Calypso Rice: A Flavorful Caribbean Side Dish
This Calypso Rice recipe is a flavorful Caribbean side dish made with brown rice, coconut milk, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and perfect for pairing with seafood or grilled meats!
If you’re looking for a vibrant, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish, Calypso Rice is the perfect recipe! Inspired by the tropical flavors of the Caribbean, this dish combines fluffy brown rice with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy coconut milk. It’s the perfect complement to seafood, grilled meats, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: A blend of garlic, thyme, scallions, and coconut milk creates an irresistible taste.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight side dish.
Nutritious & Wholesome: Made with brown rice and fresh vegetables, it's a healthy addition to any meal.
Pairs Well with Many Dishes: Serve with jerk shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients & Their Role in the Dish
Minute Brown Rice (2 cups)
Brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture while being a healthier alternative to white rice.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Used for sautéing, olive oil helps bring out the flavors of the vegetables and herbs.
Red Bell Pepper (½ medium, diced)
Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and a mild crunch to the dish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Enhances the dish with its deep, aromatic flavor.
Carrot (1 small, diced)
Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture contrast.
Celery (1 stalk, diced)
Brings a slight earthiness and crunch to the dish.
Scallions (2 sprigs, finely chopped)
Give a mild onion flavor while adding freshness.
Thyme (4 sprigs, de-stemmed)
A signature Caribbean herb that infuses the rice with earthy, aromatic notes.
Black Pepper (½ tsp)
Adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall flavor.
Dry Vegetable Seasoning or Bouillon (2 packs, optional)
Provides additional depth and umami flavor.
Light Coconut Milk (½ cup)
Gives the rice a creamy texture and slight sweetness while complementing the Caribbean flavors.
Water (1 cup)
Used to help the rice cook to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Parsley (2 sprigs, chopped, optional)
Adds freshness and a light herbal touch.
Fresh Cilantro (2 sprigs, chopped, optional)
Enhances the dish with its bright, citrusy notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it heat up.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced carrot and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, celery, thyme, and scallions. Sauté for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Stir in the brown rice and mix well to coat with the seasonings and vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add the coconut milk, water, black pepper, and vegetable seasoning (if using).
Stir well and cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook for 8 more minutes or until the rice is tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Stir in parsley and cilantro (if using).
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Calypso Rice
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, and cilantro elevate the dish’s flavor.
Don’t Skip the Coconut Milk: It adds a creamy richness that complements the rice perfectly.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste before serving and add salt or extra seasoning as needed.
Pair with Protein: This rice goes well with grilled fish, jerk chicken, or shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
With Spicy Jerk Shrimp – A bold contrast to the creamy coconut-infused rice.
Alongside Grilled Chicken – A flavorful and balanced meal.
As a Vegetarian Main Dish – Enjoy on its own or with fried plantains.
Drink Pairings
Non-Alcoholic: Fresh Mango Juice, Ginger Lemonade
Alcoholic: Piña Colada, Rum Punch
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a rice cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! Add a diced Scotch bonnet pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Calypso Rice
This Calypso Rice recipe is a flavorful Caribbean side dish made with brown rice, coconut milk, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and perfect for pairing with seafood or grilled meats!
Ingredients
- Minute Brown Rice (2 cups)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Red Bell Pepper (½ medium, diced)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Carrot (1 small, diced)
- Celery (1 stalk, diced)
- Scallions (2 sprigs, finely chopped)
- Thyme (4 sprigs, de-stemmed)
- Black Pepper (½ tsp)
- Dry Vegetable Seasoning or Bouillon (2 packs, optional)
- Light Coconut Milk (½ cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Fresh Parsley (2 sprigs, chopped, optional)
- Fresh Cilantro (2 sprigs, chopped, optional)
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Add the diced carrot and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, celery, thyme, and scallions. Sauté for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the brown rice and mix well to coat with the seasonings and vegetables.
- Add the coconut milk, water, black pepper, and vegetable seasoning (if using).
- Stir well and cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 8 more minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed.
- Stir in parsley and cilantro (if using).
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
If you love Caribbean flavors, this Calypso Rice will be a new favorite! It’s creamy, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with many dishes.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Share your pictures on Instagram and tag #Cooksnapbake so I can see your creations!
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham – a cozy, flavorful vegetable side dish made with fresh green beans, smoky ham, and savory spices. The easiest comfort food you'll crave all year long!