Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice is a delightful dish that combines rich coconut flavors with sweet pineapple. This dish reminds me of sunny days spent with my family. We would gather in the kitchen, and my Dad, James, would always make sure we kept the laughter going as we prepared our meals together.
Nothing beats the taste of this Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice when it’s paired with a good family gathering. Sister Jennifer would often tease about my cooking skills, but this recipe made everyone happy, and that’s all that matters.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati)
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
My Go-To Equipment
Using the right equipment makes cooking easier. I recommend having a medium saucepan, a measuring cup, and a fork ready. It helps to have a cutting board for the pineapple, and a strainer for rinsing the rice too.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir once.
- Cover and reduce to low heat.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork; fold in the pineapple chunks and lime juice.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut and chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can make Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice even healthier by reducing the coconut milk or using light coconut milk. Adding nuts like almonds or cashews can boost the protein too. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or brown rice for a nuttier taste.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. I like to serve it alongside a fresh salad for some crunch. You can also have it as a side for tacos or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Getting It Just Right
The key to perfect rice is the right cooking time. Keep an eye on it, as different stoves can vary. Once it’s done, let it sit to absorb the flavors. Don’t skip the fluffing step either, as it makes the rice light and airy.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the rice cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking together creates memories. I hope you enjoy this Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice as much as my family does. Take the time to savor each bite and share the experience with loved ones.
A Few Common Questions
How can I make Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses rice and vegetables. Just ensure you use vegetable stock if you decide to switch out the water.
Can I use fresh pineapple for Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice?
Yes! Fresh pineapple adds great flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut it into small chunks to mix well with the rice.
What if I don’t have lime juice for Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice?
If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice as a substitute. It gives a similar acidity and flavor that brightens the dish.
Print
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish combining rich coconut flavors with sweet pineapple, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati)
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir once.
- Cover and reduce to low heat.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork; fold in the pineapple chunks and lime juice.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut and chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Notes
To make it healthier, reduce the coconut milk or use light coconut milk. Adding nuts can boost protein, and you can swap out rice for quinoa or brown rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: coconut rice, pineapple rice, tropical dish, vegan rice, family recipe