Coconut Lime Rice

Coconut lime rice is a delicious and bright side dish that goes great with your weeknight dinner. This quick and easy 20-minute dish is made from scratch and is the perfect pairing for Mexican or grilled meals. 

this recipe

What is Lime Coconut Rice?  

This coconut rice recipe is made with long-grain white rice, coconut milk, lime juice, and cilantro. You can easily substitute or add ingredients to match your tastes or use ingredients you already have.

It’s a great rice recipe to pair with anything grilled or tex-mex, such as enchiladas verdes and Asian-inspired meals. Plus leftovers make the best pineapple fried rice. Not to mention it comes together in about 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for this coconut lime rice recipe: 

• Jasmine rice: This long-grain rice is perfect for this side dish.  Basmati rice works great too.
• Coconut milk: Canned coconut milk adds a subtle coconut flavor. 
• Lime zest: Fresh lime zest is added right in before serving. 
• Lime juice: Bright lime juice really kicks up the flavor of this rice.  
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro gives this rice flavor and beautiful green color.    

How to Make Coconut Lime Rice 

Here are brief directions on how to make this coconut lime cilantro rice. For full instructions, see the recipe card below. 

• Combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook on low until the liquid is absorbed. 

• Remove the pan from the heat and then fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. 

Variations of Coconut Cilantro Rice  

Coconut lime rice is very adaptable to your tastes and preferences. You can add or substitute ingredients depending on what you have in your pantry or fridge. 

Try one or a mixture of any of these for a different base flavor.

Rice: This recipe uses jasmine rice, but you can use brown rice, arborio rice, or other short-grain rice. You may even feel like bumping it up a notch and using barley, farro, or quinoa for added nutritional value and to turn it into a complete meal. 

Adjust the cooking time and liquid depending on which type of grain you use.

Mix-ins: Replace the cilantro with parsley, add minced garlic, diced shallots, or scallions to make it even more flavorful. 

Liquid: This recipe uses a combination of coconut milk and water. You can also use chicken broth, water, or coconut water for a more mild coconut flavor. 

What is the Best Liquid to Rice Ratio?  

Have you ever noticed that your rice is mushy or crunchy when you take a bite? This is most likely caused by too much or too little liquid. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much you need of each to make your rice come out perfectly every time. 

• White rice needs a 1:2 rice to liquid ratio. So, for example, one cup of rice for every two cups of liquid. 

• Brown rice needs a 1:2 rice to liquid ratio. This would be one cup of rice for every two cups of liquid. 

How Else Can I Cook Coconut Lime Rice? 

This recipe uses a small saucepan with a lid to cook the rice, but you can use other methods if they’re available. 

Use an instant pot by filling the pot with the liquid and rice, cover, and set the timer. When it’s done cooking, let the steam naturally release for five minutes, then carefully release the rest of the pressure. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve while it’s hot.  

You can also use a rice cooker to make the rice as well. 

Ways to Serve

This coconut lime rice goes well with other side dishes like roasted asparagus with lemon, refried pinto beans, red skin mashed potatoes, or roasted garlic green beans.     

Some main meals that go well with this rice are grilled or Mexican dishes like grilled cilantro lime chicken sliders, ground chicken enchiladas, or chipotle chicken tacos.

FAQs

More Rice Recipes

• Cilantro Rice
• Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
• Mexican White Rice
• Pineapple Rice
• Mexican Beans and Rice

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Recipe originally published April 2015.