Coconut Cherry Jasmine Rice

J is for Jasmine!

This coconut cherry jasmine rice is a quick side dish made with jasmine rice, dried cherries, toasted coconut, and roasted salted pepitas. 

A touch of orange and fresh cracked black pepper balances the sweet and savory flavors, making this an easy side dish for any meal.

What You’ll Need

• Dried cherries
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Ben’s Original Ready Rice jasmine rice
• Butter
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Roasted salted pepitas

How to Make It

Zest and juice the orange. Place dried cherries in a small bowl and pour orange juice over them. Let soak while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare jasmine rice according to package directions and transfer to a large bowl. Stir butter into the hot rice until fully melted.

Add the soaked cherries along with any remaining orange juice, orange zest, and fresh cracked black pepper. Mix gently until combined.

Top with toasted coconut and roasted salted pepitas before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes. Olive oil can be substituted for butter if preferred.

Can I use a different dried fruit?

Yes. Dried cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dried apricots also work well.

Can I serve this cold?
Yes. This rice can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled. The flavors are slightly more pronounced after it sits, especially the orange and cherries.

This dish pairs well with both grilled and savory mains. Try it with Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken or Smoked Pork Butt for a hearty meal. It also works nicely alongside Lemon Basil Salmon or simple sides like roasted vegetables.

This recipe is part of our Alphabet Challenge series hosted by Wendy. We’re working our way through the alphabet again this year, and you can follow along with all the participating recipes here: Alphabet Challenge 2026. Scroll down to see what the other bloggers are sharing for the letter J.

Coconut Cherry Jasmine Rice

Ingredients

• 1 medium navel orange
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1 package (17.3 oz each) Ben’s Original Ready Rice Jasmine Rice
• 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons roasted salted pepitas

Instructions

1. Zest the orange and set aside. Juice the orange into a small bowl, then add the dried cherries. Let sit while preparing the recipe.
2. Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare jasmine rice according to package directions. Transfer hot rice to a large serving bowl.
4. Stir in butter until fully melted. Add the cherries along with any remaining orange juice, orange zest, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
5. Top with toasted coconut and roasted salted pepitas before serving.

Notes

Adapted from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/jasmine-rice-with-coconut-cherries/

Recommended Products

Microplane Premium Made in USA Zester Grater, 13

Oxo Good Grips Citrus Juicer

Coconut cherry jasmine rice

Make ahead, side dishes, rice dishes

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