This coconut rice recipe is one of my all-time favorite sides! Not only is it full of rich, bright flavors, but it comes together with four simple ingredients and cooks in 20 minutes.

coconut lime rice this recipe

Coconut Milk Rice

This coconut milk rice is a staple in my home, it makes an appearance on our dinner table nearly every week and pairs wonderfully with anything grilled or tex-mex, such as enchiladas verdes and Asian-inspired meals, and such best teriyaki chicken recipe. Plus leftovers make the best pineapple fried rice!

I’ve made this recipe so many times over the years that it’s practically foolproof. My family can’t get enough, and with a five-star review, it’s safe to say readers feel the same!

Coconut Cilantro Rice Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for this coconut lime rice recipe: 

ingredients for coconut rice
  • 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 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. 
jasmine rice with coconut milk in saucepan
  • Remove the pan from the heat and then fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. 
coconut rice with cilantro and lime

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. 

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. 
coconut rice

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. 

Serving Coconut Milk Rice

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

Why is my coconut rice mushy? 

Rice will get mushy when there’s too much water or when it’s cooked too long. Make sure the liquid to rice ratio is correct, and check it at 12 minutes.   

Can you taste the coconut in coconut rice? 

This depends on how much canned coconut milk you put in the rice. This recipe calls for a combination of coconut milk and water, so the taste is very subtle.  

Why is my coconut rice crunchy? 

If your rice is crunchy, there wasn’t enough liquid in the pot, and the rice couldn’t soak up enough to become soft. This may also happen if the heat is too high or if the pan is too large, which can cause the liquid to evaporate before the rice fully cooks. 

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cilantro coconut rice

Coconut Lime Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Side
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

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. 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • ¾ cup coconut milk
  • 1 ¼ cup water
  • 1 lime, zested
  • 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and pinch of salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Stir a few times at beginning to separate the rice, then cook undisturbed, partially covered at a gentle simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. At 12 minutes check the rice for doneness. 
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with more as needed. Taste the rice and add more fresh lime juice if needed.

Notes

  • Rice: If you like, you can rinse the rice before cooking but it’s not necessary.
  • Coconut Milk: It’s normal for the cream and liquid to separate in canned coconut milk. Shake the can before opening or blend the contents of the can until smooth.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¾ cup
  • Calories: 147
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 318.8 mg
  • Fat: 9.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Recipe originally published April 2015.