![To make coconut lime rice, you need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of taste. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1 cup water - 1 tablespoon lime zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - ½ teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Each ingredient adds its unique touch. Jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma and texture. Coconut milk brings a rich creaminess that pairs well with lime. The lime zest and juice add a bright, zesty kick. Sugar balances the flavors, while salt enhances them. Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness to your dish. Lime wedges on the side allow for an extra burst of flavor when serving. For the full recipe, check out the steps below to bring this dish to life! - Rinse the jasmine rice. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key because it removes excess starch. Rinsing helps the rice become fluffy and not sticky. - Combine ingredients in saucepan. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar if you want it sweeter. Stir gently to blend all the ingredients well. - Bring to boil and simmer. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Wait for the mixture to boil. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. - Let sit and fluff the rice. After 15 minutes, check if the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for another 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to steam and become perfect. After that, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. - Stir in lime zest and juice. Add the lime zest and fresh lime juice to the fluffy rice. Gently mix it in to ensure every grain is coated with that zesty flavor. - Adjust seasoning to taste. Now is the time to taste your dish. If you want more flavor, add a bit more salt or lime juice. Adjust it to match your taste. Enjoy your coconut lime rice as a tasty side for any meal! You can find the full recipe [here]. Rinsing rice is key for great coconut lime rice. It removes extra starch. This makes the rice fluffy, not sticky. To prevent sticking, use the right water ratio. Jasmine rice needs about one cup of water for every cup of rice. Stir the rice gently when you first add it to the pot. After that, don’t stir again while it cooks. Let it simmer in peace. You can add spices or herbs to boost flavor. Try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander for warmth. Fresh herbs like cilantro will add brightness, too. If you want a sweeter rice, add a teaspoon of sugar. This balances the tangy lime. Adjust to your taste. Some like it sweeter, while others prefer a bolder lime flavor. Coconut lime rice pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. The creamy coconut complements spicy foods well. For gatherings, present the rice in a colorful bowl. Top it with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. This makes a bright, inviting dish. Serve it warm for the best flavor. For a detailed cooking guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the rice type to fit your taste. Here are some options: - Basmati rice: It has a nice aroma and fluffy texture. - Brown rice: This adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. If you need a non-dairy option for coconut milk, try these: - Almond milk: It gives a light flavor. - Soy milk: This option is rich and creamy. To make coconut lime rice even better, consider adding extras: - Vegetables: Mix in peas, bell peppers, or corn for color and crunch. - Proteins: Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal. You can also play with citrus flavors. Try using lemon or orange instead of lime. Each will give a unique twist to the dish. Making coconut lime rice fit different diets is simple: - Gluten-free: This recipe is already gluten-free! Just check your ingredients. - Vegan options: All ingredients are vegan-friendly, so no changes are needed. By making these variations, you can create a dish that suits your needs and tastes. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover coconut lime rice, let it cool to room temperature. Place the rice in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. When reheating, you have a few choices. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a little water in a pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the rice from drying out. To freeze the rice, first make sure it’s completely cooled. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Push out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge for a few hours to thaw. For quick thawing, you can microwave it directly. Just remember to add a bit of water to keep it moist while reheating. How can I make coconut lime rice creamier? To make coconut lime rice creamier, add more coconut milk. You can replace some water with coconut milk. This gives the rice a richer taste. A touch of butter can also help. Mix it in after cooking for a nice finish. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the water and cooking time. Use 1.5 cups of water for each cup of brown rice. Cook it for about 40-45 minutes. What if I don’t have fresh limes? If you don’t have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice. Use about 1 tablespoon of juice for every lime needed. You can also use lemon juice as a substitute. It gives a similar tangy flavor. How to scale the recipe for larger servings? To scale the recipe, simply multiply the ingredients. For example, for eight servings, use 2 cups of rice and double the other ingredients. Cook it in a larger pot. Ensure you have enough space for the rice to expand. What are the calorie counts for this dish? Coconut lime rice has around 250 calories per serving. This includes the rice, coconut milk, and lime. The calories may change if you add ingredients like sugar or butter. Is coconut lime rice healthy? Yes, coconut lime rice can be healthy. It uses whole ingredients like rice and coconut milk. While it has some fat, it is also filling. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced meal. You have the tools to create delicious coconut lime rice. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking process. Remember to rinse the rice for the best texture. You can enhance flavors with herbs and spices as you choose. Don't forget the variations for dietary needs. Store leftovers properly, and get tips on reheating. Coconut lime rice is a tasty side dish with lots of options. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish your own!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7cfc701d-0de0-4a99-a269-d75f0529b348.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures fluffier rice.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir gently to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. This helps the rice to steam fully.
After resting, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest and lime juice gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice according to your preference.
Serve the coconut lime rice warm, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and alongside lime wedges for an extra zing!
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4