Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple Rice Bowl

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

Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in creamy coconut milk with sweet pineapple chunks, garnished with toasted coconut and fresh cilantro for a vibrant tropical side dish. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs jasmine rice, coconut milk, water 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, 3/4 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid until the rice absorbs all liquid and becomes tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes. Then gently fluff with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve the rice bowl garnished with 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and added tropical flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple Rice Bowl 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 Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple 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 jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple 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 Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple 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.

What goes well with Tiki-Style Coconut and Pineapple Rice Bowl?

Caribbean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.