Jamaican Style Fried Rice and Peas Recipe
This Jamaican Style Fried Rice and Peas recipe is a must-try. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and savory rice and peas. This dish brings the essence of Jamaica straight to your kitchen. If you’re simply looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this fried rice variation is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Plus, there’s no egg in this recipe, making it a great option for those avoiding eggs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Infused with authentic Jamaican herbs and spices.
- Colorful and Nutritious: Loaded with bell peppers, mixed vegetables, and hearty rice and peas.
- Egg-Free: Perfect for those with egg allergies or dietary preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Health Benefits of Jamaican Fried Rice and Peas
1. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables:
Bell peppers and mixed veggies are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help improve health and boost immunity.
2. Fiber-Packed:
Rice and peas, like red kidney beans or pigeon peas, are rich in fiber. This helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
3. Low in Cholesterol:
This dish is naturally low in cholesterol and can be made with heart-healthy oils like coconut oil.
4. Plant-Based Option:
Without egg or meat, this fried rice is an excellent vegetarian or vegan option. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
Ingredients for Jamaican Style Fried Rice and Peas
Cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas Forms the base of the dish, providing a flavorful, hearty foundation with a touch of coconut and spices.
Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil Used for frying and enhancing the dish’s richness; coconut oil adds a distinct island flavor.
Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the dish while building the flavor base.
Garlic Brings a robust, aromatic quality that enhances the overall savory profile.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper Adds heat and authentic Jamaican spice to the dish; can be adjusted based on preference.
Bell Pepper Provides sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color, enhancing both flavor and presentation
Mixed Vegetables Boosts nutritional value and adds texture and color variety.
Scallion (Green Onions) Brings a mild onion flavor with a fresh, slightly sharp note.
Fresh Thyme Adds earthy, aromatic undertones essential to authentic Caribbean cooking.
All-Purpose Seasoning Provides a balanced mix of herbs and spices for a well-rounded flavor.
Paprika Adds subtle sweetness and a mild smoky undertone while enhancing color.
Black Pepper Adds mild heat and sharpness to balance other seasonings.
Salt Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Mushroom Soy Sauce (Optional) Contributes umami and a slight saltiness while giving the rice a richer color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting, ensure all your vegetables are washed, chopped, and ready. Having your cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas prepared in advance will make this dish come together quickly.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or coconut oil over medium heat. Coconut oil adds a delightful island flavor, enhancing the dish’s authenticity.
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be cautious with the scotch bonnet pepper; its heat is potent.
Add Bell Peppers and Mixed Vegetables
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and mixed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
Season Generously
Add the fresh thyme, scallion, all-purpose seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables.
Stir in Rice and Peas
Add your cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated evenly and absorbs the seasonings.
Add Soy Sauce (Optional)
For a subtle umami flavor, add soy sauce. This is optional but enhances the dish, giving it a slightly darker hue and deeper taste.
Final Stir and Serve
Toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve hot.
What to Serve with Jamaican Style Fried Rice and Peas
This fried rice is a versatile side or main dish that pairs perfectly with various Jamaican favorites:
- Jerk Chicken: Spicy and smoky, this classic Jamaican dish balances the savory rice.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains add a delightful contrast.
- Brown Stew Chicken: Rich and hearty, perfect for soaking up the flavorful rice.
Tips for the Perfect Jamaican Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice
Cold, day-old rice works best as it’s firmer and less sticky. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool for about 30 minutes before frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed.
Adjust the Heat Level
Scotch bonnet peppers are hot. For milder spice, remove the seeds or substitute with milder peppers.
Fresh Herbs Matter
Fresh thyme and scallion elevate the flavors. Dried herbs can work but won’t deliver the same vibrant taste.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to restore freshness.
Freezing
Allow the fried rice to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use any type of rice for this recipe?
While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can use brown rice for a healthier twist. Day-old rice works best to prevent stickiness.
How can I reduce the heat level?
If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet pepper or substitute it with a milder chili like jalapeño or bell pepper.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Jamaican Fried Rice and Peas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil.
Can I freeze this fried rice?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I add for extra protein?
While this recipe is vegetarian, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Is soy sauce necessary?
Soy sauce is optional; it adds a touch of umami and color, but the dish is flavorful without it.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or snap peas work well in this dish.
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”” Matthew 18:20 NKJV
WISDOM
As believers in Jesus Christ in these last of days, it is hard to find a good church. Thankfully Christ gave us this verse to keep in remembrance. We must remember we are the church. Not a building. Anytime we gather together with 2 or more people, and get into our Fathers word, Jesus is in the midst. The Holy Spirit will teach us, we will feel his presence. We can have church anywhere at anytime. Fellowship with one another. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Sing songs and praise him. Spend time in the word with your family, your friends. Invite people into your home to get into his word and start having church with everyone. Get to know our lord and savior anywhere at anytime. Gather in his name and He will be in the midst.
Jamaican Style Fried Rice and Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas (link to your recipe)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion , chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper , finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 large bell pepper , chopped (any color or mixed)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas, etc.)
- 3 stalks scallion (green onions), chopped
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for a hint of umami)
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Before starting, ensure all your vegetables are washed, chopped, and ready. Having your cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas prepared in advance will make this dish come together quickly.
Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or coconut oil over medium heat. Coconut oil adds a delightful island flavor, enhancing the dish’s authenticity.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be cautious with the scotch bonnet pepper; its heat is potent.
Add Bell Peppers and Mixed Vegetables
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers and mixed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
Season Generously
- Add the fresh thyme, scallion, all-purpose seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables.
Stir in Rice and Peas
- Add your cooked Jamaican Rice and Peas to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated evenly and absorbs the seasonings.
Add Soy Sauce
- For a subtle umami flavor, add soy sauce. This is optional but enhances the dish, giving it a slightly darker hue and deeper taste.
Final Stir and Serve
- Toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Nutrition
Comments (1)
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February 27, 2025 at 7:31 pm
It was a hit!!!! My daughter is allergic to eggs and this no egg recipe was perfect !
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