Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl

Name: Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Global World Food Favorites

I love making a Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl because it bursts with vibrant flavors and is incredibly satisfying. This dish is not only packed with protein and fiber from the black beans but also has an amazing blend of spices that transports me straight to the Caribbean. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests. I always throw in some fresh toppings like avocado and lime, which truly elevate the dish. Plus, it's super easy to customize based on what I have on hand.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:51:35.443Z

When I first tried a Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl, I was amazed by how it combined hearty textures with refreshing flavors. The secret ingredient that I discovered is the combination of thyme and scotch bonnet pepper. Together, they add a depth of aroma that makes every bite special. I’ve experimented with various spices, but sticking to authentic seasonings really brings this dish to life.

Each time I prepare this bowl, I like to add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. This little trick brightens the flavors even more and makes the dish oh-so-refreshing! Preparing it with coconut rice adds a unique twist and enhances the overall taste, turning any meal into a celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful fusion of Caribbean spices and hearty ingredients
Nutritious and filling, perfect for any time of day
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Rice

Cooking brown rice can be tricky if you're not familiar with its longer cooking time compared to white rice. I recommend rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make it gummy. For this recipe, using vegetable broth adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor. Keep the pot covered during the simmering phase to retain steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly. After 25 minutes, it should be tender yet still slightly chewy – perfect for absorbing the flavors of the black bean mixture.

If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the brown rice in the saucepan with a bit of oil before adding the vegetable broth. Simply heat the oil over medium heat and stir the rice for a few minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This technique develops a richer, deeper flavor profile in the rice, enhancing the entire dish.

Balancing Spices and Heat

The blend of dried thyme and the optional scotch bonnet pepper creates a traditional Jamaican taste that is both invigorating and aromatic. The thyme contributes herbaceous notes that balance the earthiness of the black beans. If you're sensitive to spice, start with just a small amount of chopped scotch bonnet – it can be incredibly potent. You can always add more at the end if you want to amplify the heat. For a milder alternative, use a pinch of smoked paprika instead; it will still deliver a warm, smoky flavor to the dish.

Remember that the sautéed vegetables should be cooked until they are soft and slightly caramelized; this sweetness enhances the dish's overall profile. Cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're fragrant and glossy. Skipping this step can lead to a more one-dimensional flavor in your rice bowl.

Toppings and Variations

One of the joys of this Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl is how customizable it is. Fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped scallions, or pico de gallo add freshness and texture. I also love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for some creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spicy and savory elements of the dish. You can also throw in some grilled corn or diced mango for a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.

For those looking to make the dish vegan or vegetarian, all the base ingredients are already plant-based, which makes this recipe a great option to serve to friends with different dietary preferences. Additionally, you can readily make it gluten-free by confirming that your vegetable broth is gluten-free. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer a protein boost.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

1 cup brown rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Ensure that all your ingredients are ready to go for seamless cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bowl:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, then stir in the thyme and chopped scotch bonnet pepper.

Add Black Beans

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the black beans and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Assemble the Bowl

Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and divide it into bowls. Top with the black bean mixture, fresh cilantro, and squeeze lime over the top before serving.

Savor the flavors of your homemade Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add avocado slices or corn for extra flavor and texture. Adjust the spice level by using less or more scotch bonnet pepper.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the rice and black bean mixture a day ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen without compromising the texture. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat in a saucepan or microwave until warm. It's a quick solution for busy weeknights and guarantees you'll have a nutritious meal ready in minutes.

If you're planning to make a larger batch, you can double the ingredients. Keep in mind that the cooking times for the rice and beans remain the same, but make sure your skillet is large enough when sautéing the vegetables to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Storage and Freezing

Both the rice and the black bean mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just ensure they are cooled completely before sealing them in airtight containers. For longer storage, you can freeze the black bean mixture for up to three months. Portion it out for single servings, allowing you to defrost only what you need for quick, easy meals later on.

To reheat frozen portions, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. This makes the black bean and rice bowl incredibly convenient for meal planning while still tasting fresh!

Serving and Presentation

Presentation is key when serving your Jamaican Black Bean and Rice Bowl, especially if you're hosting guests. Use deep bowls to create a visually appealing layer of rice on the bottom, topped with the vibrant black bean mixture. Garnish generously with cilantro and sliced lime for a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side not only looks good but allows everyone to customize the level of tanginess in their bowl.

For a fun twist, serve the rice bowl alongside a simple side salad of baby greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the beans. You can also provide a variety of hot sauces on the table so guests can add their preferred level of heat, making it interactive and engaging!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but note that white rice will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are plant-based.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the beans and rice in advance, and just reheat when ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for scotch bonnet pepper?

If scotch bonnet is too spicy for you, jalapeño or bell peppers can be a milder alternative.