Coconut Lime Rice Recipe: A Tropical Delight

Coconut lime rice is a deliciously light and creamy side dish that perfectly complements grilled seafood. This recipe is simple and flavorful, making it an ideal addition to your summer dinners. The rice is cooked in a blend of coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture. Whether you’re serving it alongside fish, shrimp, or even roast chicken, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Choose Coconut Lime Rice?

A Flavorful Addition to Your Meals

The combination of coconut and lime adds a subtly sweet yet refreshing flavor. The nuttiness of the coconut beautifully contrasts the zesty lime. By mixing in fresh cilantro, you elevate the dish to a vibrant and fragrant accompaniment.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Cooking coconut lime rice is almost as quick as preparing plain white rice. In just a short time, you can create a side dish that steals the show with its luscious flavor profile.

Selecting the Right Rice for Coconut Lime Rice

Jasmine Rice: The Best Choice

When choosing rice for this recipe, jasmine rice is highly recommended. Its slightly firm yet moist texture provides the perfect balance. Avoid using basmati rice, which can become too dry, or sushi rice, which tends to be overly sticky.

Alternative Rice Varieties

If jasmine is not available, you can explore other varieties such as:

• Long-grain white rice
• Brown rice (note that cooking times will differ)
• Quinoa for a gluten-free option

Choosing Quality Coconut Milk

Full-Fat Coconut Milk for Best Results

For a rich flavor, opt for full-fat coconut milk. Brands like Aroy-D and Trader Joe’s are popular choices known for their quality. Light coconut milk lacks the creamy richness that elevates this dish.

Stirring the Coconut Milk

Ensure you give the coconut milk a good stir before adding it to the rice. This helps to mix any clumps of coconut fat that may have formed, ensuring a smooth consistency as it cooks.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Rice

Rinsing the Rice

Always rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve before cooking. Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing a gummy texture, and leads to fluffy, tender grains.

Cooking Process Matters

• Bring coconut milk and water to a boil with the rice and salt, then stir well before reducing the heat.
• Cover the pot and let the rice simmer on low heat for optimal cooking.
• Let the rice rest after removing it from heat to achieve the perfect fluffiness.

How to Serve Coconut Lime Rice

Versatile Pairings

Coconut lime rice can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. During hot summer days, it’s often more refreshing when served at room temperature.

Ideal Accompaniments

Here are some delicious options to pair with coconut lime rice:

• Grilled shrimp or fish
• Roast chicken
• Flavorful curries (serve separately to blend flavors)

Presentation Tips

Serving the rice on the plate with lime wedges not only enhances its look but also adds a splash of color. The subtle coconut flavor means it can easily complement bold spices in main courses without being overshadowed.

Your Coconut Lime Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 1½ cups jasmine rice
• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Handful of cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

To Serve

• 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
2. Prepare Coconut Mixture: In a measuring cup, stir together coconut milk and water until well mixed, breaking up any clumps.
3. Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine the coconut mixture, rinsed rice, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, keep covered, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in the cilantro and lime juice.
6. Serve: Serve warm or allow to cool to room temperature. Enjoy with lime wedges alongside your favorite main dish!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a sprinkle of water to restore moisture.

Enjoy your coconut lime rice—a delightful touch of tropical flavor that will elevate your meals!