Say Goodbye To Boring Rice And Beans (3 Recipes)

Say Goodbye To Boring Rice And Beans (3 Recipes) is a medium Latin American / Caribbean Fusion recipe that serves 12. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 24 min | Cook: 2 hrs 13 min | Total: 4 hrs

Cost: $33.24 total, $2.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Long-Grain White Rice (divided equally for three recipes; rinse three times each batch)
  • 6 tablespoons Avocado Oil (for toasting rice in all three dishes)
  • 1 Poblano Pepper (seeded and roughly chopped for green rice sauce)
  • 2 Jalapeño Pepper (1 for green sauce, 1 red jalapeño for red rice; seeded)
  • 2 Yellow Onion (1 diced for red rice, 1 diced for Caribbean rice)
  • 8 Garlic Cloves (2 for green sauce, 2 for red rice, 2 for Caribbean rice, plus extra for flavor)
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro (loosely packed, divided between sauces and garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Italian Parsley (fresh, added to green sauce for color)
  • 5 cups Chicken Stock (use vegetable stock for vegetarian version)
  • 1 can Goya Black Beans (canned) (15‑oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes (roughly chopped for red rice puree)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (dry‑sautéed 5 minutes before adding to rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (for red rice sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for red rice sauce)
  • 1 can Goya Pinto Beans (canned) (15‑oz, heated and drained)
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (for Caribbean rice aromatics)
  • 1/2 Habanero Pepper (seeded, minced; adjust for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (optional, for Caribbean rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice (key Caribbean flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar (balances Caribbean heat)
  • 1 can Coconut Milk (13.5‑oz, full‑fat for richness)
  • 1.5 cans Goya Kidney Beans (canned) (15‑oz each, heated and drained)
  • 5.75 cups Water (for cooking Caribbean rice (2 ¾ cups water per 2 cups rice))
  • to taste Salt (adjust based on stock salinity)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Drain Rice (All Three Batches)

    Measure 2 cups of rice for each recipe (total 6 cups). Place rice in a bowl, add a splash of water, swirl with fingertips for 10 seconds, pour off. Repeat three times. Transfer to a strainer and let drain for about 12 minutes.

    Time: PT17M

  2. Prepare Green Rice Sauce

    Core and roughly chop 1 poblano pepper and 1 jalapeño. Roughly chop ½ yellow onion, 2 garlic cloves, a handful of cilantro and Italian parsley. Blend together with 1 cup chicken stock until smooth.

    Time: PT12M

  3. Toast Green Rice

    Heat 2 Tbsp avocado oil in a medium pot over medium‑high heat. Add the drained rice, stirring constantly, and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Cook Green Rice

    Add 2 cups hot chicken stock and the blended green sauce to the toasted rice. Increase heat to high, bring to a rapid boil for 2 minutes, then lower to the lowest setting and cover. Steam for 15 minutes, then turn off heat and let steam (heat off) for another 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

    Time: PT32M

    Temperature: High then Low

  5. Finish Green Rice with Beans

    While rice is steaming, heat 1 can Goya black beans in a small saucepan, then drain. Gently fold the beans into the cooked green rice.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Prepare Red Rice Sauce

    Dice 1 onion and sauté in 2 Tbsp avocado oil for ~10 minutes until soft and lightly colored. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, cook 30 seconds. In a blender, combine 2 Roma tomatoes, 2 Tbsp tomato paste (dry‑sautéed 5 minutes), 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 cup chicken stock; blend until smooth.

    Time: PT12M

  7. Toast Red Rice

    Add the second 2‑cup batch of drained rice to the pot with the sautéed onion‑garlic mixture. Toast lightly for about 6 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Cook Red Rice

    Stir in the blended tomato sauce and an additional splash of water if needed. Add 1 red jalapeño (halved) and a few sprigs of cilantro. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then lower to low, cover, and steam 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let steam another 15 minutes.

    Time: PT32M

    Temperature: High then Low

  9. Finish Red Rice with Beans

    Heat 1 can Goya pinto beans, drain, and fold into the red rice.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Cook Caribbean Rice Base

    In a clean pot, combine 2 cups drained rice with 2 ¾ cups water. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat (about 4 minutes), then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: High then Low

  11. Prepare Caribbean Aromatics

    While rice simmers, melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and a pinch of salt; sauté until translucent (~10 minutes). Add 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ habanero (minced), 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp allspice, and 1 tsp brown sugar; cook 30 seconds.

