Caribbean-Style Raisin Fried Rice Recipe
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Bring the taste of the islands to your table with this Caribbean Raisin Rice recipe! Made with jasmine rice, sweet raisins & colorful bell peppers–it’s the perfect side dish for summer dinners, cookouts, and family gatherings.
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Caribbean-Style Raisin Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful island-inspired rice dish made with fluffy jasmine rice, sweet raisins, colorful bell peppers, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and Sazón Goya con Azafrán for its signature golden color. This easy raisin fried rice recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and makes the perfect sweet-savory side dish for fried chicken, grilled meats, or weeknight dinners when you want bold Caribbean flavor fast.
In Guyanese homes, rice is never just rice; it’s the base of almost every meal. And this Guyanese-style raisin fried rice has become one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time. No one enjoys it more than my 6-year-old, who lights up every time she sees the golden rice with sweet raisins and colorful peppers on her plate. It’s officially a family favorite.
It’s inspired by the warm spices and flavors I grew up with, but made quick and simple for modern weeknights — ready in under 30 minutes. Flavor-packed, sweet and savory, and perfect for serving family or guests, this raisin fried rice brings a little Guyanese comfort and Caribbean sunshine to the table every time.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious rice dishes on the blog like my flavorful Ghanaian Lamb Jollof Rice and the comforting One-Pan Chicken and Rice with Spinach !
Why You’ll Love This Caribbean Raisin Fried Rice Recipe:
Flavorful & Aromatic: Jasmine rice is naturally sweet and fluffy, and when paired with fresh garlic, ginger, and warm spices like turmeric and Sazón Goya with Azafrán , it creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
Vibrant & Colorful: The medley of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sweet raisins, and bright scallions makes this rice dish as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate!
Versatile & Family-Friendly: Serve it as a satisfying vegetarian main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite Caribbean proteins. My kids especially love it with crispy baked chicken or juicy jerk chicken!
Perfect for Summer Gatherings: This Caribbean fried rice is a must-have for BBQs, potlucks, and festive family dinners. It pairs perfectly with all your summertime favorite
Tiffany's Helpful Tips for the Best Caribbean Raisin Fried Rice:
To make sure your raisin rice turns out perfect every time, follow these easy tips:
Use Cold, Cooked Rice: Day-old rice or rice that has been cooled completely in the fridge fries up beautifully, preventing mushy texture.
Prep Your Ingredients: Chop all your vegetables and have your spices ready before you start cooking. Fried rice comes together quickly!
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with 1/4 cup of raisins and adjust depending on your sweetness preference.
Customize the Spice Level: Add your favorite hot pepper or keep it mild for a kid-friendly version.
Choose the Right Rice: Jasmine rice is ideal for its slightly sweet aroma and fluffy grains, but basmati or long-grain white rice works well too.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring until heated through.Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide:
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Caribbean-Style Raisin Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Description
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Caribbean Raisin Fried Rice recipe! Packed with sweet raisins, fluffy jasmine rice, crisp bell peppers, and warming Caribbean spices, this easy-to-make rice dish is perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or as a flavorful side to grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish.
Ingredients
For the rice base:
- 2 cups jasmine rice, washed
- Water, as needed for cooking rice
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp Goya Sazón with Azafrán
- 1 tsp salt
For the stir-fry:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup mixed vegetables (carrots and green beans only)
- 3 tbsp whole kernel corn, drained
- ¼ cup sun-dried raisins (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon (or to taste)
- 4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Yellow Rice
- 1Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly and add it to your rice cooker or pot.
- 2Add turmeric, Sazón with Azafrán, salt, and 1 teaspoon oil.
- 3Add water according to your rice cooker or package instructions for 2 cups of rice.
- 4Cook until tender and fluffy.
- 5Spread the cooked rice onto a tray or pan and allow it to cool completely, or refrigerate until chilled. Tip: Cold rice fries better and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Rice
- 1Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- 2Add the onion, ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and mixed vegetables. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- 3Add the cooled yellow rice and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, breaking up any clumps and coating the grains with flavor.
- 4Stir in the corn and raisins until evenly distributed.
- 5Add the scallions and sprinkle in the chicken bouillon ½ teaspoon at a time, tossing well after each addition. Taste and adjust as needed, then continue stir-frying for 1–2 more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- 6Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste if needed.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- 1Transfer to a serving dish.
- 2Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- 3Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Caribbean Raisin Fried Rice!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~460 kcal
- Protein: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~60 g
- Fat: ~20 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~620 mg
Category: Side DishQuick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Keywords:
Caribbean raisin rice recipe, Easy fried raisin rice, Jasmine rice recipe Caribbean, Caribbean side dish ideas, How to make raisin rice, Fried rice with raisins recipe, Rice dishes for BBQ, Sweet and savory rice recipes, Caribbean food blog recipe.
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