Are you tired of the same old plain white rice and looking for a way to spice up your next meal? Look no further than coconut lime rice. It is a simple and flavorful side dish that typically combines rice with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and cilantro leaves. This article will provide you with everything you need to know to prepare the perfect coconut lime rice, from the ingredients to the methods, with a few simple steps.
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Simple ingredients
Rice: Long grain rice, such as jasmine rice and basmati rice, is preferred for this dish because it has a light, fluffy texture that complements the flavors of coconut and lime. The short-grain rice, like sushi rice, is just as tasty, except it may be a little more sticky.
Coconut milk: Coconut lime rice gets a creamy and rich flavor from the full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind to use full fat coconut milk.
Water: Coconut milk is rich and thick; using it alone without any water might make the dish too heavy. By adding water, you dilute the coconut milk, which helps create a more balanced texture for the rice.
Lime: Fresh lime juice provides a burst of citrus that balances the richness of the coconut.
Cilantro: It is very common to use fresh cilantro as a garnish for coconut lime rice.
Pinch of sea salt: To taste, it is optional.
How to make coconut lime rice
Making coconut lime rice with cilantro in a rice cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare this flavorful dish. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Start by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
Lightly grease the inside of your rice cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, and water to the rice cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the coconut milk is evenly distributed.
Close the rice cooker's lid and set it to the regular white rice setting. Let it cook until it's done. The coconut milk and lime juice will infuse the rice with flavor during cooking. Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is done, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid closed to allow it to steam and absorb any remaining moisture. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Squeeze the lime juice over the cooked rice mixture. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor. Then, add a pinch of salt to taste. It is optional.
Just before serving, finely chop some fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them on top of the rice for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve and enjoy!
Variations and serving suggestions
Coconut lime rice is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways. You can add some small pineapple chunks, diced fresh mango, or some coconut flakes to the coconut lime rice for a sweet and tropical taste.
This aromatic and flavorful coconut lime rice pairs perfectly with various cuisines, from Asian-inspired meals and stir fry to Mexican food (such as burrito bowls and black beans). The combination of coconut and lime also makes it a great addition to seafood dishes as well.
Cooking methods: rice cooker, stove top, and pressure cooker
You can prepare coconut lime rice using various cooking methods, depending on your preference. A rice cooker, pressure cooker, or the traditional stovetop approach works well.
If you go with the stove-top version, place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. For the instant pot rice version, check your instant pot brand for manual instructions.
Store for later
If you have leftovers, refrigerate cooled, room temperature coconut lime rice in an airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of oil and a good stir to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Final thoughts
As we can see, coconut lime rice is a simple side dish that can elevate your meal and add a touch of tropical flair to your meal. The unique flavor profile and adaptability make it the perfect choice for something quick and easy. So, the next time you're looking for a different way to enjoy rice, try coconut lime ice. Let me know in the comments how your coconut lime rice turned out!:)
Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cup water
- 1 lime
- ½ cup cilantro
- pinch of sea salt optional
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Lightly grease the inside of your rice cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, and water to the rice cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the coconut milk is evenly distributed.
- Close the rice cooker's lid and set it to the regular white rice setting. Let it cook until it's done. The coconut milk and lime juice will infuse the rice with flavor during cooking. Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is done, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid closed to allow it to steam and absorb any remaining moisture. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the cooked rice mixture. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor. Then, add a pinch of salt to taste. It is optional.
- Just before serving, finely chop some fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them on top of the rice for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Serve and enjoy!
Elaine says
I made this rice over the weekend and it was a big hit in our house! This is definitely a keeper. Thanks.
Gloria says
I love the combination of coconut and lime. This rice is perfect as a side dish to any fish or chicken. In fact, I could make a meal on this delicious rice alone.
Kathryn says
Such a fun and delicious way to enjoy white rice! Love all the refreshing flavors. Perfect to go as any side dish.
Lauren Vavala Harris says
We made this to serve with fish tacos and it was great! The coconut and lime flavors really came through nicely.
Carrie Robinson says
Yum! What a great idea for a side dish! I think this would pair perfectly with some homemade Indian food like korma or butter chicken. 🙂
Brianna Simmons says
Made this rice for a thai red curry and it was perfect. This coconut rice would be perfect for my Caribbean jerk chicken as well.
Dee says
I made this and threw in a can of black beans. It was really good. A new staple in my house.
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I don't have a rice cooker, so I made my rice in a regular pot. It was delicious, creamy, and packed with flavor. Thanks for this great recipe.
Silvia says
This is a very delicious recipe. I have never cooked rice with coconut milk and it was so delicious. I loved the slight acidity the lime gave to the dish.
Moop Brown says
This recipe seems like such a simple and easy recipe that is versatile and can pair well with a variety of different other foods