10+ Tropical Rice Recipes to Brighten Your Meals

Tropical rice recipes bring a burst of flavor and brightness to your meals. These dishes often feature vibrant ingredients like fresh fruits, coconut, and spices that transport you to sunny beaches and warm climates. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a hearty main, tropical rice is versatile and delicious.

Creating these recipes is a fun way to experiment with different flavors and textures. With easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy a taste of the tropics right in your kitchen.

Explore these delicious options that can perfectly complement your favorite dishes.

1) Caribbean Confetti Rice

Caribbean Confetti Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish. It combines rice with the tropical tastes of coconut and pineapple. Colorful peppers and spices bring it to life.

To make this dish, you will need some basic ingredients. You can enjoy it as a side or as a main dish. The sweet and spicy flavors make it appealing to everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dry rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 15 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 1/2 cups diced bell pepper (red and yellow)
• Cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, water, and butter. Bring to a boil.
3. Add ginger, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Stir well.
4. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Stir in pineapple and diced bell peppers. Let it sit for a few minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro. Enjoy your colorful dish!

2) Pineapple Coconut Rice Delight

Pineapple Coconut Rice Delight is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The combination of coconut milk and pineapple creates a creamy and sweet rice that pairs perfectly with many meals.

To make this dish, start by rinsing your rice under cold water. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. Then, combine the rice with coconut milk, chicken broth, and pineapple.

Cook everything in a saucepan until it’s fluffy and ready to serve. You can add a touch of soy sauce for an extra kick. This dish is simple, nutritious, and very delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry jasmine rice
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, and pineapple.
3. Add salt and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.
6. Mix in soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve warm.

3) Tropical Island Rice with Mango and Macadamia Nuts

Tropical Island Rice with Mango and Macadamia Nuts is a delightful dish perfect for gatherings. The sweet mango and crunchy macadamia nuts bring a fun twist to rice.

To start, cook your favorite rice according to package directions. Once cooked, stir in diced mango and toasted macadamia nuts for a burst of flavor.

You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra touch. This dish pairs nicely with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork.
3. Stir in the diced mango and chopped macadamia nuts.
4. Add chopped cilantro if desired and mix lightly.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve warm.

4) Hawaiian Pineapple Rice with Chili Flakes

You will love this Hawaiian Pineapple Rice with a kick! This sweet and spicy dish brings tropical vibes to your table. The combination of pineapple and chili flakes makes it exciting for your taste buds.

To make this dish, start by heating broth and pineapple juice in a pot. Once boiling, add rice, chopped pineapple, and chili flakes. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.

When it’s done, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve it warm and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring broth and pineapple juice to a boil.
2. Add rice, chopped pineapple, and chili flakes.
3. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

5) Coconut Rice with Ginger and Basil Pesto

Coconut Rice with Ginger and Basil Pesto is a bright and flavorful dish. The creamy coconut rice pairs perfectly with the warm hint of ginger and the fresh taste of basil. It’s easy to make and great as a side or main dish.

To start, you’ll cook jasmine rice in coconut milk. This gives the rice a rich, tropical flavor. Adding grated ginger enhances the dish with a little spice.

Once cooked, mix in basil pesto for added freshness. The combination of flavors gives each bite a delightful twist. Enjoy this rice dish with grilled meats or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white jasmine rice
• 1 can (13 ounces) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• ½ cup basil pesto
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, and ginger.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the basil pesto.
6. Season with salt and serve warm.

6) Pineapple and Cilantro Lime Rice

Pineapple and cilantro lime rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish. The sweetness of pineapple complements the fresh taste of cilantro and the tangy lime, making it a perfect pairing for grilled meats or spicy dishes.

To make this dish, start with uncooked long grain rice. Cook it in a mix of water and pineapple juice for added flavor. After the rice is fluffy, mix in crushed pineapple, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

It’s easy to make, and the bright colors make it fun. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it’s great for barbecues or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup crushed pineapple
• 2 teaspoons butter
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine rice, pineapple juice, and water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 16-18 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in crushed pineapple, cilantro, lime juice, and butter.
6. Season with salt to taste before serving.

7) Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rice

Sweet and spicy pineapple rice is a delicious side dish that’s full of flavor. You can make this dish quickly, and it pairs well with many main courses. The combination of pineapple, chili flakes, and lime gives it a tropical twist.

To prepare, you’ll need jasmine rice, olive oil, and some spices. Pineapple chunks and fresh cilantro add the sweet and fresh elements.

This dish is perfect for a summer meal or any time you want to brighten up your dinner table. Let’s see how you can make it at home!

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced shallot and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in pineapple chunks and chili flakes, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice and lime juice, mixing well.
6. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
7. Season with salt and serve warm.

8) Coconut Milk Jasmine Rice

Coconut Milk Jasmine Rice is a flavorful side dish that’s easy to make. It pairs well with many tropical meals, adding a creamy and slightly sweet touch. The jasmine rice absorbs the coconut milk, making each bite delicious.

To start, you will need jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and a bit of sugar. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 (400 ml) can coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors!

9) Tropical Rice with Sweet Peppers and Chiles

Tropical rice with sweet peppers and chiles is a vibrant dish full of flavor. You will enjoy the mix of colors and tastes in every bite. The combination of sweet peppers adds a nice crunch, while the chiles bring just the right kick.

To prepare this dish, you will need rice cooked in coconut milk. This gives it a creamy texture and a tropical twist. Adding diced bell peppers and mild chiles will make it even more delicious.

This rice pairs well with grilled meats or is perfect as a side for a tropical meal. It’s easy to make and will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup diced sweet peppers
• 1/2 cup diced chiles
• Salt to taste
• Lime juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in sweet peppers and chiles.
5. Add salt and lime juice to taste. Serve warm.

10) Skinny Lime and Pineapple Juice Rice

This Skinny Lime and Pineapple Juice Rice is a fresh and tasty side dish. You’ll enjoy the bright flavors, making it perfect for any meal.

Start by cooking your rice in a mixture of water and pineapple juice. This gives the rice a subtle sweetness. You can enhance the flavor with fresh lime juice.

To make it even better, add a touch of brown sugar and salt while simmering. This brings out the tropical taste that pairs well with grilled chicken or seafood.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small pan, combine pineapple juice, water, lime juice, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rice.
3. Cover the pan and reduce the heat. Let it cook for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve it warm.