Coconut Lime Rice
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to brighten up any meal, this Coconut Lime Rice is it! Fluffy rice is cooked in creamy coconut milk and finished with fresh lime juice for a simple yet flavor-packed dish. The rich coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the bright citrus, creating a restaurant-worthy side that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
This coconut lime rice is perfect for serving with my Crispy Sesame Chicken, Shrimp Tacos, or in your favorite burrito bowl. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients and comes together with minimal effort, making it an easy way to elevate weeknight dinners. Whether you’re serving it alongside tropical-inspired dishes or simply looking to switch up your usual rice routine, this recipe delivers big flavor with little work.
Table Talk with Tawnie
If you’ve never made coconut rice before…get ready to be completely obsessed. I love jasmine rice so much but lately have found myself getting a little bored with it plain, so I wanted to spruce it up to make it feel a little special, without a ton of extra work. The rice cooks in a mixture of coconut milk and water, which gives it a rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness without being overpowering. It makes the house smell sooo yummy, too!
- Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice gives this dish its light, fluffy texture, but any long-grain white rice will work as well.
- Coconut milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Light coconut milk can be substituted, but the rice won’t be quite as rich.
- Lime: Fresh lime zest and juice add bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the coconut milk. Fresh is best here!
- Unsalted butter: Helps create perfectly tender, flavorful rice.
- Sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut milk and helps balance the tangy lime.
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Melt butter
Melt the butter in a saucepan.
Add rice
Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. Be sure to keep stirring!
Add remaining ingredients
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Let simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 more minutes.
Finish & enjoy!
Fluff the rice and stir in the fresh lime juice. Serve and enjoy!!🍚🥥🍋🟩
Expert Tips
- Rinse the rice first: Rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy or sticky.
- Use fresh lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest provide the brightest flavor. Bottled lime juice won’t give the same fresh taste.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the moisture to redistribute and creates fluffier rice.
- Fluff with a fork: Avoid stirring with a spoon, which can break the grains and make the rice mushy.
- Zest before juicing: It’s much easier to zest a whole lime before cutting and squeezing it.
- Add lime at the end: Stir in the lime juice after the rice is cooked to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor.
Variations / Substitutions
- Use brown rice: Brown jasmine rice works well but will require additional liquid and a longer cooking time.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil.
Storage / Freezing
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or coconut milk and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This helps restore moisture and keeps the rice from drying out.
- You can also freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
shop this post
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → More Rice Recipes You’ll Love
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Coconut Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ cups jasmine rice
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 (13.5 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1/2-1 lime (to taste)
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Melt butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- Add rice: Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.Start Timer1½ cups jasmine rice
- Add the rest of the ingredients: Add the coconut milk, water, sugar, salt, and lime zest. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.1 (13.5 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup water, 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, 1 tsp. kosher salt, Zest of 1 lime
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Start Timer
- Let sit: Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Start Timer
- Fluff and enjoy: Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.Juice of 1/2-1 lime
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by Creating Kaitlin
