What's The Difference Between Dirty Rice And Rice Dressing?

Southern Louisiana is the home of many delicious meals that transcend the region and are enjoyed worldwide. The demand for Cajun and Creole cuisines not only keeps chefs busy in kitchens around the world, but they also consistently serve as inspirations for new and innovative meals. And it all dates back just a few hundred years as different cultures were brought to the area and created a melting pot of diverse dishes. From the rich flavors of gumbo to the communal joy of crawfish boils, partaking in Louisiana's meals has become a cherished tradition.

Out of all the foods that have been created in Louisiana, two dishes can bring almost any combination of its staples together: Louisiana dirty rice and rice dressing. Both are renowned for their distinctive seasonings, precise use of vegetables, and incorporation of authentically-made meats. It's not uncommon to see everyone at a Louisiana restaurant with some variation of these meals somewhere on their plates. And while these highly-requested dishes share many core ingredients, there are some subtle nuances in their recipes that set them apart.

Rice is a staple of Cajun cooking since farming the grain is central to its culture, but so is hunting for wild birds and game. The latter provides the subtle difference between dirty rice and rice dressing. While both rice dishes include onion, celery, and green pepper, the types of seasoning and meats used in each one are a little different. 

In the case of dirty rice, chicken liver or gizzards (heart and liver) play a prominent role in the recipe. While the inclusion of these meats might seem unconventional, they align with the Louisiana tradition of incorporating various animal parts — such as andouille, which is made mostly from intensely-cleaned chitterlings, or pig intestines.

Rice dressing typically uses ground beef, pork, or venison, which dominate the rice in the meal. The chicken liver in dirty rice plays the role of an additional ingredient, which is also how this classic dish got its name. The appearance of ground chicken liver mixed in with the rice is what makes it "dirty." 

Due to both these dishes' similarities, there are ways you can enjoy either one with some popular Louisiana meals. The inclusion of Cajun chicken wings can be delightful as the side for your rice dishes. You'll love the spice you get from the wings and the differences in textures that will keep your plate from ever becoming boring. If you're in the mood for a little bit of seafood, Cajun blackened shrimp will create a savory and spicy addition to your meal.

You might also love some shrimp Creole you can place on top of either rice dish. Your shrimp Creole will include the addition of onion, celery, and green bell pepper, also known as the Cajun flavor trinity, which is in both your dirty rice and rice dressing. What better way to mix and match the rice dishes than with some chicken and sausage gumbo you can pour on top. You'll get an abundance of chicken and sausage flavors mixed with the vibrant spices and ingredients of your gumbo's dark roux. You'll love any of these combinations, so be sure to give each one a try.