If you’re looking to take your rice game to an entirely new level, this Coconut Lime Rice Recipe is the ultimate way to brighten up your meals with fresh, tropical flavors. Imagine tender, fluffy rice infused with creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro that brings every bite to life. It’s simple, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying—a perfect side dish to pair with just about anything from grilled chicken to spicy shrimp or even vegetarian bowls. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a household favorite that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coconut Lime Rice Recipe is in its straightforward, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of creaminess, citrus brightness, and fresh herbaceous notes. Dry rice provides the perfect base that soaks up all the flavorful liquids, while coconut milk lends richness. Lime juice and zest offer a lively tang, and cilantro finishes it off with a lovely green freshness.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The classic rice choice here for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk (full fat preferred): This gives the rice its creamy, luxurious texture and rich coconut flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and enhances the coconut without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice + zest of 1 lime: Introduces a crisp citrus zing that brightens every mouthful.
- 1 handful cilantro (chopped): Fresh cilantro offers a vibrant and slightly peppery note to finish the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and elevating all the other flavors.
How to Make Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by placing the uncooked rice in a sieve and rinsing it under cool running water. This step washes away excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy while ensuring a light, fluffy texture. Keep rinsing until the water runs mostly clear—that’s your signal that the rice is ready to cook.
Step 2: Combine Coconut Milk and Broth
In a medium saucepan, pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Heat it over high, stirring gently to combine until smooth and just beginning to boil. This creamy liquid base will infuse the rice with richness and subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Once your coconut milk mixture is boiling, stir in the rinsed rice, then immediately cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid—this helps the rice steam perfectly and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Let it Rest
After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for another 15 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish cooking in the residual steam and become beautifully tender.
Step 5: Add Lime and Cilantro
Finally, fluff the rice lightly with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The lime brightens the creamy coconut base, while cilantro adds a fresh herbal note, making the dish irresistibly vibrant.
How to Serve Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Coconut Lime Rice Recipe extra special, consider topping it with toasted coconut flakes for added crunch and aroma or some finely sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite. A few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro can also make for a lovely visual and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This rice shines as a side with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken, complementing smoky or spicy main dishes with its creamy and zesty profile. It’s equally fantastic paired with vegetable stir-fries or spicy curries, adding a mellow balance to bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice in hollowed-out lime halves or inside small coconut bowls to really bring the tropical vibe home. You can also use it as a base for a bowl loaded with fresh avocado, black beans, roasted corn, and your favorite protein for a wholesome, colorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent dish to prepare ahead for busy weekdays or meal prep.
Freezing
While freshly made rice tastes best, you can freeze leftover Coconut Lime Rice Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just portion it out beforehand to make reheating easier and avoid moisture build-up when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to restore moisture, then warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop covered with a lid. Stir occasionally to heat through evenly, and you can freshen it up with an extra squeeze of lime or some chopped cilantro if desired.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s tender.
Is it necessary to use full-fat coconut milk?
Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest and creamiest results, but you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version—though it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep it plant-based. The coconut milk and lime will still deliver amazing flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh lime zest?
Fresh zest adds brightness that bottled zest can’t quite match, but in a pinch, you can use a small amount of bottled zest or add extra lime juice for flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can! Combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, broth, lime juice, and zest in the rice cooker and cook according to your machine’s settings—just be sure to stir in cilantro after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Lime Rice Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and flavorful. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exotic, making every meal a little celebration. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself craving it as much as I do!
Print
Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and fragrant Coconut Lime Rice recipe that combines creamy coconut milk with fresh lime and cilantro, resulting in a deliciously aromatic side dish perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 handful chopped cilantro
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Add the uncooked long grain white rice to a sieve and rinse under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir the mixture over high heat until smooth and it begins to boil. Once boiling, stir in the rinsed rice, cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Steam the Rice: After 15 minutes of cooking, turn off the heat but keep the pan covered. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for another 15 minutes; this step lets the rice absorb the liquid and finish cooking through steaming.
- Fluff and Season: Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the rice immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture and flavor.
- Rinsing rice thoroughly helps achieve fluffy rice without clumps.
- Keeping the lid on during cooking and steaming is critical to avoid burning and help the rice cook evenly.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or tropical-inspired meals.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
