The Ultimate Shine Rice Recipe – A Caribbean Comfort Dish You’ll Love

When it comes to hearty, flavorful comfort food in the Caribbean, few dishes rival the beloved Shine Rice. This simple yet satisfying one-pot meal is a staple across many Caribbean islands—especially in rural areas where ingredients are limited but flavor is always abundant. Whether you call it Shine Rice, Oil Rice, or Butter Rice, this dish is the perfect representation of how Caribbean cooking turns basic ingredients into something memorable.

What is Shine Rice?

Shine Rice gets its name from its glossy, “shiny” appearance—thanks to generous amounts of oil or butter that coat every grain. It’s typically cooked with a blend of herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic, thyme, onion, and escallion. Shine Rice is often paired with fried fish or stewed chicken or served on its own with avocado and a side of plantains.

Shine Rice Recipe (Caribbean Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (washed)

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil (or 2 tablespoons butter)

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

• 2 stalks scallion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 sprig thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon pimento seeds (allspice)

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole, optional)

• 3 cups water or chicken broth

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or butter over medium heat until shimmering.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, scallion, garlic, thyme, and pimento seeds. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

3. Add the Rice: Stir in the washed rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the rice grains are coated in the seasoned oil. This step gives it that “shine.”

4. Pour in Liquid: Add water or broth, salt, black pepper, and the whole scotch bonnet (for aroma, not heat). Bring to a boil.

5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is fully absorbed.

6. Fluff and Serve: Remove the scotch bonnet, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

   
   

What to Serve with Shine Rice

• Fried or Escovitch Fish

• Brown Stew Chicken

• Curried Vegetables

• Ripe Plantains and Avocado

Tips for the Perfect Shine Rice

• For added flavor, use coconut milk instead of water.

• Don’t skip the pimento seeds—they add that authentic island taste.

• Add mixed vegetables or saltfish for a more filling version.

Final Thoughts

Shine Rice may be simple, but it’s filled with the soul of Caribbean home cooking. It’s economical, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or Sunday lunch, this glossy rice dish is sure to satisfy.

Have you tried Shine Rice before? How do you make yours? Share your twist in the comments or tag us on Instagram at @caribbeanemagazine! 🌴🍴