Tropical Island Coconut Pepper Rice for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

Tropical Island Coconut Pepper Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Infused with coconut milk and colorful bell peppers, it offers a delightful balance of creaminess and spice that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Jasmine Rice (substitute with basmati or long-grain rice if desired)
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (use full-fat for richness)
• 1 cup Water (use equal parts with coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (can be substituted with other oils)
• 1 cup Green Bell Pepper (substitute with yellow or orange for added sweetness)
• 1 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 1 medium Onion (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 2 cloves Garlic (fresh garlic preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
• 2 pieces Lime Wedges (to serve)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, and water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in black pepper, salt, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using), mixing well to combine.
6. Step 6: Gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the vegetable mixture, taking care not to mash the rice.
7. Step 7: Cook on low heat for an additional 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Add a sprinkle of lime zest over the finished dish for a refreshing citrus twist.
• For extra protein, stir in cooked shrimp or chickpeas before folding in the rice.
• Use different colored bell peppers or add diced pineapple for added tropical sweetness.
• Substitute coconut oil with olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rice for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati or any long-grain rice. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for gluten intolerant diets.

Tropical Island Coconut Pepper Rice for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

Tropical Island Coconut Pepper Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe combines fragrant jasmine rice cooked in creamy coconut milk with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a hint of spices like turmeric and black pepper. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with lime wedges, this one-pot meal offers a delicious tropical twist that is both comforting and nutritious.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tropical, Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rice

• 1 cup Jasmine Rice (substitute with basmati or long-grain rice if desired)
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (use full-fat for richness)
• 1 cup Water (equal parts with coconut milk)

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (can be substituted with other oils)
• 1 cup Green Bell Pepper (substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers for added sweetness)
• 1 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 1 medium Onion (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 2 cloves Garlic (fresh garlic preferred)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (adjust according to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 2 pieces Lime Wedges (serve with the dish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, and water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Sauté onions: In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add garlic and peppers: Add minced garlic and sliced green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain slight crunch.
5. Season the vegetables: Stir in freshly ground black pepper, salt, turmeric powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the spices.
6. Combine rice and vegetables: Gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the vegetable mixture, taking care not to mash the rice grains.
7. Heat through: Cook on low heat for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the rice with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

• Add a sprinkle of lime zest for a refreshing twist to enhance the citrus flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
• You can substitute coconut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
• Adjust turmeric and red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to taste.
• This recipe works well with other rice varieties such as basmati or long-grain rice.

Keywords: coconut rice, bell pepper rice, tropical rice recipe, quick weeknight dinner, jasmine rice coconut milk, vegetarian rice dish, easy rice recipes