10+ Tropical Rice Recipes for Delicious Island-Inspired Meals

Tropical rice recipes bring a burst of flavor and color to your meals. These dishes combine the sweet and savory notes of tropical fruits and spices, offering a delightful twist to traditional rice. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a tasty family dinner, these recipes can brighten up any occasion.

Exploring tropical rice dishes allows you to travel around the world from your kitchen. You can experience the essence of paradise with every bite, as these recipes are often simple yet packed with vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a colorful and tasty dish. It combines sweet pineapple with savory flavors for a delicious meal. You can use cooked jasmine rice or any rice you have at home.

Start with fresh ingredients. You will need diced pineapple, onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables like peas and carrots. Adding scrambled eggs gives it extra protein.

The dish gets its flavor from soy sauce and a little ginger. You can also use cashews for crunch. This meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until they soften.
3. Stir in peas and carrots, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push the veggies to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
5. Mix in rice and pineapple, then add soy sauce and ginger.
6. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper.
7. If using, add cashews and serve warm.

Coconut Curry Rice

Coconut curry rice is a delicious and simple dish to make. This recipe combines fluffy rice with creamy coconut milk and warm curry spices. The flavors mix well and create a comforting meal.

You can add vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Peas, bell peppers, or carrots work great in this dish. If you want a protein boost, consider adding chicken or chickpeas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
5. Cook for about 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork and enjoy!

3) Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice is a delicious Thai dessert that is both sweet and satisfying. It features sticky rice paired with ripe mango and topped with coconut sauce. This treat is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need sticky rice, fresh mango, coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The combination of creamy coconut and juicy mango makes every bite a delight.

Ingredients

• 100-150g sticky rice per person
• 1 ripe mango
• 250ml coconut milk
• 75g white sugar
• 1g salt
• 20g cornstarch

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Steam the soaked rice in a bamboo steamer for about 30 minutes.
4. While the rice cooks, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
5. Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the coconut milk.
6. Once the rice is cooked, mix a portion of the coconut sauce into the rice.
7. Serve the sticky rice with mango slices and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce. Enjoy!

4) Spicy Jerk Chicken Rice

Spicy jerk chicken rice is a vibrant dish full of flavor. It brings together juicy chicken marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering.

To start, you’ll marinate chicken leg quarters in homemade jerk seasoning for at least 24 hours. This marinade typically includes ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs.

Next, cook the chicken in the oven or on the grill until it’s tender and charred. Once the chicken is ready, serve it over a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken leg quarters
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in jerk seasoning for 24 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Cook chicken for 35-40 minutes until done.
4. In a pot, sauté onion and bell pepper in oil.
5. Add rice and broth, and bring to a boil.
6. Simmer until rice is fluffy. Serve with chicken.

Pineapple Cashew Rice

Pineapple cashew rice is a delicious and colorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The combination of sweet pineapple and crunchy cashews makes it a delightful side or main dish.

To start, you will use rice cooked in coconut milk for a creamy texture. The pineapple adds natural sweetness while the cashews provide a satisfying crunch. You can enhance the flavor with spices like ginger or red curry paste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup cashews, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the rice until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Stir in the crushed pineapple and red curry paste if using.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for about 20 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and stir in the chopped cashews before serving.

6) Lime Cilantro Rice with Shrimp

Lime Cilantro Rice with Shrimp is a vibrant dish full of flavor. You can easily prepare this meal for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing weekend treat.

To start, cook your rice according to package instructions. Make it even more special by adding lime juice and chopped cilantro once it’s fluffy. This will give it a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

For the shrimp, heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Combine shrimp with lime cilantro rice and serve.

7) Banana Leaf Wrapped Rice

Banana leaf wrapped rice is a delicious way to enjoy rice dishes. The leaves add a subtle flavor and keep the rice moist during cooking. You can use different types of rice and fillings, making it versatile.

To start, wash the banana leaves and cut them into squares, about 10 inches each. This size is ideal for wrapping the rice. Place your cooked rice or sticky rice in the center of each leaf.

Add your favorite fillings, such as taro or coconut, and then fold the leaves tightly around the rice, similar to a burrito. Tie them with strips of banana leaves or kitchen twine to secure them.

Next, steam the wrapped packages for about 30-45 minutes until the rice is fully cooked. This method ensures that the flavors blend together nicely.

Ingredients

• Banana leaves
• Glutinous rice
• Coconut milk (optional)
• Fillings of your choice (taro, vegetables, or meats)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and cut banana leaves into squares.
2. Place cooked or soaked rice in the center.
3. Add your chosen fillings.
4. Fold the leaves tightly and secure them.
5. Steam for 30-45 minutes until cooked.

8) Coconut and Ginger Rice

Coconut and ginger rice is a fragrant and delicious dish. It pairs well with many meals and adds a tropical flair to your table.

To make this rice, you need jasmine rice, which is aromatic and fluffy. The combination of coconut milk and fresh ginger gives it a rich flavor. You can use either vegetable broth or water, depending on your preference.

Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch. Then, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, ginger, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

9) Papaya Rice Salad

Papaya rice salad is a refreshing dish that combines sweet papaya with fluffy rice. This salad is colorful and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a light meal or side dish.

To make this salad, start by preparing your rice. You can use white or wild rice, depending on your preference. Once the rice is cooked and cooled, mix in diced ripe papaya for a tropical touch.

Next, add chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can also include finely diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt to enhance the flavors.

This dish is best served chilled, making it a great option for warm days.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice (white or wild)
• 1 small ripe papaya, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 small jalapeños, diced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice as directed on the package and let it cool.
2. Dice the papaya and jalapeños.
3. In a bowl, combine cooled rice, papaya, cilantro, and jalapeños.
4. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
5. Mix well and chill before serving.

10) Grilled Pineapple with Rice

Grilled pineapple with rice is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors to your table. The sweetness of the grilled pineapple pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.

To prepare, start by slicing fresh pineapple and seasoning it with sugar and a pinch of salt. Grill the pineapple slices on medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized.

For the rice, you can use Jasmine or basmati for a fragrant touch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then mix in some chopped cilantro and diced red pepper for added color and flavor.

Serve the grilled pineapple on top of the rice for a beautiful presentation. This dish is a great side for any grilled meat, especially chicken or seafood.

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rice (Jasmine or basmati)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup red pepper, diced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Slice the pineapple and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
3. Grill the pineapple slices for 3 minutes on each side.
4. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
5. Mix cooked rice with cilantro and red pepper.
6. Serve grilled pineapple on top of the rice.