Quick and Easy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe

What Makes This Recipe Great

This easy coconut lime rice is SO insanely delicious I could eat it every single day. It couldn’t be easier to make! I made mine on the stove top but I’ve also given instructions on how to pressure cook or make in a rice cooker. A super simple side dish that complements any main protein, stir fry, burrito bowls, and more!

I start off by sauteeing plain rice in coconut oil for just a minute to really get the coconut flavors started. Then, I add 1 can of low-fat canned coconut milk and let it cook for 35 minutes as it soaks up all the delicious coconut flavor. After the rice is done cooking, you fluff it with a fork, stir in some lime zest and lime juice, and devour.

It results in the most fluffy rice with a mild coconut flavor and tastes like something you would eat on a tropical vacation. I serve this coconut lime rice with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, or this Thai Coconut Lime Chicken. The options are endless!

Ingredient Notes

• coconut oil
• white jasmine rice: I prefer to use long-grain white rice for this recipe. If you choose to use brown rice, see the notes below. You can use leftover rice or short-grain rice if you prefer–it’s really up to you!
• canned low-fat coconut milk: Use a can of unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream. Make sure it’s unsweetened! You can use full-fat coconut milk if desired. 
• lime zest: You’ll need the zest of 1 lime for this recipe. I recommend zesting the lime first and then slicing it in half for the lime juice. 
• fresh lime juice
• salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. 
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, saute the rice in the coconut oil for just 1 minute. Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir to combine. 
3. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the rice covered for 35 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow to sit with the lid on for another 10 minutes.
4. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and salt to taste. Serve this delicious side dish warm with your favorite mains.

Expert Tips

• Brown Rice: This recipe is the ratio of white or jasmine rice. If using brown rice, you will need more liquid and cook it for longer. Follow your specific rice’s cooking directions, and replace water with equal parts coconut milk.
• Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe: 1. Rinse the 2 cups Jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. 2. Add the rice, coconut milk, salt, and coconut oil to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. 4. Press the Saute function and saute for one minute 3. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” 5. Select the “rice” function or set on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. 6. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. 7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. 
• Rice Cooker: If you would prefer to make this coconut jasmine rice in your rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine. Add the rice and coconut milk, then, when the rice is done cooking, finish the cooked rice with step 3.

What to Serve with Coconut Jasmine Rice

• Serve as a side dish with your favorite dishes. I love to serve my coconut lime rice with Thai dishes, curries, and proteins like chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with so many entrees! 

Storage Tips

• Store leftover coconut lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave and fluff with a fork before serving. Add a teaspoon of water if it needs it.