    Time: PT10M30S

    Temperature: Medium

  12. Add Coconut Milk and Beans

    Stir in 1 can coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil for 5 minutes to thicken. Add 1.5 cans Goya kidney beans (heated in their liquid), cook 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  13. Combine Caribbean Rice and Bean Mixture

    When the plain rice has finished its 10‑minute low simmer, fluff with a fork, then gently fold in the coconut‑bean sauce. Cover the pot again and let steam off‑heat for 6‑7 minutes for extra fluffiness.

    Time: PT7M

  14. Serve All Three Rice & Bean Dishes

    Plate each rice variety in separate bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or the cooked jalapeño pieces if desired. Serve hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
65 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (use vegetable stock), Vegan (use vegetable stock and no animal‑derived broth), Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Coconut

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Say Goodbye To Boring Rice And Beans (3 Recipes)

Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook

Three cheap, flavor‑packed rice‑and‑bean dishes – herb‑green rice with black beans, bold red tomato rice with pinto beans, and creamy Caribbean coconut rice with kidney beans. Each recipe uses a simple toasting technique for extra depth, and all are made with pantry staples and a can of Goya beans.

MediumLatin American / Caribbean FusionServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
44m
Prep
2h 11m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$33.24
Total cost
$2.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinsing rice three times to remove excess starch
  • Toasting rice in oil before adding liquid
  • Keeping the lid on during the 15‑minute steam and the subsequent 15‑minute off‑heat steam
  • Avoiding over‑cooking garlic in the red rice to prevent bitterness
  • Handling hot chilies with care to prevent skin irritation

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep the pot partially covered.
  • Chilies contain capsaicin; wear gloves when handling habanero or jalapeño.
  • Steam from the covered pot is extremely hot – open lid away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of green rice with beans in Latin American cuisine?

A

Green rice, often called "arroz verde," originates from Mexican and Central American home cooking where blended herbs and peppers are used to give rice a vibrant color and fresh flavor. It is traditionally served alongside beans as a hearty, inexpensive staple for families.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of red rice in Mexican cuisine?

A

Red rice, known as "arroz rojo," varies by region: in the Yucatán it may include achiote for a deeper orange hue, while in central Mexico tomato puree and chicken broth are common. The version in this recipe uses fresh tomatoes and tomato paste for a bright, slightly sweet flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Caribbean rice and peas traditionally prepared, and how does this recipe differ?

A

Traditional Caribbean rice and peas cooks dried pigeon peas or kidney beans together with coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers in a single pot. This recipe shortcuts the process by using canned beans and a habanero, but retains the essential coconut‑milk richness and spice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is green rice with beans traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Green rice often appears at family gatherings, birthdays, and everyday meals because it’s quick, affordable, and can be made in large batches. Its bright color makes it a festive side for celebrations like Día de los Muertos or holiday feasts.

cultural
Q

What other Latin American dishes pair well with the red rice and pinto beans from this video?

A

Red rice pairs beautifully with grilled carne asada, chicken fajitas, or a simple avocado salad. Its robust flavor also complements enchiladas, chiles rellenos, or a side of refried beans.

cultural
Q

Why does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook toast the rice before adding liquid?

A

Toasting coats each grain with oil, creating a nutty flavor and a protective barrier that helps the rice stay separate during steaming. This technique also deepens the overall taste, especially for the flavored green and red rice varieties.

technical
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Caribbean coconut rice with beans?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the aromatics, which can make the dish bitter, and adding too much liquid, which results in mushy rice. Also, failing to steam the rice off‑heat will prevent the fluffy texture.

technical
Q

How do I know when the green rice is done cooking?

A

When the 15‑minute low‑heat steam is complete, the rice should be fully tender, each grain separate, and emit a fragrant herbaceous aroma. A quick taste should reveal no hard center.

technical
Q

Can I make the red rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the red rice can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock to restore moisture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specializes in budget‑friendly, high‑flavor home cooking tutorials that focus on simple techniques, pantry staples, and creative twists on classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook's approach to Latin American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

ThatDudeCanCook emphasizes inexpensive, quick‑prep methods like toasting rice and using canned beans, while still delivering authentic flavor profiles. Unlike many channels that focus on elaborate plating, this channel prioritizes practicality for everyday home cooks.

channel
Q

What other Latin American recipes is the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook known for?

A

ThatDudeCanCook is known for recipes such as budget‑friendly chicken enchiladas, quick‑cook black bean soup, and a one‑pot Mexican quinoa bowl, all featuring cost‑effective ingredients and straightforward steps.

channel

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