An explosion of flavors Caribbean Rice and Red Beans seasoned with garlic, onions and creole spice infused with bay leaves, thyme, scotch bonnet, and coconut milk. It’s a rice meal like no other!
Happy April! I would just like to say that with what the world is experiencing right now, every day should be a gratitude day. So I’m beyond thankful for this new fresh month ahead of us and for this gift of life.
And while I’ve been daydreaming on when would be my next Caribbean trip is, I guess a Caribbean food trip in my kitchen starting with this rice and beans recipe would do the trick for now. Or sometimes referred to as “rice and peas” if made with pigeon peas or yellow peas.
When making this scrumptious rice recipe, I really do not have any preference for beans. Whatever is in the pantry works for me, especially during these times. Here, I used kidney beans instead of the traditional one.
Caribbean Rice and Beans Ingredients
What makes this dish so enticing is coconut milk, coupled with scotch bonnet pepper (hot pepper), onions, garlic, thyme, and red beans.
For a deeper flavor, I added creole spice to up the flavor in this coconut milk rice and beans meal. So think of it as Caribbean rice and beans with a creole flair. No creole spice? Swap it with my homemade dry Jamaican Jerk Seasoning HERE.
If you like a more orange or reddish appearance then include the paprika. As for the heat in this dish, I like to leave the scotch bonnet pepper whole because it produces the right amount of heat and flavor without being too overwhelming. But feel free to use other types of peppers you have on hand like green chilies or bell peppers.
Can You Make This Rice and Beans Vegan?
This is a very simple, easy, cheap and nutritious dish to make in a saucepan. Why nutritious? The beans, of course, it is a good source of complete protein, especially if you are vegan. Now to make this dish completely vegan, just simply swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water and omit the chicken bouillon.
One of our readers has also successfully made this recipe using brown long grain rice if you want this recipe healthier.
What to Serve with Caribbean Rice and Beans?
It is traditionally served with chicken, beef or pork or pair it with this Brown Stew Chicken HERE. Below are just some of my go-to pair for this dish.
You can serve more meaty dishes with this dish. Check out this list of mouthwatering summer dinner ideas. My personal favorite is this tender oven tri-tip roast recipe because it combines the neutral and mild flavor of the beans with the juicy meat.
More Rice Recipes You’ll Love
Get the recipe for this Brown Stew Chicken HERE.
How To Make Rice and Beans
Watch How to Make It
Caribbean Rice and Beans
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 2-3 garlic clove , minced
- ½ medium onion , diced
- 2 teaspoons creole spice Homemade recipe here
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 13.5 oz can (1 3/4 cups) coconut milk
- 15.5 oz can red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
- 2 small bay leaves
- salt and fresh ground pepper , to taste
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (optional)
- 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper.
- 1 teaspoons paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Wash rice until water runs clear. Drain water.
- Heat a saucepan with oil. Then add onions, garlic, thyme, and hot pepper, sauté for about a minute.
- Stir in rice to the pan, followed by beans for about 2 minutes, then add coconut milk, bay leaf, bouillon powder, creole spice, with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes or more. Stir occasionally from the sides to prevent burns , add more water if needed.
- Adjust for salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves You have to stir occasionally to be preventing any burns.
- Serve warm
Tips & Notes:
- This recipe has been updated with pictures and suggestions.
- For a really moist rice and beans use 3 cups of water/broth. If you want your rice to look just like in the picture then use 2 cups water or broth
- In the recipe I used paprika and creole salt to enhance the flavor of the rice. It’s not traditional. If it is traditional you are after then omit paprika and in place of creole salt use regular salt.
- Feel free to switch the coconut milk with 2 cups of water.
- You can substitute scotch bonnet pepper with any other type of pepper like green chilies or bell peppers.
- Wanna make it vegan? Vegetable broth would be fine.
- If using dry pigeon peas, boil them first until tender, then replace beans with pigeon peas in the instruction. You may also use pinto beans or black beans instead.
- I use uncooked long grain rice. No need to parboil, just rinse it until water runs clear. One of our readers here have used Japanese short-grained rice and it works. Brown long grain rice works, too.
- Too much liquid and stirring would make your rice mushy.
- You may cook it ahead and refrigerate. It heats up very well the next day.
