Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan recipe combining smoky sausage with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, served over perfectly cooked rice. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into coins
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes, to develop a caramelized, crispy exterior for maximum flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the sausage to one side of the pan and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, which builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, and smoked paprika (if using). Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken slightly for 1–2 minutes, which intensifies the sweet and tangy notes.
- Add the Rice: Toss in the cooked white rice and mix thoroughly to coat every grain in the sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom for added texture.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving hot to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use day-old rice instead of freshly cooked rice to avoid mushiness and help the rice grains stay separate and absorb the sauce better.
- Allow the sausage to caramelize well for richer flavor and a satisfying crispy texture.
- Tweak the sweetness or tanginess by adjusting the honey and BBQ sauce quantities to your preference.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños during the sauce step.