Coconut Lime Rice

My fluffy, creamy and zesty Coconut Lime Rice with toasted coconut and cilantro is an easy side dish that is quick to make and will jazz up any meal!

Coconut and lime together help turn a simple white rice dish into something special! This easy side is bursting with flavour and can be served with all of your favourite meals.

My recipe for coconut lime rice is super creamy and irresistible and the lime juice really makes it pop, cutting through the richness of the coconut milk and adding a punch of flavour you’ll love!

Jump to:

• What ingredients do I need?
• How to make coconut lime rice
• Success tips
• Ways you can adapt this recipe
• What goes with coconut lime rice?
• Storage, freezing and reheating tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Hungry for more? 
• 📖 Recipe
• Comments

What ingredients do I need?

This is what you’ll be needing to make this recipe:

• Long grain white rice: Any long-grain white rice will do but jasmine or basmati lend themselves to the recipe best.  Don't use short grain rice.
• Coconut milk: Canned coconut milk is always in my pantry, as it’s a versatile ingredient and helps make vegan dishes super creamy. Both full-fat and light versions will work in this recipe. Using the full-fat variety will make your rice taste extra creamy.
• Water: To help create an evenly cooked dish and keep the rice fluffy.
• Limes: You need both the lime zest and juice in this recipe. If you only have bottled lime juice, then omit the zest.
• Shredded or flaked coconut: Toast it up for a crunchy, golden and flavourful garnish!
• Fresh cilantro: Whether you love or hate cilantro, it’s totally optional in this dish.
• Salt: Flavour!

How to make coconut lime rice

Follow these easy steps to make this creamy and zesty side dish:

Step 1 - Rinse the rice and add to a pan with the coconut milk, water, lime zest and salt. Bring to a boil, cook for 10 minutes then let sit for 10 minutes with the lid on.

Here's what it looks like when the rice has cooked:

Step 2 - Toast the coconut shreds or flakes in a pan.

Step 3 - Fluff the rice up with a fork.

Step 4 - Squeeze over the lime juice.

Step 5 - Add the optional cilantro and stir/fluff with a fork.

Step 6 - To serve, sprinkle some of the toasted coconut over the rice in. serving dish or over each individual portion.

Success tips

These tips for success will help you make the best coconut and lime rice:

• It’s important to use my combination of coconut milk and water so the rice ends up fluffy and not stodgy.
• Making a bigger batch? Follow the 1 part rice to 1.5 parts liquid method. This is the perfect rice to liquid ratio and will ensure the rice turns out perfectly.
• Keep the lid closed while the rice is cooking! I know it’s tempting to check on it, but it will help the rice cook more evenly and prevent it from being wet upon serving. The number one mistake people make when cooking rice is opening the lid!
• My instruction to turn off the heat and leave the pan alone for 10 minutes is also very important and will prevent goopy or wet rice.
• When it’s done cooking, use a fork to fluff up the rice and stir the juice and cilantro through. A fork will keep the texture of the rice nicer than if you were to use a spoon. 

Ways you can adapt this recipe

• Serve it with some crispy shallots, roasted peanuts, or toasted cashews. 
• Omit the lime entirely for plain coconut rice. 
• Use only water instead of coconut milk to cook the rice. Pile on the cilantro for a cilantro-lime rice dish that would be delicious in a burrito bowl.
• Add a couple of kaffir lime leaves or a bay leaf to the pan when you cook the rice.
• Replace the water with vegetable stock for a more savoury flavour.
• Add up to a tablespoon of sugar to give the rice a subtle sweetness.

What goes with coconut lime rice?

This dish is very versatile. Use it as a side dish, eat it on its own, or add it to your favourite Indian, Thai, Caribbean, Asian, or Mexican meals.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Enjoy it in my Tofu Bowls
• Serve coconut lime rice with black beans like my Instant Pot Black Beans, Slow Cooker Black Beans or Meal Prep Black Beans.
• Use as a base for my hearty and warming Red Lentil Dal or Tofu Satay.
• Serve as a cooling side with spicy dishes or stir-fries
• Enjoy it as a zesty side to baked tofu or BBQ Tofu
• Use as a base in power bowls
• Drizzle with Teriyaki Sauce
• As a quick side dish for my Instant Pot lentil dal
• Serve it with a potato, squash, or green bean curry
• With grilled food
• Bump up its flavour with a dollop of green sauce. It's a great way to use up any leftover cilantro you might have too
• Drizzle over some peanut sauce

Storage, freezing and reheating tips

The cooked rice is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers away for later.

Storing and reheating rice should be done in the safest way possible. By not leaving it out at room temperature and cooling and refrigerating quickly you limit the chance of Bacillus spores germinating and making you sick.

When storing leftovers, add the rice to a shallow container and refrigerate or freeze as soon as possible. The shallower the container the quicker it will cool. Do not let it sit out on the counter for a long time. Once it’s completely cool, cover the container with a lid and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat the rice in a pan on the stovetop over low heat. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover with a lid, and stir occasionally until it’s piping hot (165ºF preferably).

You can also reheat the rice in a microwave. Place the leftovers in a dish with 1 or 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.

If you freeze it do not defrost the rice at room temperature. Either reheat it straight from the freezer or let it defrost in the fridge overnight.

Do not reheat rice more than once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hungry for more? 

If you love my coconut lime rice recipe, you’ll want to try these other rice-based side dishes:

• Mushroom Fried Rice
• Easy Savoury Rice
• Brussels Sprout Fried Rice
• Oven-Baked Garlic Mushroom Rice
• One-Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice

📖 Recipe