Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl
A hearty Puerto Rican-inspired dish featuring creamy black beans, fluffy long-grain rice, and crispy plantains, topped with a zesty lime crema for a refreshing contrast. This puerto rican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs cooked black beans, cooked long-grain rice, medium plantains for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked black beans
- 1.5 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 2 medium plantains
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lime
- 1/4 cup crema
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 cups cooked black beans and 1.5 cups cooked rice. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, slice 2 medium plantains into 1/4-inch rounds. Fry in a separate pan until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: To serve, place rice and beans in bowls. Top with fried plantains, a drizzle of 1/4 cup crema, and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Banker's Bean and Rice Bowl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
