If you love rice with a refreshing twist, the Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorites. Creamy coconut milk perfectly infuses the grains with richness, while bright lime juice and fresh cilantro add a zesty and herbaceous pop that livens up every bite. This recipe balances comforting texture with vibrant flavors, making it a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with everything from spicy tacos to grilled seafood. Plus, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make, so you can enjoy a dish that tastes like you spent hours preparing it, even on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering depth, brightness, and freshness. Together, they create a harmonious balance that’s anything but ordinary.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Provides rich creaminess and a subtle sweetness that makes the rice deeply comforting.
- Basmati or long grain white rice: A fluffy, fragrant base that absorbs all those beautiful flavors perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors and balancing the sweetness from the coconut milk.
- Lime juice: Brings a bright acidity that lifts every spoonful, ensuring the dish never feels heavy.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, grassy note that makes the rice burst with personality and color.
How to Make Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cool running water using a fine mesh strainer. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to removing excess starch, which helps keep your rice light and fluffy, instead of sticky.
Step 2: Heat the Coconut Milk
Shake the can of coconut milk vigorously to ensure the cream and liquid are mixed well. Pour it into a medium pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. This warming step unlocks the coconut’s natural flavors and prepares it to infuse the rice effectively.
Step 3: Add Rice and Salt
Once the coconut milk is boiling, add the rinsed rice and salt to the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly. Then lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will absorb the coconut milk, becoming tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Let it Sit
After cooking, remove the pot from heat but leave the lid off. Let the rice sit uncovered for about five minutes. This helps any leftover moisture evaporate, making sure your rice isn’t soggy—just perfectly fluffy.
Step 5: Fluff and Mix in Fresh Flavors
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Then stir in the lime juice and finely chopped cilantro, folding them in thoroughly. The lime adds an aromatic zing while the cilantro provides fresh color and vibrancy, rounding out this delicious dish.
How to Serve Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges instantly elevate this dish. The added brightness and herbal freshness work beautifully as a final touch to awaken your palate.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, seared fish, or spicy beans. It’s also fantastic alongside curries or seafood dishes where the coconut and lime flavors harmonize seamlessly with global spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve the Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or alongside a colorful bowl of roasted vegetables. You can also use it as a flavorful base for a taco bowl or top it with diced avocado and toasted nuts for added texture and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It holds its flavor surprisingly well and makes for an easy, flavorful side to reheat whenever you need it.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When freezing, spread the rice flat to cool before sealing, so it warms evenly when reheated and retains its lovely texture.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture. You can also use the microwave—just cover the container to trap steam and keep the rice fluffy and moist.
FAQs
Can I use jasmine rice instead of basmati?
Yes! Jasmine rice works well and will offer a slightly different aroma and texture, but it will still absorb the coconut milk beautifully and taste delicious.
Is full-fat coconut milk necessary?
For that rich, creamy texture, full-fat coconut milk is best. Light coconut milk contains more water and less fat, so the rice won’t have the same luxurious consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you stick with pure ingredients and check your labels if buying any processed coconut milk.
How do I make the rice less sticky?
Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes surface starch, which reduces clumping. Also, fluffing the rice gently after cooking helps keep the grains separate.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with adding mint, green onions, or even a pinch of cumin to customize the flavor and make the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet extraordinary side dish, the Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those delicious staples that’s both comforting and refreshing, easy enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you’ve seasoned your meals with this fragrant rice, it’s sure to find a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Print
Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-Caribbean inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Coconut Milk Cilantro Lime Rice is a fragrant, creamy twist on classic rice, cooked in full-fat coconut milk for a rich texture and infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice for bright, vibrant flavors. Perfect as a side dish for Mexican, Caribbean, or Southeast Asian meals, this dish offers a deliciously aromatic and slightly tangy complement to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquid
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup basmati rice or long grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1–2 limes)
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool running water until the liquid runs clear, about 1-2 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat the coconut milk: Shake the can of coconut milk well to mix it thoroughly. Pour it into a medium pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the rice: Once the coconut milk is boiling, add the rinsed and drained rice along with the salt. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest the rice: Remove the pot from heat and allow the rice to sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This step lets any excess moisture evaporate, ensuring the rice is fluffy rather than soggy.
- Fluff and season: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Then stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro until evenly combined. Serve the rice warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- To ensure fluffier rice, rinse thoroughly to remove starch before cooking.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Adjust lime juice to taste for more or less acidity.
- This rice pairs excellently with grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
