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To make Coconut Lime Rice, gather these simple items: - 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 These ingredients work together to create a creamy and zesty dish. Jasmine rice gives a nice aroma and texture. Coconut milk adds richness and a subtle sweetness. Lime gives bright flavor that makes the dish pop. You can make your dish even better with these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving Adding cilantro brings a fresh taste. Lime wedges give guests a chance to add more zing. Both make your dish look colorful and fun. Coconut Lime Rice pairs well with many meals. Here are some tasty ideas: - Serve it with grilled chicken or fish. - Add it to a stir-fry for extra flavor. - Use it as a base for a bowl with veggies and proteins. These options make your meal complete and enjoyable. The rice brings a tropical vibe to any plate. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold running water. Rinsing helps remove excess starch. This keeps your rice from being too sticky. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Once clear, drain the rice well. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed rice with 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture gently to blend the ingredients. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Watch closely to prevent overflow. Once it boils, lower the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will soak up all the liquid. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit for another 5 minutes. This steaming step makes the rice fluffy and tender. After steaming, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps separate the grains. Add the zest and juice of 1 lime to the rice. Mix lightly to spread the zesty flavor throughout. Serve the coconut lime rice warm. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and add lime wedges on the side. This adds extra zest for your guests. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get the best texture, start with jasmine rice. Rinse it well under cold water. This step removes extra starch, which makes the rice sticky. When the water runs clear, you know it’s done. The perfect cook time is key. Simmer the rice for 15 minutes on low heat, then cover and let it steam. This extra time makes the rice fluffy and light. Coconut lime rice needs bright flavors. Add lime zest and juice after fluffing the rice. This step gives it a fresh, zesty kick. For more depth, try adding a dash of garlic powder or a pinch of ginger. Fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal note when you sprinkle it on top before serving. If you like heat, a few red pepper flakes can spice things up. Avoid overcooking the rice. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Also, don’t skip the rinsing step. This mistake leads to sticky rice. Be careful with the heat. If it boils too fast, the liquid may overflow. Lastly, don’t forget to let the rice steam after cooking. This final step is crucial for the best texture. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your jasmine rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky during cooking. Simmer Gently: Keep an eye on the saucepan when bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to simmer gently, ensuring the rice cooks evenly without burning. Steaming is Key: After removing the rice from heat, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam, enhancing its texture and fluffiness. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish. They not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile of the coconut lime rice. {{image_4}} You can easily add veggies to your coconut lime rice. This makes it colorful and healthy. Try adding peas, bell peppers, or carrots for a tasty mix. Start by sautéing the veggies in a pan with a bit of oil until they are soft. Then, mix them into the rice just before serving. The veggies add crunch and flavor. Plus, they brighten up the dish! If you love heat, spice up your coconut lime rice! Adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños can give it a kick. Add the spice while the rice cooks for a deep flavor. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy. This version pairs well with grilled meats or fish. You can play with herbs and spices to change the taste. Try adding fresh basil or mint for a floral twist. A pinch of cumin can add warmth, while a dash of garlic powder can give it depth. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each variation brings a new twist to this simple dish. To store leftover coconut lime rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to seal the container well. This helps keep the rice fresh. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without waste. Reheating coconut lime rice is simple. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to moisten it. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring often, until warm. If using the stovetop, add the rice to a saucepan. Stir in a bit of water. Heat on low, stirring until it’s hot. Freezing coconut lime rice is a great option for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. I recommend using jasmine rice for Coconut Lime Rice. Jasmine rice has a lovely aroma and a slight stickiness that pairs well with coconut. It cooks up fluffy and tender, making it perfect for this recipe. You can also use basmati rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor. Just remember to adjust the liquid ratio based on the rice type. Yes, you can substitute coconut milk. If you want a lighter option, use light coconut milk. For a dairy-free version, almond milk or oat milk works too, but the flavor will change. If you want to keep it rich, use cream. Always adjust the sugar for sweetness, as some alternatives are less sweet than coconut milk. To make Coconut Lime Rice ahead of time, cook it as usual and let it cool. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a pot with a splash of water or coconut milk. Stir to fluff it up and serve warm. Coconut lime rice is simple and tasty. We covered main ingredients and key steps for cooking. Tips and variations can help you personalize the dish. Remember the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In my view, this dish shines on any table. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors that you love. Enjoy making this delightful side dish!

Coconut Lime Rice Delight

A refreshing and flavorful rice dish infused with coconut milk and 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 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water. This process will remove the excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice thoroughly.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the ingredients are well integrated.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching closely to avoid overflowing.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice should absorb all the liquid, resulting in tender grains.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and enhance its texture.
  • Once the steaming period is complete, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains. Add the lime zest and juice to the fluffed rice, mixing lightly to evenly incorporate the bright, zesty flavors.
  • Serve the coconut lime rice warm, beautifully garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze additional zesty flavor onto their servings.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the rice in small bowls or on a platter, garnished with additional lime slices and sprigs of cilantro.
Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime rice