- If you don't have chicken bouillon, you may leave it out or use half of a Maggie cube and add it to the pot.
- For those who want to cook it using an Instant Pot, one of our readers shared this: just saute everything like you normally would, and cook for 3 minutes high pressure with a natural pressure release.
- No Creole spice? you may use my dry jerk spice HERE.
- You may throw in your favorite cooked protein into the mix like shredded smoked turkey, diced chicken, ground meat, sausages and so on.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Bonice says
I absolutely LOVE this recipe and the flavor. I happen to be a huge fan of Caribbean food- across countries and this was authentic. I added a little coconut flake too . Thank you
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Bonice! Thank you! And I am so happy you liked it! I love Caribbean too!
D says
Thanks imma. Made this a few times now along with the curried goat. In one word “ Incredible “
Sierra says
Delicious, I added 1 stalk of celery, 1 orange bell pepper, Aleppo pepper (dried) instead of scotch bonnet, and whole onion instead of half. My husband said it’s one of the best things I’ve made.
Jasmin says
I recently found your site through Pinterest and I am so happy I did. This dish was amazingly delicious! My mom and husband raved about it. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Thank you!!!!
Sue Kubecka says
I’m looking forward shortly to trying this recipe as I was privileged enuf to live in the Carribbean some time ago. Now I’m in a small town in Texas and items such as coconut milk and scotch bonnet are not available in my one store Texan town and I hate to use just plain milk. Any advice to make this recipe almost as good?
Sandra Sego says
Hi Sue, you can order both from websites like Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/ORGANICALLY-Scotch-Jamaican-Heirloom-Non-GMO/dp/B07KQ11GJY/
https://smile.amazon.com/Thai-Kitchen-Organic-Coconut-Unsweetened/dp/B00M8VSKW4/
Amanda Brown says
I was never much of a cook before. I made this rice to go with jerk chicken. It came out so good I pat my own self on the back! I’ve made this recipe several times since and it always come out delicious.
ImmaculateBites says
Nice nice! I am happy to know that the recipe works well for you!
Rhys says
This has become one of my go-to recipes! The taste is amazing and that creole spice is awesome
I use Brown Basmati rice and it’s amazing, and obviously healthier as its whole Grains
Jones c says
Is the red kidney beans the already cooked version or do they need to be raw?
Linda says
This is excellent!!!! Everyone loves it!!!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Linda! I have another Beans recipe that you might want to give a try, too – Southern Baked Beans with Bacon 🙂
Lauren Ann says
This rice was absolutely incredible! I didn’t have a scotch bonnet pepper but I did have scotch bonnet hot sauce and was able to sub that in. Will definitely be adding this to my rotation of dishes
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Lauren! Enjoy! 🙂
Rebka says
I just made this. Followed the recipe exactly and used Habanero peppers. It’s is sooooooo good!
Thank you for the recipe ❤
Renell Farley says
This was the best most authentic tasting rice and beans I’ve ever made. Thank you so much for this recipe!!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Renell! Glad you enjoyed this 🙂
Rebka says
I just made this. Followed the recipe exactly and used Habanero peppers. It’s is sooooooo good!
I forgot to add Bay leaf but it still camebout AMAZING!
Thank you for the recipe ❤
Immaculate Bites says
Wow!! Thank you for trying this and sharing, Rebka 🙂 Hapy you enjoyed it!
CK says
I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for your version of Rice & Peas. I have tried several times and it was either too dry, too moist. This recipe was just perfect!!! I even made a jar of the Creole Cajun Seasoning. Thank you so much.
Immaculate Bites says
Yay! Finally, I’m happy it now turned out perfect for you 🙂 Thank you for sharing, CK!
Zoya Vaezi says
Hey Imma i was wondering what type of coconut milk you use for this is it regular or unsweetened coconut milk
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Zoya! You can use either 🙂
Zoya says
which do you prefer
Olivia says
I absolutely love this recipe!! My partner and I make it at least one a month! To make it vegetarian I use vegetable bro instead if chicken and I add an extra can of beans to pack in more protein. This is a must try comfort food!
