Red beans and rice might not be the first two things that come to mind when you think of a casual meal, but they actually make a surprisingly delicious pairing. The basic concept is fairly simple. The red beans in this dish are meant to mimic the texture of chestnuts, which are found in abundance in the sauce that flavors this dish.
The result is a hearty, filling bowl of red beans that will fill you up and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
What Meat Goes With Red Beans and Rice? The most obvious candidates for eating with red beans and rice are meats that have some kind of texture to them.
Think of meats that have a bit of flavor to them, like pork and chicken. Velvety meats like , shrimp, and crab meat would also be good choices.
Seafood that has a firm texture, like crab legs, clams, and lobster, will work well here. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even give some of the offal-based meats a try, like liver or heart.
Pork
Pork can be eaten plain, with a bit of salt and pepper, or in a variety of sauces. It is a common choice for pork chops, pork loin, and ham. If you want to get creative, why not try making some kielbasa or pulled pork sandwiches?
Beef
Beef is probably one of the most common meats for red beans and rice. It is a good source of iron, protein, and contains minerals like manganese, zinc, and selenium. Grey or round-eye steaks are by far the most common, but don’t let that stop you from exploring other cuts of beef.
Chicken
Chicken is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten plain, with salt, in soups and stews, or fried. It is a good choice for those who are vegetarian or looking for something that is easy on the wallet.
Shrimp
Shrimp is a common protein choice for red beans and rice. It is a good source of protein and contains essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. To get the most out of your shrimp, go for the wild-caught variety.
Clams
Clams are a type of bivalve mollusk that live in coastal and oceanic environments. They are commonly found in the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. Clams can be eaten plain, in stews, or in chowders. If you want to get creative, why not try throwing some clams into a bisque or make some clam chowder?
Lobster
Lobster is delicious when eaten plain or with a bit of butter. It is also delicious in stews and chowders. If you have some adventurous friends, you could try adding some lobster to your next batch of red beans and rice.
Fish (Non-Seafood)
Fish can be eaten as a substitute for meat in red beans and rice. Tuna, salmon, cod, and catfish all make good substitutions. Choose wild-caught fish whenever possible.
Offal (Liver, etc.)
If you want to get a bit wild with your red beans and rice, you can try adding some offal, like liver, heart, or tongue. Although the idea of heart in red beans and rice might seem a bit odd, the taste is actually rather mild.
Final Note
Red beans and rice are a simple, inexpensive, and filling combination of protein-rich beans and grains that can be eaten at almost any time of day. They make a filling and nutritious snack or breakfast, lunch, or dinner. What meat goes with red beans and rice?