Vegan Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Recreate the beloved comfort of Popeyes’ red beans and rice in a plant-based way with this Vegan Copycat Popeyes Red Beans and Rice recipe. Packed with smoky, savory flavors thanks to liquid smoke, Cajun seasoning, and aromatic spices, this dish captures the essence of the original while staying entirely vegan. The creamy texture of mashed red kidney beans combined with fluffy white rice creates a hearty, protein-rich meal that’s perfect as a main dish or a satisfying side. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a simple simmer-to-thicken cooking method, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you're craving a nostalgic fast-food fix or looking for a quick, Southern-inspired vegan dinner, this dish delivers big on flavor without sacrificing convenience.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 15-oz cans Canned red kidney beans
• 2 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cups Cooked white rice
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the red kidney beans under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beans and stir to coat with oil.

Step 3

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.

Step 5

Allow the beans to cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has thickened and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf and use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to slightly mash the beans, leaving some whole for texture.

Step 7

Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Simultaneously, cook the white rice according to package directions if not prepared ahead of time.

Step 9

To serve, place a scoop of the red beans over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy it warm as a filling and flavorful meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1681.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1478.1

Total Fat 22.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7239.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 258.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.5g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 64.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 389.2mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 3681.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.6%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 69.3%