Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cashew Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish or main that brings sunshine to your table any time of year. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with an irresistible tropical twist that makes it both exciting and comforting.
This dish takes inspiration from Southeast Asian and Caribbean cuisines, combining fragrant jasmine rice with coconut milk, juicy pineapple chunks, crunchy roasted cashews, and a hint of lime. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something memorable.
One of the things that makes this rice dish special is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main. It’s also ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer cookouts.
Using coconut milk instead of plain water to cook the rice adds a luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness that complements the tangy pineapple and buttery cashews beautifully.
The cashews offer a delightful crunch and toasty flavor that balances the overall texture of the dish. You can also use roasted almonds or peanuts for variation.
Fresh pineapple is ideal for the brightest flavor, but canned pineapple works just as well and makes this recipe even quicker to prepare.
A touch of lime juice at the end elevates all the flavors, making the dish feel fresh and light despite the richness of the coconut milk.
Aromatics like garlic, scallions, and a bit of ginger add complexity and savory depth, preventing the dish from being overly sweet.
This rice can be made ahead of time and served warm or cold, which makes it a great option for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs without compromising on taste.
This dish is also a great way to get kids excited about new flavors—sweet pineapple and crunchy nuts can be a fun introduction to tropical cuisine.
It’s colorful, cheerful, and full of textures—every bite has something interesting and delicious going on.
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cashew Rice is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of bright ingredients and global flavors that will transport your taste buds.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy summer evening or using it to perk up a dreary winter day, this rice dish is sure to put a smile on your face.
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites whenever you’re craving something easy, flavorful, and a little exotic.
Servings
4 servings
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 more minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add scallions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pineapple and soy sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to slightly caramelize.
- Gently stir in cooked rice and cashews. Mix until well combined and heated through.
- Squeeze lime juice over the rice, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve warm or chilled.
Tips
- For added protein, toss in cooked shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken.
- Toast raw cashews in a dry skillet if you don’t have roasted ones.
- Use brown jasmine rice for a fiber-rich alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Add chopped red bell pepper or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This rice dish is a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy, with just enough texture to keep things interesting. It’s quick, easy, and makes any meal feel a little more special with its tropical flair. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests.
Summary
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Cashew Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with creamy coconut, juicy pineapple, and crunchy cashews. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side or vegetarian main for any season.
