Best 2 Applebees Copycat Cranberry Rice Recipes

If you're craving for a sweet and tangy side dish or a flavorful vegetarian main course, look no further than this collection of two Applebee's Copycat Cranberry Rice recipes. These recipes will take you on a culinary journey, replicating the signature dish from the popular restaurant chain in the comfort of your own kitchen.

The first recipe is a classic Cranberry Rice Pilaf, a delightful combination of fluffy rice, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a hearty pot roast.

The second recipe introduces a tantalizing twist with the addition of zesty orange zest and a hint of cinnamon. This Orange Cranberry Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will brighten up your dinner table. It pairs wonderfully with roasted pork, baked salmon, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal.

Both recipes are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal cooking time. They also offer a versatile base for customization, allowing you to add your own creative touches. Whether you prefer a classic pilaf or a more vibrant orange-infused version, these recipes deliver a delicious and memorable side dish or main course that will satisfy your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

APPLE-CRANBERRY WILD RICE

Apple-Cranberry Wild Rice image

Dried apples, cranberries and savory nicely complement the wild rice and leek in this delicious recipe from Marion Karlin of Waterloo, Iowa.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2-3/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup uncooked wild rice
1 teaspoon dried savory
1small leek (white portion only), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped dried apples
6 tablespoons chicken broth, divided
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until rice is tender. Drain. Stir in savory; set aside., In a large nonstick skillet, saute leek in oil for 1 minute. Stir in cranberries, apples and 3 tablespoons broth. Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until fruit is tender, stirring occasionally., Add rice, onion salt, lemon-pepper and remaining broth. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY AND ALMOND RICE PILAF

Cranberry and Almond Rice Pilaf image

I've been making this dish for years - it's different from typical rice pilaf dishes in that the cranberries add the sweetness and the tartness that you don't expect in a savory dish. Oh, and it's super hard to fumble.

Provided by BOGINIA2

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ cup chopped onions
½ cup dried cranberries
1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup slivered almonds

Steps:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in hot oil until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir cranberries and jasmine rice into onion until rice is coated with oil and rice is lightly toasted, about 5 minutes more.
Pour chicken broth into skillet and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
Bring rice mixture to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 22 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat; stir green onions, cilantro, and almonds into rice mixture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212.6 calories, Carbohydrate 39.4 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 285.2 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

Tips:

Prep the Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all the ingredients are properly measured, chopped, and prepared. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries rather than frozen or dried ones. Fresh cranberries provide a tart and juicy taste that elevates the dish.
Sauté the Rice: Sautéing the rice in butter before adding the broth and cranberries helps to develop a nutty flavor and prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Simmer Gently: Once the broth and cranberries are added, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to cook evenly.
Fluff the Rice: After the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and make it light and airy.

Conclusion:

Applebee's Copycat Cranberry Rice is a flavorful and versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses. With its sweet and tangy cranberry flavor and fluffy texture, it's a perfect addition to any holiday meal or weeknight dinner. Whether you're a fan of Applebee's or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cranberry rice recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you're looking for a flavorful side dish, give this Applebee's Copycat Cranberry Rice a try – you won't be disappointed!