Immaculate Bites says
Woot! Thank you for sharing, Olivia! 🙂
Caribbean Jane says
Honestly, that does not look appetizing. I am from the Caribbean and absolutely NO island in the Caribbean uses Creole seasoning. You are creating your own version and calling things Caribbean ‘something’. It is clear you are also NOT Caribbean. At least follow an authentic recipe out of respect for the Caribbean people and their cuisine. It’s just wrong and disrespectful. If I do Jollof rice from Ghana or Nigeria or Senegal I will strive to be authentic out of respect for each country’s national cuisine. It’s also out of respect for your audience, they deserve to taste each dish as it is authentically made, not based off of your ‘spin’ on it. Shame.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Jane. I do not mean any disrespect by adding creole seasoning to this recipe, as I am sure my readers, commenters, and those who have tried the recipe know well. This ingredient may be removed, I just put it in here as a personal preference 🙂
Mike says
Do you have a humble pie recipe and is it authentic?
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Mike! I don’t have a humble pie recipe yet but I’ll make sure to post once I’ve made it 🙂 Thank you!
Fusion cook says
She specifically said that the addition of creole spices was a personal take; and all good cooking is the chefs take. No shame involved. Haven’t you even heard of “fusion ” cooking? Just because it is not your grandmother’s version…. Get a grip.
Immaculate Bites says
It’s all good, Fusion cook! Thank you for your comment, I appreciate this 🙂
Beth says
Looks great! Do you by any chance have a peas and rice (or gandules and rice) recipe? I grew up in the Virgin Islands, and that is the dish from
Childhood I crave!:)
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Beth! I have a couple of recipes with peas and rice that are posted here 🙂
Pamela Hong says
So delicious! This is in regular rotation at our place. I make it with your baked plantains and jerk marinade (on tofu). My partner loves it so much he talks about it at work! Good thing it’s a big portion because he eats it next day at work for lunch. Thank you for this recipe! 🙂
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Pamela! 🙂
Michele H says
This recipe is so easy and delicious, and makes so much that we get multiple meals out of it! I like to serve it with chicken (seasoned with jerk seasoning from a jar and then grilled or roasted). It is so good, we make this over and over again! 🙂
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Michele! Glad you enjoyed this! 🙂
Claudine says
I just made this Caribbean Rice and Beans recipe and it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!! To make it vegan, I left out the chicken broth and chicken bouillon. I will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
Michelle Cheptoo says
I made this recipe today, with brown rice and red kidney beans..
love, love the result!
the coconut milk really clinches it.
also your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Denise Hamilton says
I have been cooking rice and peas (beans) since a small child
We don’t use chicken stock
We cook the beans from scratch
Season with scotch bonnet, garlic, scallions, thyme (fresh), coconut milk /coconut cream /freshly grated coconut
If you cook from scratch you get a much better tasting rice and peas my favourite
I use basmatic rice which gives long grains of rice
You recipes are lovely I try many southern recipes and your African recipes which are brilliant
Keep up the fabulous job you are doing
Michael Glen says
After spending a year at the Navy Base in Guantanamo Bay, I got accustomed to really good oxtail from Jamaicans who work at the base. This recipe is it! I really stuck to it but I did add ginger with the garlic, as that is a flavor that is something I remember tasting.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for sharing this with us . Glad to hear it worked out well for you.
Cally says
This is my new go to! I’ve made it three times now – twice with original recipe served with a Caribbean chicken curry on top, and once made vegan for my stepdaughter with a spicy black eyed peas sauce – this has been a HIT every time with the whole family. I am useless in the kitchen and this recipe has let me hold my own with my cooking friends. It is so simple and makes a huge portion that lasts all week (I’ve also frozen some and reheated it in a frying pan – just as good).
Thank you for this recipe, it is so amazingly delicious – both on its own and with something else on top.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you for sharing this, Cally! 🙂
Liz H says
Is it possible to omit the scotch pepper and still get all the flavours? I love spice as does my 6 year old. My 10 year old is not good with spicy food at all and so I was hoping to modify it for her so that it’s not superbly spicy. My 6 year old was 10 months old when she discovered hot sauce (and I don’t mean Tabasco or Franks Red…I mean like habanero hot). She has never looked back!
ImmaculateBites says
Yes it is. If left whole you will get the flavor without the heat. Remove immediately after cooking .
Corey says
Tasted really good, and was simple to cook. Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for the feedback!
Ella says
Sooooo good! Thank you.
