Jamaican Coconut Rice Recipe

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Jamaican Coconut Rice is a flavorful, aromatic, and comforting side dish that adds a tropical twist to your meal.

This dish is a Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine staple made with rich coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice.

It’s simple to make, yet flavorful, making it a favorite for family dinners, celebrations, or even a quick weeknight meal.

What Is Jamaican Coconut Rice?

Jamaican Coconut Rice is a rice dish cooked with coconut milk instead of plain water, which gives it a creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor

. The dish is seasoned with ingredients like scallions, thyme, garlic, and sometimes a hint of sugar for balance. Some variations even include red beans or pigeon peas, making it a more robust side dish.

This rice pairs well with many dishes, especially Jamaican cuisine. The coconut milk helps mellow out the heat and adds a luxurious richness to the meal.

What to Eat Jamaican Coconut Rice With?

Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork
The smoky, spicy flavors of jerk seasoning perfectly complement the creamy, mildly sweet coconut rice.

Curried Goat or Chicken
The richness of the curry pairs beautifully with the rice’s subtle coconut flavor, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Grilled Fish or Shrimp
Coconut rice is an excellent side for seafood dishes, especially when the fish or shrimp is grilled with Jamaican spices.

Vegetarian Dishes
Coconut rice is also a great companion to roasted vegetables, stir-fried tofu, or a hearty vegetable curry.

Fried Plantains
For a truly tropical feast, pair coconut rice with fried plantains. Their caramelized sweetness enhances the flavors of the rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for the best flavor)
• 1 cup water (or chicken/vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 2 scallions (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet note)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Heat the coconut oil or butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and thyme. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk, water (or broth), salt, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Stir in the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly

Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with additional scallions or a sprinkle of freshly grated coconut if desired. Serve warm with your favorite main dishes.

How to Store Jamaican Coconut Rice

1. Refrigeration
   Place the cooled rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
2. Freezing
   Coconut rice freezes beautifully! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating
   To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. This helps restore its soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Jamaican Coconut Rice with brown rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions for best results.

2. Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
You can, but the rice may lose some of its creamy texture and rich flavor. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for an authentic taste.

3. How can I prevent the rice from sticking together?
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps keep the grains separate and fluffy.

4. Is Jamaican Coconut Rice gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure any added ingredients, like broth, are labeled gluten-free if you’re sensitive.

5. Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots make great additions and add both color and nutrition.

6. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
You can substitute with dried thyme, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated in flavor. A teaspoon should be enough.

Jamaican Coconut Rice is a must-try dish that will elevate any meal.

Its creamy texture, fragrant aroma, and delightful coconut flavor make it a standout side dish that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.

More Caribbean Rice Recipes

• Calypso White Rice Recipe
• Trinidad Sweet Rice Recipe
• Yellow Saffron Turmeric Rice Recipe
• Christmas Rice Recipe Trinidad