Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl

Name: Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain brown rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Heritage Favorites

I absolutely love making Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl whenever I crave something hearty and flavorful. It's a dish that combines vibrant ingredients like spicy black beans, fluffy rice, and zesty lime, creating a truly satisfying meal. Each bite is a celebration of Caribbean flavors that warms both the heart and the soul. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this bowl, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Elodie Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-13T07:19:36.108Z

When I first decided to try my hand at making a Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl, I knew I wanted to infuse it with as much flavor as possible. I experimented with spices, and discovered that a combination of cumin and smoked paprika set the foundation perfectly. Using a combination of black beans and brown rice elevates the dish with both taste and nutrition, which makes it hard to resist going back for seconds!

One trick I found essential is letting the rice sit covered after cooking for an extra 10 minutes. This allows the grains to fluff up perfectly and absorb any remaining flavors. Trust me, this small detail transforms an ordinary rice bowl into an extraordinary one, bursting with the vibrant and satisfying taste of Jamaican cuisine.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich Caribbean flavors with every bite
Quick one-pot meal perfect for busy days
Packed with protein and fiber from black beans

      

Perfecting Your Rice

Cooking the rice is a crucial step to ensure that it turns out fluffy and tender. When you use vegetable broth instead of water, it infuses the rice with flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Make sure to bring the broth to a boil before adding the rice, and then swiftly lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This allows the rice to absorb moisture gradually, which is key to achieving a light texture. A common mistake is to lift the lid too early; resist the temptation, as this releases steam and can result in uneven cooking.

If you're short on time, using quick-cooking brown rice is a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, as it usually requires less time to become fluffy. Keep in mind that different brands of rice can have varying water absorption rates, so if your rice seems dry before the cooking time is up, you can add a splash of broth and continue cooking until it's tender.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

The combination of cumin and smoked paprika is what truly elevates this dish. Cumin offers an earthy depth while smoked paprika introduces a subtle sweetness and smokiness that complements the black beans perfectly. When adding these spices during the sautéing step, allow them to cook for about a minute until they become fragrant. This process, known as blooming, releases essential oils, intensifying their flavors. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the mix.

For a variation, you can also experiment with fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme in place of or in addition to cumin. Fresh herbs should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their bright flavor, while dried herbs can be introduced earlier in the sautéing process, similar to spices.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl can make a significant difference in the presentation and taste. Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor that brightens the entire dish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, consider substituting it with finely chopped green onions or avocado for creaminess. You can even top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness.

For storable leftovers or meal prep, this bowl can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to reheat, do so gently in a microwave with a splash of broth to prevent dryness. You may also want to serve it with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with an extra squeeze of zest, which can brighten the flavors even further.

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup long-grain brown rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Mix and match your favorite veggies and toppings to customize your bowl!

Instructions

Cook the Rice

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

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.

Combine Ingredients

Add the black beans to the skillet, stirring until heated through. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Fluff the cooked rice and add it to the skillet, mixing everything well.

Serve

Divide the rice mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl!

Feel free to top your bowl with avocado or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Pro Tips

To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or canned beans. This dish also works well as a meal prep option, with the flavors deepening if stored for a day before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lower the carbohydrate content or increase the fiber content of this dish, consider replacing brown rice with cauliflower rice. This swap will give you a similar texture while significantly cutting down on calories. Just sauté the cauliflower rice for about 5-7 minutes until tender, then mix it in with the seasoned ingredients.

For a protein boost, feel free to incorporate cooked quinoa instead of rice altogether. Quinoa cooks in about 15 minutes and packs a nutty flavor that complements the beans beautifully. Also, if you're looking for a vegan option, use vegetable broth as noted in the recipe or water without compromising on taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store your Jamaican Black Bean Rice Bowl, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will maintain its best quality for about three to four days in the fridge. If you wish to freeze it, portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for up to three months; just be sure to label them for easy identification.

When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep the dish moist. Stir frequently until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes, or microwave on medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures that the entire dish is warmed evenly without overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as white rice usually cooks faster than brown rice.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian/vegan?

Absolutely! It’s fully plant-based and packed with nutritious ingredients.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture!

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat before serving.