Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet

Name: Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Ideas

I love cooking dishes that are not only colorful but also bursting with flavor, and this Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet stands out as a vibrant, delicious option. It combines fragrant spices with fresh vegetables and rice for a satisfying meal that transports me straight to the Caribbean. The best part? It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something healthy yet indulgent. You can also customize the veggies based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Created by

Verity Langdon

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:41:35.386Z

In my quest to recreate the flavors of Jamaica at home, I discovered the magic of cooking rice in a skillet with vibrant, seasonal vegetables. What surprised me most was how layering the spices early on truly enhances the dish’s depth. Whether I use bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, each bite bursts with a variety of tastes that remind me of my travels to the Caribbean.

Another tip I found invaluable is to use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. It infuses the grains with extra flavor and elevates this simple dish into something remarkable. I love how easy it is to adapt, making it a meal I can whip up any night of the week!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors
Quick, one-pot preparation saves time and cleanup
Easily customizable with seasonal vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet is the long-grain rice, which cooks up fluffy and absorbs the delightful flavors from the spices and vegetables. Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking; this step removes excess starch and helps achieve a perfect texture. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite more satisfying.

Fresh vegetables bring not only color but also a variety of textures to the dish. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables; for example, you can use corn in the summer or butternut squash in the fall. The effectiveness of spices like ground cumin and paprika should not be overlooked, as they infuse the dish with warmth and complexity, creating that authentic Jamaican feel.

Olive oil serves as the base for sautéing, but if you're looking for a twist, consider coconut oil for an extra hint of tropical flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—it's easy to adapt based on your pantry staples, ensuring you get a delicious meal without needing a trip to the store.

Cooking Technique Insights

While cooking the vegetables, it's crucial to watch for visual cues. You want the onion to be translucent, and the other vegetables should soften but retain some crunch—about 5 minutes on medium heat should suffice. If the heat is too high, the garlic can burn quickly, leading to a bitter flavor. A tip I often use is to sauté until the garlic is aromatic but not brown, which keeps the dish well-balanced.

When adding the rice and broth, ensure that the mixture reaches a rolling boil before lowering the heat. Covering the skillet allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the liquid without losing steam. If you find your rice is undercooked after the recommended 15 minutes, add a couple of tablespoons of additional broth and let it steam for a few more minutes. This technique can save an otherwise delicious meal.

After cooking, fluffing the rice with a fork allows for the grains to separate, ensuring a light and airy texture rather than a sticky clump. For extra flavor, you might consider squeezing a bit of fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving, as it brightens up the earthy flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients listed below to prepare this colorful dish.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1 carrot, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

You can mix and match the vegetables according to your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet.

Prepare the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Vegetables and Spices

Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot to the skillet. Sprinkle the cumin and paprika over the veggies, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Cook the Rice

Add the uncooked rice and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Finish and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet warm!

This dish pairs wonderfully with some hot sauce for those who like an extra kick!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in beans or lentils for added protein, or include a splash of lime juice just before serving for a refreshing twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, the Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet holds up well in the fridge for up to four days. Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking.

For freezing, let the dish cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to three months. To reheat frozen portions, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. I recommend stirring in a spoonful of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors before serving.

It's also practical to batch-cook rice separately ahead of time. You can then assemble the skillet by sautéing the vegetables and adding the pre-cooked rice, which will cut down on your cooking time during busy weeknights. This approach ensures you can enjoy a homemade dish without sacrificing convenience.

Serving Suggestions

This Jamaican Vegetable Rice Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with protein options. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans are great additions that blend well with the flavor profile of this dish. If you’re serving it as a side, consider pairing it with grilled fish or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

To elevate the dish, serve it with a side of fried plantains or a dollop of creamy avocado for a delightful contrast in textures. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can also add a tangy twist that complements the spices perfectly.

If you love spice, don’t hesitate to serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños. This enhances the experience by providing an extra kick that can be adjusted to individual preferences, making the meal even more enjoyable for guests who prefer a bit more heat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid by about a cup.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

You can use any seasonal vegetables like spinach, corn, or peas as a substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.