Pineapple Rice – Barefeet in the Kitchen

Tangy, sweet pineapple rice with cilantro and lime is a guaranteed win for any pineapple lovers. My family gives it two thumbs up around the table every time I make it.

This is a fun side dish that was originally inspired by this recipe for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. I wanted something sweet and just a bit tangy, and the rice worked out beautifully.

Rice with Pineapple

To say that we’re a family of pineapple lovers just doesn’t even do justice to how much we all enjoy fresh, frozen, or canned pineapple. (And speaking of those options, any of them will work nicely in this recipe.)

The much-loved pineapple was a big hit when I added it to the cilantro lime rice. My family informed me that I should probably double the recipe the next time I make it.

If my boys are at home while I’m slicing a pineapple, the odds are good that it will disappear within moments. I’m just as guilty as they are though, seeing how I’ve been known to demolish a batch of pineapple salsa entirely on my own.

Pineapple rice would also be delicious with Sticky Chicken or Sweet and Spicy Glazed Salmon – or honestly, just about any other main dish imaginable. My boys went a little crazy over this rice and repeatedly told me how much they liked it.

Cilantro Lime Rice

I’ve long been a fan of cilantro lime rice. (I never can resist Chipotle’s rice given the opportunity!) Tart lime juice and peppery cilantro infuse the long, fluffy grains of rice with fabulous flavor in this simple oven baked rice.

That recipe was the inspiration for this pineapple rice with cilantro and lime. While technically, the cilantro and lime are optional here, I highly recommend including them.

The tangy lime is a nice balance to the sweet pineapple and rice and the fresh cilantro adds depth with just a tiny hint of the lemon and pepper flavors that cilantro is known for contributing.

Pineapple Rice

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

• jasmine rice
• pineapple juice
• frozen pineapple tidbits
• kosher salt
• green onions
• fresh cilantro
• fresh lime juice

Pineapple Rice Recipe

Combine the rice, juice, water, pineapple and salt in a large saucepan or skillet with a lid. Cover and bring to a boil. Stir and then reduce to a low simmer and cover with lid.

Simmer for 16-18 minutes, until the rice is tender. Stir to fluff the rice and add the onions, cilantro, and lime. Stir to combine.

Rice Side Dishes

Want to make a perfect rice pilaf? With just a bit of onion and garlic, this easy rice recipe makes an ideal side dish for any main course.

Spicy and flavorful Spanish (or Mexican) Rice can be made with as much or as little heat as desired. It is always a great side dish for enchiladas. And with barely 2 minutes of effort, a simple skillet of rice goes from boring to something special in this Chipotle Lime Rice.

I love the unexpected tang of the lime and the barely-there heat of the chipotle pepper. Like the Spanish rice, chipotle lime rice is another great side for any Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwestern meal.

Fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and sweet onions are sprinkled throughout this buttery, garlicky, Mushroom and Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf.

Did you know that rice can be a terrific dessert too? Sticky coconut rice is amazing when the sweet, creamy spoonfuls of rice are combined with chunks of soft mango.

{originally published 2/24/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/6/24}