There’s something about a warm bowl of Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice that instantly feels like a beach vacation. It’s sweet, creamy, a little zesty, and full of those sunny, tropical flavors that make any meal feel special. This dish takes fluffy jasmine rice and simmers it gently in coconut milk until rich and tender, then folds in sweet pineapple chunks, toasted coconut, and a hint of lime for a finish that’s light but deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re pairing it with grilled shrimp, jerk chicken, or enjoying it solo with a spoon straight from the bowl this rice brings brightness and balance to your table. Bonus: It’s vegan, gluten-free, and takes just 25 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice
- Only 7 ingredients – pantry-friendly and budget-conscious
- One-pot convenience – less mess, more flavor
- Naturally dairy-free & gluten-free
- Perfect for BBQs, island-style dinners, or meal prep
- Kids AND adults love it
What It Tastes Like
Every spoonful is a cozy contrast of creamy coconut and juicy pineapple, with fluffy rice absorbing all that goodness. The toasted coconut on top gives it just the right amount of crunch, while the lime juice brightens everything up. It’s like dessert snuck into your dinner plate — without being too sweet.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing and easy to double
- Works well hot or chilled (hello, tropical rice salad!)
- Amazing with grilled, roasted, or spicy dishes
- Meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe
- Full of vibrant, real ingredients
🛒 Ingredients
You likely have most of these on hand:
- Jasmine or basmati rice
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Water
- Pineapple chunks
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Lime juice
- Cilantro (optional)
🧂 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Brown rice – just extend cook time
- Quinoa – for extra protein
- Add-ins – mango chunks, green onions, or chili flakes
- Sweetener – try a touch of honey or agave if your pineapple is tart
- No cilantro? – use mint, basil, or parsley instead
🍽 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Fork (for fluffing)
- Knife and cutting board
👩🍳 How to Make Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice
- Rinse your rice – until water runs clear (this keeps it fluffy).
- Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–18 minutes.
- Turn off heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, fold in pineapple and lime juice.
- Top with toasted coconut and cilantro, serve warm or cold.
What to Serve With This Rice
- Grilled jerk chicken
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Teriyaki salmon or shrimp
- Spicy chickpeas or tofu
- Black beans and mango salsa
Tips for Success
- Use canned coconut milk, not coconut beverage
- Drain pineapple well to avoid soggy rice
- Toast your coconut flakes in a dry pan until golden
- Taste at the end and adjust lime or salt to your liking
- Use day-old rice if making ahead — it holds up even better
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in zip bags for up to 1 month
- Reheat: Add a splash of water or coconut milk before warming
FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the simmer time to about 35–40 minutes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day!
Is it sweet?
It has a naturally sweet vibe, but it’s balanced. You can adjust with more lime or salt if desired.
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice is a warm, sunny side dish made with jasmine rice, creamy coconut milk, juicy pineapple, and toasted coconut flakes. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, it’s the perfect summer pairing for grilled meats, seafood, or plant-based mains.
Ingredients
1 cup jasmine rice (or basmati)
1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
½ cup water
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup toasted shredded coconut
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stir once, then cover and reduce to low heat.
4. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork, then fold in the pineapple chunks and lime juice.
7. Sprinkle toasted coconut and chopped cilantro over the top.
8. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
Keywords: tropical coconut pineapple rice, coconut rice with pineapple, vegan rice side dish, pineapple rice recipe, easy summer rice, coconut pineapple side dish, gluten free tropical rice
[…] time I prepare this Tropical Coconut Pineapple Rice, I’m reminded of how a simple dish can transport us to paradise. The creamy texture, vibrant […]