If you’re tired of boring side dishes, this Pineapple Basil Basmati Rice is about to be your new favorite. It’s fresh, light, and has this perfect sweet-and-herby vibe. I love making this when I want something simple but still a little fancy.
It’s great with grilled chicken, shrimp, or just on its own. Plus, it smells amazing while it cooks.
🍽️ Servings & Time
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe happened because I had leftover rice, fresh basil from the garden, and a can of pineapple in my pantry. What came out was this bright, tropical side dish I now make all the time. It’s a happy accident that stuck.
- Light but flavorful
- Perfect balance of sweet + savory
- Uses pantry + fresh ingredients
- Comes together super fast
- Looks fancy but is SO easy
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Rinsing the rice: Removes excess starch so the basmati stays fluffy, not sticky.
- Cooking the pineapple: Helps release its juices and caramelize the natural sugars.
- Adding basil last: Keeps the flavor fresh and prevents it from wilting too much in the heat.
- Resting the rice: Allows the flavors to settle and the rice to finish steaming.
🛒 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed well
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced small
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional: Lime wedges, extra basil for garnish
Tools:
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Fine mesh strainer
🔑 Pro Tips
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear. This keeps it fluffy, not sticky.
- Use fresh pineapple if you can — it makes a difference!
- Add basil at the very end so it stays bright and fresh.
- Let the rice sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing — game changer.
- Taste at the end and add more salt or a squeeze of lime if needed.
🔧 Tools Needed
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Fine mesh strainer
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap basmati with jasmine rice.
- Use canned pineapple chunks if fresh isn’t available (drain them well).
- Add chopped bell peppers or peas for extra veggies.
- Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a tropical twist.
- Swap basil for cilantro or mint for a new flavor.
🕰️ Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before adding basil.
- Dice the pineapple a day ahead and keep it in an airtight container.
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch and helps it cook fluffy.
2. Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
3. Rest the Rice
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This lets it finish steaming.
4. Sauté the Pineapple
Heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced pineapple and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and caramelizes slightly.
5. Season the Pineapple
Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and soy sauce over the pineapple. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Combine Rice & Pineapple
Add the cooked rice to the pan with the pineapple. Gently stir everything together until combined and warmed through.
7. Add Basil
Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh sliced basil so it stays bright and fresh.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Garnish with lime wedges and extra basil if you want.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it fluffy.
🔥 Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve with grilled chicken thighs and cucumber salad for a fresh summer dinner.
- Pair with teriyaki tofu for a veggie night.
- Use as a side for shrimp skewers at a BBQ.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing the rice—this makes it gummy!
- Overcooking the pineapple until mushy instead of caramelized.
- Adding basil too early so it wilts and loses its color.
- Skipping the resting step after cooking the rice.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Tofu stir-fry
- Coconut shrimp
- Thai or Vietnamese-style dishes
- Fresh green salad
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer and will have a nuttier flavor.
Can I make this without soy sauce?
Totally — swap in coconut aminos or a dash of salt.
Is this spicy?
Nope! But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just drain it well first.
🌟 Wrap Up
I hope you give this Pineapple Basil Basmati Rice a try soon. It’s simple but feels special, and I think you’ll love how fresh and bright it tastes. Leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions!