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.

pineapple and rice in white bowl over blue napkin - 1

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.

Loading - 2 Loading - 3 overhead shot of cilantro lime rice with pineapple - 4

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.

rice cooked in pineapple juice - 5

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
adding pineapple and cilantro to pot of rice - 6

Pineapple Rice Recipe

Combine the rice, juice, water, 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 pineapple, onions, cilantro, and lime. Stir to combine.

pot of pineapple cilantro lime rice on stovetop - 7

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.

white bowl holding rice with pineapple - 8

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

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 cup jasmine rice
  • ▢ ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • ▢ 1 cup water
  • ▢ ½ cup frozen pineapple tidbits if using canned tidbits, reduce the above water by ¼ cup
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ▢ 4 green onions very thinly sliced, about ¼ cup
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro adjust to taste OPTIONAL
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice adjust to taste OPTIONAL

Instructions

  • Combine the rice, juice, water, 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 pineapple, onions, cilantro, and lime. Stir to combine.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Pineapple Rice - 9

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

close up of bowl holding rice with cilantro, pineapple, and lime - 10 overhead shot of cilantro lime rice with pineapple - 11

Pineapple Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup frozen pineapple tidbits if using canned tidbits, reduce the above water by ¼ cup
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 green onions very thinly sliced, about ¼ cup
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro adjust to taste OPTIONAL
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice adjust to taste OPTIONAL

Instructions

  • Combine the rice, juice, water, 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 pineapple, onions, cilantro, and lime. Stir to combine.

Nutrition

Pineapple Rice https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/pineapple-rice-with-cilantro-and-lime-recipe/