Go Back
To make coconut lime rice, you need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 cup coconut milk - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Zest of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect flavor. Jasmine rice brings a light, floral note. Coconut milk adds creaminess and sweetness. Lime juice and zest bring a bright, tangy kick. Sugar is optional but can enhance the sweetness of the dish. Salt rounds out the flavors, while fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness. When you gather your ingredients, make sure they are fresh. This will ensure your coconut lime rice is as tasty as possible. Using high-quality coconut milk also makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of cooking with these vibrant ingredients! - Rinsing Jasmine Rice First, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch. Removing starch makes the rice fluffy and light. - Combining Ingredients in Saucepan In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice. Then, pour in 1 cup of coconut milk and 1/2 cup of water. Next, add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and the zest of 1 lime. If you like, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix gently to combine everything. - Bringing to a Boil Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Watch it carefully to prevent it from boiling over. - Simmering for Tender Rice Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. The rice should become tender, and all the liquid should be absorbed. - Steaming the Rice After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This step helps steam the rice and makes it even fluffier. - Fluffing and Seasoning Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Taste it to check if you need to adjust the seasoning. Finally, transfer the coconut lime rice to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch. - Importance of Rinsing Rice Rinsing jasmine rice is a key step. It removes excess starch. This helps the rice cook fluffy. Make sure to rinse until the water runs clear. - Adjusting Liquids for Different Textures You can change the liquid amounts for texture. For creamier rice, use more coconut milk. For drier rice, cut back on the liquid. Experiment to find your perfect balance. - Using Different Types of Rice Jasmine rice is great, but you can try others. Basmati or long-grain rice work well too. Each type brings a unique taste and texture. - Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor For added flavor, consider a dash of soy sauce. You can also try adding coconut flakes or chopped nuts. These ingredients make the dish even more exciting. - Garnishing Ideas Garnish the rice with fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some lime zest on top for extra zing. - Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions Coconut lime rice fits many meals. Serve it with grilled fish for a light dinner. It pairs well with chicken or as a base for a hearty bowl. {{image_2}} You can enhance your coconut lime rice by adding vegetables. Peppers or peas work great. Chop bell peppers into small pieces. Stir them into the rice during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color and crunch. You can also mix in nuts for extra texture. Cashews or almonds are perfect choices. They bring a nice crunch. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them. This step boosts their flavor and makes the dish even better. If you like heat, try spicy coconut lime rice. Add chopped jalapeños to the pot. They infuse the rice with a nice kick. If you prefer, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust the lime to make it zesty. More lime juice adds brightness. Just be careful not to overpower the coconut flavor. Balance is key for a tasty dish. Coconut lime rice pairs well with grilled fish or chicken. The creamy flavor complements the meat. Serve it alongside your protein for a complete meal. You can also use coconut lime rice as a base for bowls. Add your favorite toppings like grilled veggies or beans. This makes for a fun and filling dish. Mix and match to create your perfect bowl. To keep your coconut lime rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first before sealing. This step prevents moisture build-up. How Long Does It Last? In the fridge, coconut lime rice lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells before eating. Techniques for Maintaining Texture When you reheat, you want to keep the rice fluffy. Add a splash of water to the rice. This helps steam it back to life. Microwave vs. Stove Reheating For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. If using the stove, add a little water. Warm it over low heat while stirring gently. Steps to Freeze Properly To freeze, let the rice cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. How to Thaw and Reheat To thaw, move the rice to the fridge overnight. Reheat as described earlier. Adding a bit of water will help regain its fluffy texture. Jasmine rice is the best choice for Coconut Lime Rice. It has a nice aroma and a slightly sweet taste. This rice cooks up fluffy and pairs well with coconut milk. You can also use basmati rice, but jasmine rice adds the best flavor. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan easily. The main ingredients are already plant-based. Just ensure that your sugar is vegan, as some sugars are processed with animal products. Use coconut milk, lime juice, and rice, and you have a great vegan dish! To adjust the recipe, simply multiply or divide the ingredients. If you want to serve more people, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut them in half. Remember to keep the same cooking method and time for best results. Yes, Coconut Lime Rice is gluten-free. The main ingredients—rice, coconut milk, and lime—contain no gluten. It’s a perfect side dish for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Always check your ingredient labels to be safe. You can use light coconut milk, but the rice may taste less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk gives a richer flavor and creamier texture. If you prefer a lighter dish, light coconut milk works fine. Just keep in mind the taste may change slightly. This article covers the delightful aspects of Coconut Lime Rice. You learned about key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips. I shared variations to suit your taste and ideas for serving. Try the simple recipe to enjoy a tasty dish. Remember, experimenting with ingredients can enhance the flavor. Don't hesitate to make it your own! With the right storage, you can enjoy leftovers too. Dive into this dish and impress your family or friends.

Coconut Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this delicious Coconut Lime Rice recipe! This easy-to-follow dish combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with zesty lime for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with any meal. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with fluffy, flavorful rice that's sure to be a hit. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of paradise to your table! #CoconutRice #RecipeIdeas #EasyDinner #TropicalFlavors
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup jasmine rice

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lime juice

Zest of 1 lime

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve fluffy rice.

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, lime juice, lime zest, sugar (if using), and salt. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

      Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

        Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become even fluffier.

          Fluff the rice with a fork gently, and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.

            Transfer the coconut lime rice to a serving dish, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4