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
Scale
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.
