Go Back
To make coconut lime rice, you'll need some simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 cup coconut milk - 1/2 cup water - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish Each of these ingredients plays a big role. The jasmine rice gives a lovely texture and aroma. Coconut milk adds rich creaminess, while lime brings a bright, zesty flavor. You can choose to add sugar for sweetness, but it’s up to your taste. The salt helps balance all the flavors. Fresh cilantro or green onions make a great finishing touch for color and freshness. Gather these items, and you're ready to create a delightful side dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes the extra starch. - Next, combine the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan with coconut milk, water, lime zest, lime juice, sugar (if you want it), and salt. - Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. - Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover it and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You want the rice to absorb all the liquid and become tender. - After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice steam and fluff up. - Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or salt if needed. For coconut lime rice, I always use jasmine rice. This rice has a sweet flavor and a soft texture. It cooks well and absorbs the coconut milk nicely. If you want to try something new, you can use basmati or brown rice. Basmati adds a nutty taste, while brown rice gives more fiber. You can adjust the sweetness and salt levels to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you prefer it saltier, add a pinch more salt. You can also add spices or herbs. A bit of garlic or ginger can add warmth. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint bring brightness to your rice. Coconut lime rice pairs well with many main dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. You can also serve it with veggie curries or stir-fries. For garnishes, I like to use fresh cilantro or green onions. Toasted coconut flakes add a nice crunch, too. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy. Adjusting Sweetness: The sugar in the recipe is optional; taste the rice after cooking and adjust sweetness according to your preference. Steaming for Fluffiness: Letting the rice sit covered after cooking allows it to steam, making it fluffier and enhancing the texture. Garnish for Freshness: Garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish. {{image_2}} You can make tropical coconut lime rice by adding fresh fruit. Pineapple or mango adds sweetness and zest. Chop them into small pieces and stir them in before serving. You can also use different citrus fruits. Try orange or lemon for a new twist. For a kick, add chili or jalapeños to your rice. This gives it a nice heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Balance the heat with sweetness by adding a bit more sugar. This contrast makes the dish exciting and fun. To keep it vegetarian or vegan, skip any animal products. Use coconut milk and water, which are both plant-based. Coconut lime rice pairs well with plant-based dishes. Try it with grilled vegetables or tofu for a complete meal. To keep your coconut lime rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the rice cool to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Label your container with the date to track freshness. The best way to reheat coconut lime rice is on the stove. Add a splash of water or coconut milk in a non-stick pan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps keep the rice moist and tasty. You can also microwave it. Use a covered dish and add a little water. Heat in short bursts, checking often. To freeze coconut lime rice, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Flatten the bag to save space. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned before for the best results. You can pair Coconut Lime Rice with many dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for a light meal. - Spicy curries to balance the flavors. - Stir-fried vegetables for a healthy side. - Fish tacos for a fun twist. - Black beans for extra protein and taste. These options complement the sweet and zesty notes of the rice. Yes, you can use other rice types. Jasmine rice is special for its aroma and texture. Other options like basmati or long-grain rice can work, but they may change the flavor slightly. Jasmine rice cooks fluffy and absorbs flavors well. If you use brown rice, remember it takes longer to cook. Adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed for the best results. To make Coconut Lime Rice creamier, try these tips: - Use more coconut milk and less water. - Stir in a spoonful of butter or cream after cooking. - Add a splash of coconut cream for richness. - Mix in some shredded coconut for texture. These tips will give you a deliciously creamy texture. Enjoy your cooking! Coconut lime rice is simple to make and so tasty. You need just a few main ingredients. Follow the steps to cook jasmine rice perfectly. I shared tips on enhancing flavors and serving ideas. You can even try fun variations for a twist. This dish works well for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with your own touches to make it your own.

Coconut Lime Rice

A fragrant and creamy rice dish infused with coconut milk and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 unit lime zest
  • 1 unit lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 unit fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, lime zest, lime juice, sugar (if using), and salt.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and further fluff up.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and taste; adjust sweetness or salt if necessary.
  • Serve the coconut lime rice warm, garnished with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

Adjust sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime rice