Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy coconut rice paired with caramelized plantains, a classic Caribbean side dish that balances sweetness and savory notes. This Caribbean-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs white rice, coconut milk, plantains for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large sliced plantains and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1 tbsp brown sugar into the plantains during the last 2 minutes of cooking until melted and glossy. Fluff cooked rice with a fork, serve immediately with plantains on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains?

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 white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains?

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 Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains 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 Barbadian Coconut Rice with Fried Plantains 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.

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