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To make coconut lime rice, gather these simple ingredients. Each one adds to the dish's flavor and charm. - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 cup coconut milk - 1/2 cup water - 1 tablespoon sugar - Zest and juice of 1 lime - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma. Coconut milk adds creaminess and sweetness. The lime zest and juice bring a bright, tangy kick. Sugar balances the flavors well. Use fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Lime wedges are perfect for extra zest when serving. Make sure to use good-quality coconut milk. It should be thick and creamy. This will enhance the taste of your rice. If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to use light coconut milk. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a dish that pairs well with many meals. Whether you serve it with grilled chicken or veggies, coconut lime rice shines on your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} Rinsing jasmine rice is very important. It helps remove extra starch. Too much starch can make rice sticky. You want each grain to stay separate and fluffy. To rinse jasmine rice, place it in a bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water. Swirl the rice gently with your hand. This action helps wash away the starch. Pour out the cloudy water. Repeat this step until the water runs clear. Finally, drain the rice well before cooking. Now let’s cook the rice! Start by combining the rinsed rice with coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir the mix to combine all the ingredients well. Next, put the saucepan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb all the liquid. After the rice has cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Keep it covered and let it sit for another 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice steam and become even fluffier. Now, fluff the rice with a fork. This action separates the grains nicely. Finally, add the lime zest and juice. Gently mix everything to blend those bright flavors. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious coconut lime rice! To get the best texture, always cover the pot while cooking. This helps steam the rice well. After cooking, let it rest for five minutes. This extra time allows the rice to soak up moisture and become fluffy. Using different lime varieties can change the taste. Try Persian limes for a sweeter touch or Key limes for a tart zing. You can also add herbs like mint or spices like cumin. This brings more depth to the flavor. A medium saucepan works best for cooking rice evenly. Look for one with a tight-fitting lid. For garnishing, a sharp knife helps cut lime wedges neatly. A fork is perfect for fluffing the rice once it’s done. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice thoroughly removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy and ensuring a fluffy texture. Use Fresh Lime: For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest. The freshness will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Let it Steam: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This helps to steam the rice further, making it even fluffier. Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving. They add a vibrant touch and a burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap jasmine rice for quinoa. This change adds protein. Use the same amount of quinoa as rice. Rinse it well to remove bitterness. Cook quinoa in coconut milk and water, like rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will give you a fluffy and nutty flavor. Coconut lime rice pairs great with chicken or shrimp. For chicken, grill or sauté it in lime juice and spices. Cook until it is tender and juicy. For shrimp, sauté in a pan with garlic and lime juice. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink. Once cooked, mix the protein into the rice. This adds a hearty touch to your dish. To keep it vegan, ensure your coconut milk is plant-based. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. For gluten-free options, check that the sugar is gluten-free. You can also add beans for protein. This keeps your dish tasty and healthy. To keep your coconut lime rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. Coconut lime rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before using leftovers. Freezing is a great option if you have extra rice. Start by letting the rice cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out any air before sealing them. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in a pan with a splash of coconut milk or water. Stir until warmed through. You can get creative with leftover coconut lime rice. Use it as a base for a rice bowl. Top it with grilled chicken or veggies. Another idea is to make a coconut lime fried rice. Just stir-fry with eggs and your favorite veggies. You can also mix it into a salad for a tropical twist. The options are endless! Yes, you can use brown rice. It will take longer to cook. Expect about 40 to 45 minutes. The flavor will be nuttier and less sweet than jasmine rice. This change gives a different taste but can still be delicious. To make it creamier, add more coconut milk. You can start with an extra 1/4 cup at the start. Mix in some butter or a splash of heavy cream too. These will help enhance the texture. Yes, coconut lime rice is great for meal prep. Cook it in advance and store it in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Avoid adding fresh herbs until you serve it. This keeps the flavors fresh. Coconut lime rice is easy to make and very tasty. We covered the key ingredients and steps to create this dish. Rinsing the rice is important for perfect texture. Adding lime zest gives it a fresh flavor. You can also try variations like coconut lime quinoa or add protein for more meals. Store your leftovers well so they last longer. With these tips, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Try it out and have fun cooking!

Coconut Lime Rice

A fragrant and creamy rice dish infused with coconut milk and zesty lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 lime zest and juice of
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to serve Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to steam.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, then add the lime zest and juice. Gently mix to incorporate the flavors.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty pop.

Notes

Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime