One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans

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

A fragrant, creamy Caribbean-style coconut rice simmered with black beans and spices for a comforting side or light main dish. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, canned black beans, drained and rinsed, coconut milk 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) 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: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/2 tsp ground allspice, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to coat the grains with oil and spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water, then add 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans 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 One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans?

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 One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans?

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 One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans 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 One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans 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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