Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro

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

Fluffy rice cooked with sweet pineapple chunks and hearty black beans, brightened with fresh cilantro for a tropical side or main dish. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, vegetable broth, fresh pineapple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to toast the rice.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, remove lid and gently fold in 1 cup diced fresh pineapple and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice for brightness. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro 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 Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro?

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 long grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro?

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 Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro 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 Caribbean Pineapple Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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