Easy Coconut Lime Rice

Coconut Lime Rice is a vibrant and delectable side dish that transports your taste buds to a world of tropical flavors. Whether you're pairing it with a Veggie Stir Fry or Grilled Chicken, this versatile and easy-to-make rice will elevate any meal, making every bite feel like a tropical escape.

Jump to:

• Why Coconut Lime?
• Ingredients Needed
• What Kind of Coconut Milk to Use
• How to Make Coconut Lime Rice 
• Top Tips for Making Coconut Lime Rice
• How to Serve and Store
• More Coconut Recipes
• Coconut Lime Rice Recipe

Why Coconut Lime?

• The sweetness and creaminess of coconut perfectly complement the tangy and refreshing taste of lime. 
• Coconut and lime flavors can be used in various dishes, both savory and sweet.
• The measurements to make this rice are super simple, just use the coconut milk can!

Ingredients Needed

• Coconut milk - This recipe calls for canned coconut milk, use coconut can to measure the rice and water. 
• Jasmine rice - The jasmine rice should be rinsed before you cook. 
• Water - Or for more flavor use chicken broth.
• Lime - Use both the zest and juice from the lime.

You can also stir or garnish the coconut lime rice with some chopped cilantro, green onion, or coconut flakes.

What Kind of Coconut Milk to Use

• Full-fat canned coconut milk: This is the most common and versatile type of coconut milk used in cooking. And what I'm using for this recipe.
• Reduced-fat or light canned coconut milk: Light coconut milk has a lower fat content than full-fat coconut milk, resulting in a thinner consistency and milder flavor.
• Coconut milk beverage: Coconut milk sold in cartons as a beverage is usually thinner and typically contains sweeteners, filler, or preservatives to make it shelf stable.

How to Make Coconut Lime Rice 

Empty coconut milk into a nonstick skillet and save the can. Measure the water using the same coconut can and add to the pan.

Measure rice using the coconut can and empty into a mesh strainer, then rinse under water. Add rice to the pan with the coconut milk. Season rice with salt.

Stir to distribute and turn the heat up to medium. Place the lid on and allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes over low heat. The rice should still be simmering.

Open the lid after 10 minutes and see if all the liquid has been absorbed. If so, turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 5 more minutes.  If there is still liquid then allow the rice to cook for 5 more minutes, then rest another 5 minutes.

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add lime zest and lime juice, then toss gently. Taste for seasoning and garnish with chopped cilantro if you like.

Top Tips for Making Coconut Lime Rice

• Use a nonstick pan with a lid when cooking the coconut lime rice.
• Jasmine or Basmati rice are ideal choices for making coconut lime rice due to their aromatic qualities and slightly sticky texture.
• Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky and clumpy.
• Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich, creamy flavor. Shake the can well before opening to ensure even distribution of the coconut cream and water.

How to Serve and Store

Serve the Coconut Lime Rice with grilled chicken, shrimp, or with a veggie stir fry.

To store leftover rice, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can also garnish the dish with chopped cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, or thinly sliced green onions for added visual appeal and taste.

More Coconut Recipes