Tastes Lovely » Recipes » Quick and Easy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
by Natalie on July 29, 2014 — updated November 27, 2023 // 44 Comments »
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4.91 from 10 ratings
This delicious and tropical coconut lime rice recipe is light, fluffy, and full of coconut and lime flavor. Made with simple ingredients, vegan and gluten-free. The perfect side dish for chicken, fish, or shrimp!
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What Makes This Recipe Great
This easy coconut lime rice is SO insanely delicious I could eat it every single day. It couldn’t be easier to make! I made mine on the stove top but I’ve also given instructions on how to pressure cook or make in a rice cooker.A super simple side dish that complements any main protein, stir fry, burrito bowls, and more!
I start off by sauteeing plain rice in coconut oil for just a minute to really get the coconut flavors started. Then, I add 1 can of low-fat canned coconut milk and let it cook for 35 minutes as it soaks up all the delicious coconut flavor. After the rice is done cooking, you fluff it with a fork, stir in some lime zest and lime juice, and devour.
It results in the most fluffy rice with a mild coconut flavor and tastes like something you would eat on a tropical vacation. I serve this coconut lime rice with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, or this Thai Coconut Lime Chicken. The options are endless!
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Ingredient Notes
- coconut oil
- white jasmine rice: I prefer to use long-grain white rice for this recipe. If you choose to use brown rice, see the notes below.You can use leftover rice or short-grain rice if you prefer–it’s really up to you!
- canned low-fat coconut milk: Use a can of unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream. Make sure it’s unsweetened! You can use full-fat coconut milk if desired.
- lime zest: You’ll need the zest of 1 lime for this recipe. I recommend zesting the lime first and then slicing it in half for the lime juice.
- fresh lime juice
- salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, saute the rice in the coconut oil for just 1 minute. Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the rice covered for 35 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to sit with the lid on for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and salt to taste. Serve this delicious side dish warm with your favorite mains.
Expert Tips
- Brown Rice: This recipe is the ratio of white or jasmine rice. If using brown rice, you will need more liquid and cook it for longer. Follow your specific rice’s cooking directions, and replace water with equal parts coconut milk.
- Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe: 1. Rinse the 2 cups Jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. 2. Add the rice, coconut milk, salt, and coconut oil to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. 4. Press the Saute function and saute for one minute 3. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” 5. Select the “rice” function or set on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. 6. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. 7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
- Rice Cooker: If you would prefer to make this coconut jasmine rice in your rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine. Add the rice and coconut milk, then, when the rice is done cooking, finish the cooked rice with step 3.
What to Serve with Coconut Jasmine Rice
- Serve as a side dish with your favorite dishes. I love to serve my coconut lime rice with Thai dishes, curries, and proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with so many entrees!
Storage Tips
- Store leftover coconut lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave and fluff with a fork before serving. Add a teaspoon of water if it needs it.
Recipe FAQs
What is the difference between Jasmine rice and Basmati rice?
Both of these types of rice are long grain rice, however they differ in origin, flavor, and texture. Jasmine rice is from Thailand, has a sweet floral aroma, sticky texture, and is used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Basmati rice is from India, has a nutty aroma, fluffy texture, and is used in Indian/Middle Eastern cuisine. Basmati also takes longer to cook.
Is coconut jasmine rice healthy?
This coconut lime rice is a great side dish and is healthy when eaten in moderation. The coconut milk is a great source of healthy fats and the lime is a great source of vitamin c. It’s also a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan dish, making it allergy, diet, and lifestyle friendly.
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Quick and Easy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 0 minutes mins
Cook Time: 45 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins
This delicious and tropical coconut jasmine rice recipe is light, fluffy, and full of coconut and lime flavor. Made with simple ingredients, vegan, and gluten-free. The perfect side dish for chicken, fish, or shrimp.
4.91 from 10 ratings
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 cup white jasmine rice*
- 13.5 ounce can coconut milk (or coconut cream)
- zest of 1 lime
- juice of half a lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
In a small sauce pan over medium high heat, saute the rice in the coconut oil for just 1 minute. Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the rice covered for 35 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to sit with the lid on for another 10 minutes.
Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and salt to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Brown Rice: This recipe is the ratio of white or jasmine rice. If using brown rice, you will need more liquid and cook it for longer. Follow your specific rice’s cooking directions, and replace water with equal parts coconut milk.
- Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe: 1. Rinse the 2 cups Jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. 2. Add the rice, coconut milk, salt, and coconut oil to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. 4. Press the Saute function and saute for one minute 3. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” 5. Select the “rice” function or set on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. 6. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. 7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
- Rice Cooker: If you would prefer to make this coconut jasmine rice in your rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine. Add the rice and coconut milk, then, when the rice is done cooking, finish the cooked rice with step 3.
What to Serve with Coconut Jasmine Rice
- Serve as a side dish with your favorite dishes. I love to serve my coconut lime rice with Thai dishes, curries, and proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with so many entrees!
Storage Tips
- Store leftover coconut lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave and fluff with a fork before serving. Add a teaspoon of water if it needs it.
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Side Dish
Author: Natalie
Calories: 184, Total Carbs: 15.5g, Protein: 2.3g, Fat: 13.3g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbs: 16g
Did you make this recipe?Please Leave a comment and give this recipe a rating!
