Perfect Jamaican Jerk Rice at Home
This vibrant, one-pot Jamaican Jerk Rice bursts with island flavors thanks to a medley of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of heat from Scotch bonnet pepper. Whether served as a hearty main dish or an exciting side, its bold Caribbean character transforms everyday rice into a culinary escape to Jamaica—all made right in your kitchen!
Equipment
- Large pot with a tight-fitting lid (or a deep skillet with a cover)
- Cutting board and chef’s knife (for chopping vegetables and herbs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing ingredients)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring
Ingredients
- Rice & Liquids
- 2 cups long-grain rice rinsed well
- 1 can 13.5 oz coconut milk (use light coconut milk for a less rich version)
- 2 cups water adjust if needed per your rice package instructions
- Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 scallions sliced (white and green parts)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- Optional 1 diced bell pepper for added color and texture
- Spices & Seasoning
- 1 –2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning store-bought or homemade – see below
- Optional for extra heat 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust quantity to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Oil & Acidity
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil for extra coconut flavor
- Optional Juice of 1 lime for brightness
- Homemade Jerk Seasoning Optional
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- Mix all the above ingredients together and use in place of store‐bought jerk seasoning if desired.
Instructions
- Prep the Rice:
- Rinse 2 cups of long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, scallions, and thyme. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
- Build the Jerk Base:
- Stir in the 1–2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning (plus the Scotch bonnet pepper, if using). Cook for about 1 minute so the spices become aromatic and coat the vegetables.
- (Optional) Add diced bell pepper at this stage for extra color and crunch.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir to combine with the spiced aromatics, allowing the rice to toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. This step helps lock in flavor.
- Add Liquids & Season:
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Rice:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff:
- Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Stir in the lime juice (if using) and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Jamaican Jerk Rice into bowls. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite protein such as jerk chicken, shrimp, or a medley of roasted vegetables.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan (if using vegan coconut milk and omitting animal products)
- Keywords
- Jamaican jerk rice, Caribbean rice dish, spicy rice, jerk seasoning, coconut milk rice, homemade Caribbean, Jamaican flavors, vegan recipe, gluten-free, one-pot meal, easy jerk rice
- Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.
Notes
Heat Adjustment: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the Scotch bonnet pepper.
Customization: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or extra bell peppers for variation.
Protein Boost: To make it a heartier meal, serve the rice alongside or topped with grilled jerk chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Liquid Adjustments: If using a different type of rice (e.g., brown rice), adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Make-Ahead: Homemade jerk seasoning can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for future recipes.
Enjoy crafting this taste of Jamaica in your own kitchen—each bite delivers a burst of tropical spice and heartwarming comfort!
Customization: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or extra bell peppers for variation.
Protein Boost: To make it a heartier meal, serve the rice alongside or topped with grilled jerk chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Liquid Adjustments: If using a different type of rice (e.g., brown rice), adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Make-Ahead: Homemade jerk seasoning can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for future recipes.
Enjoy crafting this taste of Jamaica in your own kitchen—each bite delivers a burst of tropical spice and heartwarming comfort!