choice of rice.
5. Substitute The BBQ Sauce OR Mix It Up: The barbecue sauce is an integral part of this recipe but if it’s not your thing, no worries! You can replace it with soy sauce or any other condiment that adds some depth of flavor and is compatible with black beans.
As with all things in life, variety is the spice of cooking! So get creative and experiment with different combos until you find one that suits your tastes perfectly.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got this bold and hearty BBQ Black Beans and Rice recipe mastered, it’s time to think about how you want to serve it. This is a meal that can definitely stand alone, but there are a few ways you could bump up the flavors even more.
First, consider pairing it with a cold and refreshing salad. A simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and avocado would be a perfect complement to the rich and smoky flavors of the beans and rice.
If you’re feeling like something meatier or greasier might benefit the dish, why not add some chicken or pulled pork? The dish goes well when served with your favorite barbecued meat on top. The sweetness of juicy pork or savory taste of chicken coupled with the spicy seasoning of the BBQ sauce is a marriage made in heaven when paired with the black beans.
Another way to build on this recipe would be to add some fiery heat! If you love spice, consider topping your bowl with sliced jalapeños or pickled onions. You could also serve the beans and rice alongside warm tortillas for wrapping in-style burritos.
A glass of cold beer will do wonders about making your meal complete. If you prefer white wine over beer then opt for a Chardonnay, which has an oaky richness that pairs well with smoky BBQ flavors. A Zinfandel will also bring out the fruity and spicy notes in the rice without overpowering it.
When choosing sides, think beyond just rice or salad. Consider adding freshly sliced bread to dip into those delicious BBQ scents. And if dessert is a must-have for you no matter what kind of dinner party or gathering we’re talking about, try pairing this meal with a classic apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream!
Whatever your preferences may be, one thing is for sure: This BBQ Black Beans and Rice recipe is sure to leave everyone begging for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
It’s always good to be prepared ahead of time, especially when it comes to meal planning. This BBQ Black Beans and Rice recipe easily lends itself to being made in advance, stored, and reheated without sacrificing flavor or texture.
To make this recipe ahead of time, cook the rice and beans separately and combine them just before serving. The barbecue sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you plan on storing leftovers, it is important to keep the rice and beans separated until you’re ready to reheat them. Store the rice and beans in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating, follow these steps for the best results: If the rice is overly dry, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over it before reheating. Then, heat each component separately in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Be careful not to overheat as this can cause the rice to become gummy and the beans to become mushy.
It’s also worth noting that this recipe can easily be adapted if you have leftover pulled pork, grilled chicken breasts or even ground beef. Simply shred or chop your meat into bite-sized pieces and add them to your black beans rice bowl, for an extra layer of complexity.
Overall, storing and reheating this dish is quick and easy making it perfect for meal prep days or if you want a quick 15-minute dinner after a long day at work.
Tips for Perfect Results
In my opinion, there are a few important tips to keep in mind when making BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe. Here are some tips for perfect results that I think might help you:
Firstly, you can add some diced bacon or sausage to the recipe for a smoky flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you could consider using liquid smoke instead to add some depth of flavor to the dish.
Secondly, make sure to sauté the onions and bell peppers until they are soft and translucent. This will add a sweet and savory taste to the recipe. Don’t skip this step as it’s crucial in developing the flavor of the dish.
Thirdly, use high-quality barbecued black beans and barbecue sauce. You can either buy pre-made or try your own homemade versions. I suggest checking out some dehydrated recipe competitions online or healthy recipe websites which offer different options for making your own version of BBQ sauce from scratch.
Fourthly, let your rice rest before serving it. Once it has finished cooking, give it time to sit for about 5 minutes while covered. This allows the rice to absorb any excess liquid and become fluffy.
Fifthly, if you’re looking for more texture in the dish, you can add some crushed tortilla chips on top of the rice bowl before serving. This adds a crunch factor that pairs well with the beans.
Finally, remember to adjust seasonings according to taste preference. If you want to make it spicier, add more chili powder. If it’s too salty or too sweet for your liking, feel free to season accordingly or balance the flavors with other condiments like lime juice.
By following these tips, I believe that your BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe will be even more scrumptious and satisfying than it already is!
Bottom Line
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So there you have it – the mouthwatering recipe for BBQ Black Beans and Rice. With its rich, bold flavors, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
But that’s not all. This recipe is also versatile and customizable. You can switch out ingredients or add your own twist to make it truly your own. And with its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredient list, it’s perfect for any level of cooking experience.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also a healthy choice. Brown rice and black beans are packed with fiber and essential nutrients, while the use of barbecue sauce adds a flavorful touch without piling on excess calories.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it. Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a big barbecue gathering, BBQ Black Beans and Rice is sure to impress.
And don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below! Happy cooking!
BBQ Black Beans and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup white rice
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat
- Add onions and bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Stir in the water and bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the rice and return to boil.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in the corn beans and BBQ sauce and heat through.
- Enjoy!