15 Minute Instant Pot Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas
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There is nothing more comforting, nourishing, and deeply loved in my home than Jamaican rice and peas. I grew up eating this classic Caribbean side dish, rich with coconut, thyme, garlic, and warming spices. I always come back to this recipe for a quick Caribbean side. This recipe creates the most flavorful pot of rice you will ever make! Using the Instant Pot makes this traditional recipe quicker and more approachable for busy family life while still keeping the authentic taste and cozy, home-cooked feel.
This dish pairs beautifully with curry chicken, fried plantains, or oxtail stew, or can even be enjoyed on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something so comforting about a pot of Jamaican rice and peas gently steaming on the stove and this Instant Pot version makes it even easier to bring those traditional island flavors into your home. If you love nourishing meals made from real ingredients that feel both special and simple, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
You’ll love this recipe because it:
• Brings authentic Caribbean flavor using simple pantry ingredients
• Cooks quickly in the Instant Pot without sacrificing taste
• Is naturally dairy free and gluten free
• Pairs beautifully with so many main dishes
• Makes enough to feed a family (and tastes even better the next day)
It’s the kind of dependable, flavor-filled side dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something warm and memorable — the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table.ings.
What are Jamaican rice n peas?
Despite the name, “peas” actually refers to kidney beans (or pigeon peas). Traditionally, the rice cooks slowly in coconut milk with herbs and spices until it becomes fragrant, fluffy, and deeply flavorful. This Instant Pot version keeps those traditional flavors while saving time.
Ingredients
Long Grain Rice – you can use any chicken pieces you like I prefer breaking down a whole chicken but chicken pieces like boneless thighs is convenient and the whole family can enjoy it.
Full Fat Coconut Milk – my favorite is garam masala from Laxmi brand they always have quality spices.
Thyme – any plain full fat yogurt will do I prefer using A2 yogurt for it’s digestive benefits.
Green Onion – Fresh ginger is absolutely the best for the bold flavor and aroma fresh ginger brings to Tikka Chicken Masala
Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.
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Tools You May Need
Instant Pot – I love using my blender for this recipe it’s quick and easy.
How to Make Jamaican Rice n Peas
Cooking like a real West Indian means washing your rice 😉 Begin by washing your rice 3-4 times with water,drain till rice water runs clear. Then set rice aside.
In the instant pot add rice, water,coconut milk, thyme, and all other ingredients and aromatics to the pot. Set your instant pot to high pressure cook for 3 minutes
Once the 3 minutes is over do not release the pressure let the pressure cooker natural release pressure for 9 minutes.
After 9 minutes remove the thyme and bay leaf. Fluff rice with a rice paddle or fork an serve with oxtail stew or curry chicken stew for delicious authentic Jamaican flavorful meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid Making Jamaican Rice and Peas
- Cooking rice too long
Add less sweetener to start; you can always add more to balance the taste. - Bursting the Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Always use bottled water or filtered water; tap water has unhealthy additives an metalic like taste that is unpleasant for drinking. - Using dried thyme
Fresh lemons make a big difference in taste. Lemonade tastes better when fresh. - Skipping washing the rice
Don’t skip out on tasting your strawberry, especially when serving a crowd
Helpful Tips
- Do not cut the scotch bonnet unless you want very spicy rice
- Rinse rice well for a fluffy texture
- Full-fat coconut milk gives the best flavor
- Let the rice rest 5 minutes before fluffing
What to serve with Jamaican rice and peas?
Rice n peas pair great with rich stews, like Jamaican curry chicken, brown stew chicken, or my personal favorite, oxtails.
- Jerk chicken
- Stewed chicken
- Curry goat or chicken
- Fried plantains
- Fresh cabbage slaw
Storage Tips
Store in the fridge up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaican rice and peas spicy?
Not usually. The whole scotch bonnet adds flavor without heat unless it bursts. If you want it spicy, pierce the pepper before cooking.
Why is coconut milk used in rice and peas?
Coconut milk gives the rice its creamy texture and signature Caribbean flavor.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! Use one 15-oz can of kidney beans. This saves time and still tastes delicious.
What kind of rice is best?
Long-grain and parboiled white rice work best because they cook fluffy and separate.
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes. Simmer everything on the stovetop for about 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Are rice and peas healthy?
Yes! This dish provides fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats from coconut milk.
More Delicious Recipes from Our Home
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Instant Pot Jamaican Rice and Peas
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long Grain Rice or parboiled rice
- 1 cups Filtered Water
- 1 can Full fat cococonut milk
- 3 tbsp Fresh grated coconut optional
- 2 tbsp Coconut cream optional
- 1 can Canned Kidney Beans traditionally: use red beans or pigeon peas
- 2-3 sprigs Chopped Green onions
- 2-3 berries Pimento berries Spice balls
- 7 sprigs Thyme Fresh thyme only
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is the best choice
- 2 tbsp Chopped Yellow onion Finely chopped
- 2 tsp Grated fresh ginger peeled
- 1-2 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Salt Adjust to tste
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 pepper Fresh Scotch bonnet pepper leave out if pressure cooking
Instructions
- Cooking like a real West Indian means washing your rice 😉 Begin by washing your rice 3-4 times with water,drain till rice water runs clear. then set rice aside.
- In the instant pot add rice, water,coconut milk, thyme, and all other ingredients and aromatics to the pot. Set your instant pot to high pressure cook for 3 minutes
- Once the 3 minutes is over do not release the pressure let the pressure cooker natural release pressure for 9 minutes.
- After 9 minutes remove the thyme and bay leaf. Fluff rice with a rice paddle or fork an serve with oxtail stew or curry chicken stew for delicious authentic Jamaican flavorful meal!
Notes
Helpful Tips
- If pressure cooking I don’t reccomend adding a scotch bonnet prepper as the pressure will burst the pepper and add to much heat to the rice. if you are making this recipe on the stove top scotch bonnet is okay to add.
- In order to make this recipe fast you have to use canned peas or soak and pressure cook your choice of peas the night before.
- The most traditional rice to use iof parboiled or long grain rice. if all you have is jasmine or basmati, be mindful those rices are very fragrant on their own and will change the taste profile of the dish slightly
- When cooking West Indian style meals you much use fresh thyme dried thyme will not give the same flavor and auhenticity as dried thyme.