Chika says
Great recipe, perfect comfort food for a cold winter day! I added paprika and cajun seasoning but my rice didn’t come out as orange-ish as in the photos, but who cares … it tastes great! Thanks.
ImmaculateBites says
“Thank you, I am happy to hear you feel that way. Maybe add more paprika next time .
Roberto Beltran says
I’m a Certified Chef from Puerto Rico
I LOVE all the recipes from The African Bites immaculate bites, every recipes from you guys from our Afro-Caribbean recipes are outstanding THANKS Again ❤
ImmaculateBites says
Am honored ! Thanks So much.
Lay says
I’m going to cook this tonight but I need specific instructions for the beans, should they soak in water? Do they go in dry?
ImmaculateBites says
It is Fully cooked beans. If using dry beans , boil until tender before using .
Catherine says
The amount of coconut milk states 27oz can or 13/4 cup which is not the same amount, can you confirm which is correct for 12 servings?
ImmaculateBites says
It’s 27 ounce coconut milk (2 cans of milk or 3 1/2 cups milk)
Christine Frano says
If I’m using bell peppers, how much should I put in? Can’t wait to try this!
ImmaculateBites says
1 medium Bell pepper would do just fine.
Ruby says
Ooh what is the rice and beans served with in the video? I love this dish but think it would be great as a side with another dish too! ❤️
imma africanbites says
Hi, Ruby. I paired it with this Curried Goat Stew (https://www.africanbites.com/curried-goat-stew/). Thanks for stopping by.
Keith says
I have made this now a dozen times. It always comes out spectacularly. It is so easy and do very good. Have turned several friends on to it. Thanks for posting such an amazing recipe.
Leslie says
I love the flavors of this dish and just need some guidance to perfect it. I used a can of coconut milk, 2 cups of chicken broth, and jasmine rice. I didn’t stir the rice at all while it cooked. My rice turned out mushy! Any suggestions?
ImmaculateBites says
Hello,
Be sure to drain all the water from the rice before adding to the pot . Maybe try cutting back on the broth- about 1 2/3 cup and go from there. Hope this helps.
Dawn fox says
I can imagine this with all its flavours is amazing, mine however ended up with mushy rice. Can you point me in the right direction please
ImmaculateBites says
So sorry to hear that. I would suggest decreasing the liquid by a1/2 cup and drain the rice throughly before adding to the pot. It might be too much water or stirring. Hope this helps.
Mrs. Greene says
I only have dried black beans. I know it isn’t traditional but do you think it would be okay?
ImmaculateBites says
Of course it would. Boil the beans first until tender before using in the recipe.
Akuka Eberechukwu Sharon says
I have been following your post thanks a lot for impact in my life. Please ma where can i paprika in Nigeria.
ImmaculateBites says
It’s available in most supermarkets. Just ask , sometimes it is available in open markets.
CHRISTINA says
Hello
If I am using the chicken bouillon cubes how many do I use for this recipe?
Thanks in advance!!
ImmaculateBites says
One would do just fine.
Luis says
I’m going to make this recipe
Taylor says
My fiancé made jerk chicken tonight and I was looking for a more flavorful version of red beans and rice for accompaniment. Imma, I will be adding this recipe to my regular rotation. I love a one-pot recipe; this was perfect. Looking forward to trying your jerk chicken recipe next
ImmaculateBites says
Great! Glad it worked out well for you Taylor.
Rochelle says
This is our go to when we have Jerk Chicken. Never fails! I just swap out the scotch bonnet for some Susie’s Hot sauce and i’ve always got the ingredients on hand Thank! Thank you!
tripp says
Hi…I recently discovered your blog, and have saved quite a few of your recipes already. Would it be possible for you to make it easier to “pin” them using pinterest? A lot of blogs have a nifty little “pin” button near the top or bottom of their recipes which make the process a whole lot easier. Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Tripp! Thank you for the suggestion. Please could you check your page again and see if the “pin” button is visible now? Thanks.
Jess says
I made this recipe with all the listed ingredients in a Caldero. The flavors were phenomenal, best recipe I have come across for Rice and Peas. I will try your Jerk Chicken recipe next.
ImmaculateBites says
Fantastic! I am glad you loved it, Jess. Thank you for the feedback !