Caribbean spiced beef cheek with pineapple rice

Caribbean spiced beef cheek with pineapple rice combines slow-braised beef cheek, tender and aromatic with bold spices, served alongside vibrant pineapple rice and fresh herbs for a compelling fusion of sweet, savoury, and fiery notes in every mouthful.

This dish scores a Nutri-Score B based on lean beef cheek, beans, fresh vegetables, pineapple, and herbs. The combination delivers high protein, fibre and micronutrients, with modest saturated fat. Enjoy as a balanced, flavourful meal.

Ingredients

For the marinade

• ½ tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes

For the beef and braise

• 1 beef cheek
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, halved
• 3 celery sticks
• 1 carrot
• 1 garlic bulb, cut in half
• 3 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tbsp allspice
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet chilli, whole
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 500ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp grated nutmeg
• 2 star anise

For the green seasoning

• 3 spring onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• Small pinch Scotch bonnet chilli, chopped
• Black pepper
• Rapeseed oil, to bind

For the pineapple rice

• 300g cooked basmati rice
• 150g cooked red kidney beans
• 300g pineapple, chopped
• 4 spring onions, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 lime, juice only
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Marinate the beef cheek: Blend the marinade ingredients in a bowl, rub into beef cheek, and refrigerate overnight.
2. Sear and braise: Brown the beef cheek in oil in a deep ovenproof dish. Preheat oven to 170°C/150°C Fan/Gas 3½. Add all braise ingredients, cover, and slow-cook in oven for 3 hours until tender.
3. Reduce the sauce: Set beef aside. Place braising liquid on hob; reduce by half. Strain, then return to pan with beef cheek.
4. Make the green seasoning: Blend spring onions, parsley, chives, coriander, garlic, thyme, green chilli, Scotch bonnet, black pepper, and enough rapeseed oil to bind. Set aside.
5. Pineapple rice: Combine rice, kidney beans, pineapple, spring onions, thyme, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a frying pan. Heat with a splash of water for 5–8 minutes until hot.
6. To serve: Divide beef cheek, spoon sauce and green seasoning over the top, serve pineapple rice alongside.

Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz – Bold, spicy Syrah matches the beef’s rich, peppery braise and stands up to fruity pineapple rice.
• Tesco: Tesco Finest Carmenère – Smoky and deep, with hints of black fruit and pepper, enhancing the Caribbean spices and balancing sweet-savoury notes.
• Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Malbec – Supple tannins and juicy red fruit marry well with slow-cooked beef and the aromatic green seasoning.

What can you serve with this

1. Mango salsa: Bright and juicy, mango brings extra Caribbean sweetness and a cooling contrast to heat from Scotch bonnet.
2. Light cucumber salad: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber salad balances rich beef and spicy green seasoning.
3. Grilled plantains: Adds fragrant sweetness and authentic flair, ideal alongside pineapple rice.

FAQs for Caribbean spiced beef cheek with pineapple rice

• What cut of meat is beef cheek? It’s a tough cut from the cow’s face, prized for tenderness after slow braising.
• Can I substitute another meat for beef cheek? Yes, brisket or shin work similarly for a fall-apart result.
• Is this dish spicy? It has a gentle heat from chilli and Scotch bonnet, adjustable to taste.
• Can I make the rice in advance? Yes, pineapple rice can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• How do I store leftovers? Store meat and rice in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat thoroughly before eating.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe’s Nutri-Score is B, determined from its balanced blend of lean beef cheek, kidney beans, pineapple, vegetables and a modest quantity of healthy oils. Key positives include fibre, vitamins, and high protein, with saturated fat and salt kept in check. Nutri-Score is automatically calculated and is a guide only.

Positive Factors

• High in fibre from beans and vegetables
• Plenty of protein from beef and beans
• Rich in vitamin C and potassium from pineapple and peppers
• Low in saturated fat and added sugar

Negative Factors

• Some sodium from beef stock and Worcestershire sauce
• Contains red meat, consume in moderation

The Nutri-Score is generated from the listed ingredients, serving as a practical health reference.