Description
A vibrant, flavorful dish combining fragrant coconut-infused basmati rice with sweet and tangy pineapple chicken. Loaded with colorful bell peppers and a hint of spice, this tropical meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner that transports you to island vibes.
Ingredients
Coconut Rice
- 
1 onion, finely chopped 
- 
1 tablespoon coconut butter 
- 
10 g desiccated coconut 
- 
200 g basmati rice 
- 
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk 
- 
200 ml water 
- 
Salt, to taste 
- 
Juice and zest of half a lime 
Pineapple Chicken
- 
425 g canned pineapple chunks in juice 
- 
50 ml water 
- 
25 ml soy sauce 
- 
1 tablespoon brown sugar 
- 
1 garlic clove, minced 
- 
1 inch fresh ginger, grated 
- 
Chili flakes, to taste 
- 
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 
- 
Salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste 
- 
1 tablespoon rum 
- 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
- 
1 red bell pepper, sliced 
- 
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 
- 
1 green bell pepper, sliced 
- 
1 celery stick, sliced 
- 
1 tablespoon cornstarch 
Instructions
For the Coconut Rice:
- 
Heat coconut butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. 
- 
Stir in the desiccated coconut and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. 
- 
Add the basmati rice and stir to coat the grains. 
- 
Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt to taste. 
- 
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. 
- 
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and zest. Keep covered until ready to serve. 
For the Pineapple Chicken:
- 
In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks with juice, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and rum. Mix well. 
- 
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. 
- 
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 
- 
In the same pan, sauté the sliced bell peppers and celery until tender-crisp. 
- 
Pour the pineapple sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. 
- 
Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Add slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened. 
- 
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat through. 
Notes
Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
For extra depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or lime juice to the rice.
This dish pairs well with steamed greens or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
