This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclaimer for details.
This easy cilantro coconut lime rice is fluffy with a subtle coconut flavor and hints of zesty citrus. It makes the perfect side dish and is ready in just 20 minutes. Bonus: this recipe includes stovetop and rice cooker instructions!
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Coconut Lime Rice
This creamy coconut lime rice takes about 20 minutes to make and you only need 5 simple ingredients. Here are a few reasons we love this recipe and you will too:
- Rich, Flavorful, Zesty and Fresh: this coconut rice recipe is the best way to spice up plain white rice.
- Only 5 ingredients (including salt!): a handful of simple ingredient makes whipping up this flavorful and fragrant fluffy rice dish even easier!
- Vegan, gluten free, dairy free: this is a great side dish option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable: no cilantro on hand, no worries! Feel free to omit or swap the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients
To make this coconut jasmine rice with fresh lime juice and cilantro, you’ll need to gather the following:
- Jasmine Rice
- Full Fat Coconut Milk
- Fresh Cilantro
- Limes
Hopefully no surprises with this ingredient list, since all of the above are in the recipe title 😄!
Substitutions and Add Ins
- Jasmine rice: If you don’t have jasmine rice on hand, you can substitute it with another aromatic white rice like basmati rice (or even brown rice, although cooking times may vary). Be sure to use long grain rice for the best results!
- Full fat coconut milk: full fat coconut milk gives the rice the best, rich texture and a mild coconut flavor, but you can use light coconut milk too if you prefer. Feel free to add in toasted coconut flakes for a more intense coconut flavor.
- Cilantro: if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can swap it out for another herb, such as parsley or basil.
- Other flavors: to add even more flavor to this dish, feel free to add some grated ginger, chopped garlic, or red pepper flakes.
Helpful Equipment
- Medium-sized pot or rice cooker
- Measuring cups
Step By Step Instructions
🥥 Exact quantities are in the recipe card below!
STEP 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
STEP 2: In a medium pot, add the rinsed rice and coconut milk. Cover the pot, and bring to a simmer or a low boil over medium-high heat.
STEP 3: Once simmering, reduce to medium low heat. Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
📌 TIP: don’t remove the lid during the cooking process (once you decrease the heat)! This will release the steam and the rice will take longer to cook.
STEP 4: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
STEP 5: Fluff the rice with a fork, then add in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
To make the rice in the rice cooker:
For extra easy coconut rice, make this recipe in your rice cooker! Follow these simple steps to make it:
STEP 1: Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk and salt to your rice cooker pot.
STEP 2: Cook on the white rice setting. Once the rice is cooked, remove the rice cooker lid and let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
STEP 3: Fluff the rice with a fork, then add in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
Serving
This recipe is a versatile and simple side dish that can be served alongside a wide range of main dishes. It;s best served hot, garnished with more fresh chopped cilantro or lime wedges. Add salt or black pepper to taste.
I love pairing this cilantro coconut rice with grilled veggies, this black bean and corn salad, tofu, or even crispy chickpea patties! (It would also be super tasty incorporated into burrito bowls or as part of a salad.)
Storage
This rice is best served the same day, but the leftover coconut lime rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The cilantro make darken in color when stored and rice has a tendency to dry out when chilled in the fridge.
To reheat the rice, microwave with a splash of water or broth (to help rehydrate it) until heated through.
helpful Tips
Follow these simple tips for the best results!
- Rinse the rice: be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- For a creamier texture: use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk. You can even stir in a few tablespoons of coconut cream after the rice finishes cooking for more creaminess.
- For more lime flavor: double the amount of fresh lime juice called for below.
- If the rice is still undercooked after 20 minutes: add a splash of water or more coconut milk and continue cooking until tender.
- For a nutty flavor: toast the rice in the dry pan for a few minutes over medium-low heat before adding the coconut milk and cooking.
FAQ
If your rice turns out too mushy, you may have added too much liquid or cooked it for too long. To avoid this, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and follow the cooking time closely.
Yes, you can make white rice (including Jasmine or Basmati) with coconut milk. Replace water or stock with a 1 to 1 ratio with full fat or light coconut milk for a creamy, almost ‘buttery’ rice that has a mild coconut flavor.
More Delicious Side Dishes:
- Easy Flavorful Yellow Jasmine Rice
- Vegan Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous Salad
- Crispy Fried Polenta
- Vegan Teriyaki Fried Rice
- Pesto Rice
Did you make this easy coconut cilantro lime rice recipe?
I’d love to know! Leave a star rating and comment below!
Cilantro Coconut Lime Rice (Stove or Rice Cooker)
This easy cilantro coconut lime rice is fluffy with a subtle coconut flavor and hints of zesty citrus. It makes the perfect side dish and is ready in just 20 minutes. Bonus: this recipe includes stovetop and rice cooker instructions!
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, or another aromatic white rice like basmati
- 1 ½ cups full fat canned coconut milk, or light coconut milk
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste after cooking
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice & zest of ½ a large lime, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
Stovetop
- In a medium pot, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk and salt. Cover the pot, and bring to a simmer over medium high heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then add in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
Rice Cooker
- Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk and salt to your rice cooker pot.
- Cook on the white rice setting.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the rice cooker lid and let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then add in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir to combine
Notes
Note: The cooking time and liquid ratios may vary depending on the type of rice cooker used. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions for cooking white rice and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 83mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 3g
Nutritional info is an estimate.
Want to Save this Recipe for Later? Pin it to Pinterest!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this post might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my blog so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Categories:
10 Ingredients or Less, 30 Minutes or Less, Recipes, Sides & Snacks, Vegan & Gluten-free,
