If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to pair with grilled chicken, seafood, tacos, or tropical-inspired meals, this Coconut Lime Rice is about to become your new favorite recipe. Made with creamy coconut milk, fluffy jasmine rice, fresh lime juice, and a touch of cilantro, this easy coconut rice recipe is packed with bright, fresh flavor.
The rich coconut milk creates a soft, tender texture while the fresh lime adds a zesty finish that balances every bite. Best of all, this coconut lime rice comes together with just a handful of ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled shrimp, jerk chicken, fish tacos, or Hawaiian-inspired dishes, this restaurant-quality side dish always steals the show.
More Easy Side Dishes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Lime Rice
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Rich, creamy coconut flavor
- Bright fresh lime taste
- Perfect side dish for seafood, chicken, pork, and tacos
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
How to Make Coconut Lime Rice
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Place the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps create fluffy rice and prevents it from becoming sticky.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, butter, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 3: Rest the Rice
Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit covered for 10 minutes.
This helps the rice finish steaming and creates the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add the Lime
Fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and honey if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with your favorite grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or tropical dishes.
Tips for the Best Coconut Lime Rice
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
- Fresh lime juice is essential for the brightest taste.
- Jasmine rice provides the best texture and aroma.
- Allow the rice to rest before fluffing.
- Add extra cilantro for even more freshness.
What to Serve with Coconut Lime Rice
This rice pairs perfectly with:
Easy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Coconut Lime Rice is fluffy, creamy, and bursting with fresh lime flavor. Made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect tropical side dish for grilled chicken, seafood, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, butter, and salt to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and honey if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Full-fat coconut milk provides the richest flavor and texture.
- Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended.
- Allowing the rice to rest before fluffing helps create perfectly fluffy rice.
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: CARRIBEAN INSPIRED
Storage
Store leftover coconut lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use basmati rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes. Basmati rice works well and creates a slightly firmer texture.
Can I make coconut lime rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
Can I freeze coconut lime rice?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why is my coconut rice gummy?
Skipping the rinsing step can cause excess starch to remain on the rice, resulting in a sticky texture.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Lime Rice recipe is creamy, fluffy, bright, and packed with tropical flavor. The combination of rich coconut milk and fresh lime creates a side dish that feels special enough for entertaining but easy enough for busy weeknights. One bite and you’ll understand why this simple rice recipe has become a staple in so many kitchens.