45 Minutes Dairy Free Fall Gluten Free Low Calorie Recipes Rice Side Dishes Spring Summer Vegetarian/Vegan Winter
posted by Natalie on July 29, 2014
44 Comments / Leave a Comment »
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Karen — December 23, 2022 @ 12:51 pm Reply
Could you use cauliflower rice in this recipe
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Natalie — March 6, 2023 @ 1:08 pm Reply
You could! I would cook the cauliflower rice in a skillet on the stove in about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Once it’s cooked I’d stir in a few tablespoons of canned coconut milk. Maybe 2 or 3 tablespoons? Once that is mostly absorbed, I’d season to taste with kosher salt and then add in the lime zest. Will be yummy!
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Hilbil22 — August 1, 2020 @ 1:53 pm Reply
I’ve been trying to get coconut rice right for years! This worked great got lots of compliments. I was prepared to add more lime or cilantro–but your recipe was spot on don’t deviate!-
Natalie — August 1, 2020 @ 8:24 pm Reply
I love that you got lots of compliments on it Hilbil22. That is always such a fantastic feeling. So glad the recipe worked well for you and you did not have to make adjustments.
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Rick Hurley — March 12, 2017 @ 8:25 am Reply
Check into getting a ROKU video streamer. May solve your problem. All major retailers carry them. -
Kristin — February 24, 2016 @ 7:20 am Reply
I made this for our family a couple of nights ago, paired with Honey Garlic chicken and sesame green beans and it was delicious! Really, my family is lucky I let them have any. We will certainly have it again!
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Natalie — February 24, 2016 @ 8:42 pm Reply
Yea! I’m so happy to hear that! I make this alllll the time. And with almost every fish dish I make. Glad your family liked it. You’re very nice to share : )
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Colleen — February 6, 2016 @ 10:03 am Reply
Served this rice with the sticky garlic honey shrimp recipe, yummmmy! Would go great with any fish recipe. Wondering if I added some pineapple tidbits how that would be?!
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Natalie — February 18, 2016 @ 11:58 am Reply
Ooooh, this would be good with sticky garlic honey shrimp! I might have to copy you and try that myself. And I love the idea of adding pineapple! I would add in chopped pineapple at the end after the rice is done cooking. That would be so good!
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Pat — May 25, 2015 @ 3:11 pm Reply
This recipe sounds delicious! Could quinoa replace rice, do you think? Thanks for sharing!
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Natalie — May 27, 2015 @ 2:22 pm Reply
Thanks Pat! You know, I’ve never tried this with quinoa. But it should work just fine! Just replace equal amounts of coconut milk for water/broth. Let me know how it turns out! If I try it, I’ll be sure to let you know : )
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Amanda — April 8, 2023 @ 1:01 pm Reply
I know this question was from almost eight years ago, but I wanted to let you know that this coconut lime recipe is the only way I can get my texture-picky guys to eat quinoa!
Thanks for the recipe, Miss Natalie! I’ve been using it for fully five years and never told you how much we all love it!
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Natalie — May 26, 2023 @ 12:17 pm Reply
Wow! This is such a huge compliment Amanda! Thank you for sharing, and so honored you’ve been here for so long! Means the world to me :)
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Di — May 4, 2015 @ 10:36 am Reply
Internet BAD
Rice GOOD!!Substitute brown rice and add a little cilantro?????
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Anna @ shenANNAgans — July 31, 2014 @ 12:07 am Reply
Nope… No Deal! That stinks, what a total pain. :( My sympathies are with you, I’d be stuffed with what you are being offered, Id possibly resort to midnight waking. LOL.
Love the lime rice, what a lovely way to make boring ol rice fun and fresh. Yarm! -
Annie @Maebells — July 30, 2014 @ 11:03 am Reply
I have seen tons of dishes using coconut milk in savory dishes but I was a little nervous to try it. I don’t know why! It just isn’t the type of thing we normally eat. However, you have totally sold me! This looks fantastic! I am going to try it this week. I can’t wait to see the chicken dish you paired it with! -
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods — July 30, 2014 @ 10:08 am Reply
Ugh, that has has got to be terrible and super inconvenient. Reminds me of the days before unlimited cell plans. We’ve been thinking of canceling cable and doing streaming instead. I’m going to have to look into that a bit more after hearing your situation.
This rice sounds delicious! Perfect timing…I have been looking for a recipe for coconut rice. Pinning! -
Sam @ SugarSpun Run — July 30, 2014 @ 8:19 am Reply
Satellite internet!? I didn’t even know you could do that… the unlimited streaming after midnight is nice… if you actually watched TV at that time!
I love the sound of this rice, I had coconut rice one time at a restaurant and have been wanting to make it ever since, I definitely have to try this out! -
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen — July 30, 2014 @ 7:30 am Reply
I think I could eat this and only this for dinner every night this week. It looks like absolute rice perfection! Love the flavors of coconut and lime.
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Melanie @ Carmel Moments — July 30, 2014 @ 6:13 am Reply
Oh yum! Pinned to our coconut board friend. Must try ASAP. I think the whole family would enjoy this one!
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Alyssa @ My Sequined Life — July 29, 2014 @ 9:39 pm Reply
Oh my gosh, that internet is RIDICULOUS!! We would be in serious trouble, all the time. But let’s talk about this rice. YUMMMM!! That combo of flavors sounds so, so good together. I can’t wait to make it!
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Isadora — July 29, 2014 @ 7:12 pm Reply
Oh no! That sucks. It seems like internet and cable companies are always out to screw us! At least you have this amazing looking coconut rice to make you happy! I’m always looking for tasty rice side dishes and I will have to try this one out soon!
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Norma |Allspice and Nutmeg — July 29, 2014 @ 5:38 pm Reply
What a bummer about your internet. But this rice looks so good. I too could eat it every night.