Authentic Jamaican Red Beans and Rice Recipe (Quick & Easy)
Celebrate the flavors of the Caribbean with this homemade Jamaican Red Beans and Rice Recipe! Infused with the rich taste of coconut milk and the fiery zing of Scotch bonnet peppers, it promises a delicious dish that’s both hearty and deeply satisfying. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, it’s a recipe that’s sure to win over anyone looking for a taste of Jamaica.
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Wondering why you should trust this recipe? Here’s the scoop: I’ve been a home chef for 40 years, with a knack for vegetarian cooking. I love simplifying delicious recipes for everyone to enjoy, no matter their diet preference. My passion is to make cooking easy and fun for all. This Jamaican Red Beans and Rice recipe? It’s a perfect example of bringing world flavors right to your kitchen table. Give it a try and taste the difference!
Why You Will Love Making Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
You’re going to absolutely adore making Jamaican Red Beans and Rice for so many reasons! Here’s why:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients like red beans, coconut milk, and Scotch bonnet peppers can create an explosion of flavor.
- Satisfying For Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main event, this dish is incredibly satisfying and comforting.
- Health Benefits: Loaded with fiber and nutrients, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your soul.
- Fun To Make: Cooking this dish is like taking a culinary trip to Jamaica and experiencing its rich and spicy food culture.
- Perfect for All: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make.
- Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spiciness to suit your taste, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Jamaican Red Beans and Rice with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Follow these instructions, and you’ll end up with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and Caribbean charm.
Start with the Base
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat it up to medium-high before adding some vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
Next, add the sliced scallions and chopped Scotch bonnets to the pot. Cook them with the garlic and onion for a few more minutes, letting all those flavors mingle together.
Combine the Other Ingredients
Stir in the Jerk seasoning, making sure it’s fully combined with the other ingredients. This is where that iconic Jamaican flavor really starts to build up. Now, add the drained red kidney beans, long-grain rice, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a good mix. This is the heart of your dish coming together.
Let It Simmer
Bring the pot to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Finishing Touches
Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the cooked rice and beans for an added burst of freshness and color.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some expert tips and notes to elevate your Jamaican Red Beans and Rice to the next level:
- Choice of Rice: Long-grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine rice, works best for this recipe as it stays fluffy and doesn’t get too sticky.
- Managing the Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are fiery hot. If you prefer a milder taste, remove the seeds or use less. For those who can’t handle the heat, bell peppers are a great substitute.
- Dried or Canned Beans: If you’re using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight. Canned beans are a great time-saver and work just as well.
- Stirring the Pot: Resist the urge to stir the rice frequently while it’s simmering. This can break the grains and make your dish mushy.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with cilantro for freshness and serve with a side of avocado or a simple salad to balance the rich flavors.
How to Store Leftover Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Don’t worry if you’ve cooked up a little too much of this delicious dish; storing leftovers is a breeze, and they reheat wonderfully:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the leftovers to cool down to room temperature before you pack them away. Store the leftovers in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. It’s a delicious, easy make-ahead meal!
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring back the moisture. Heat it in a microwave or on the stove until it’s thoroughly warmed through.
What to Serve with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Pairing the right side dishes with Jamaican Rice and Beans can turn it from a simple meal to a meal to remember. Here’s what goes with this Caribbean classic perfectly:
Protein Options
For a boost of vegetarian protein, try Jerk-spiced tofu. It keeps the Jamaican theme going and adds a nice protein boost to your meal.
Vegetable Sides
Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add a fresh and crunchy element to balance out the meal. A classic Caribbean side, fried plantains are sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. They complement the spices in the rice beautifully.
Fresh Green Salads
A fresh green salad, like our Waldorf Salad, can cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the rice and beans. A coleslaw with a tropical twist featuring pineapple or mango adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the dish.
Delicious Bread
A side of French Bread, cornbread, or Johnny cakes (Caribbean fried dumplings) can be great for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a nice textural contrast to the meal.
More Healthy Comfort Food You Will Love
- Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
- Smoky BBQ Beans Recipe
- Air Fryer Black Bean Burger
- Best Vegetarian Chili Recipe
- Vegetarian Lasagne Recipe
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Authentic Jamaican Red Beans and Rice Recipe (Quick & Easy)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 scallions sliced
- 1-2 Scotch bonnets chopped
- 2 teaspoons Jerk seasoning
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1 can red beans drained
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- salt and pepper
- cilantro sliced
Instructions
- Heat a heavy bottom pot to medium-high and add the oil. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the scallions and bonnets and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Add the Jerk seasoning and mix until fully combined.
- Add the red beans, rice, milk, vegetable broth, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring to boil and once it breaks boiling reduce the temperature and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has evaporated.
- Serve the rice with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Rice: Long-grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine rice, works best for this recipe as it stays fluffy and doesn’t get too sticky.
- Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are fiery hot. If you prefer a milder taste, remove the seeds or use less. For those who can’t handle the heat, bell peppers are a great substitute.
- Dried or Canned Beans: If you’re using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight. Canned beans are a great time-saver and work just as well.
- Stirring the Pot: Resist the urge to stir the rice frequently while it’s simmering. This can break the grains and make your dish mushy.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with cilantro for freshness and serve with a side of avocado or a simple salad to balance the rich flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the leftovers to cool down to room temperature before you pack them away. Store the leftovers in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. It’s a delicious, easy make-ahead meal!
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring back the moisture. Heat it in a microwave or on the stove until it’s thoroughly warmed through.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
This recipe was absolutely satisfying! It was my first time trying this and I really loved the combination of flavors! I followed your recipe as is and the spiciness was just right for me. I loved the texture of the rice too! I’m definitely going to make this again!
That’s great to hear Mika! I’m happy that the spiciness and the texture of the rice suited your taste.