Coconut Lime Rice

$- 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1 cup water - 1 lime (for zest and juice) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish) - Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish) - Medium saucepan - Measuring cups and spoons - Fork for fluffing rice The main ingredients for coconut lime rice start with jasmine rice, which gives it a lovely texture. I love using coconut milk for its rich and creamy flavor. The lime adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish. The sugar balances the flavors, while the sea salt enhances them. For garnish, fresh cilantro provides a pop of color and taste. The toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch. As for tools, a medium saucepan is essential for cooking the rice. Measuring cups and spoons help with accuracy. Finally, a fork is perfect for fluffing the rice after it's cooked. This simple list makes it easy to gather everything you need to create this dish. Enjoy making coconut lime rice; it's a delightful side or base for your meals! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Swirl the rice with your hand to remove excess starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice well. Next, combine the rinsed rice with the following ingredients in a medium saucepan: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1 cup water - Zest from 1 lime - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt Stir gently to mix all the ingredients well. Now, it's time to cook the rice. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become soft. After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for another 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to steam and reach the perfect texture. Once the resting time is up, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps separate the grains. Now, add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the rice. Stir slowly to mix it evenly throughout. Serve the coconut lime rice warm. For a lovely garnish, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes. These add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious coconut lime rice! Rinsing rice is key for great texture. It removes extra starch that can make rice sticky. Rinse until the water runs clear. This step makes your rice fluffy and light. After cooking, let the rice sit covered for five minutes. This helps it steam and become tender. Adjusting the lime juice is important for taste. You can make it more tangy or less, based on your preference. Fresh herbs like cilantro add great flavor. Dried herbs work too, but fresh herbs give a brighter taste. Try both to find your favorite. Serving the rice in coconut shells is fun and unique. It adds a tropical touch to your meal. You can also add lime wedges for extra color. This small detail makes your dish pop and look appealing. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a fluffy texture. Simmering Time: Cover the saucepan tightly while simmering to trap steam, which is crucial for the rice to cook evenly and become tender. Fresh Lime Juice: Add the lime juice at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and acidity, enhancing the dish's overall taste. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the cilantro and toasted coconut flakes; they add freshness and a delightful crunch that elevate the dish. {{image_4}} Coconut lime rice can easily fit into many diets. For a vegan option, use coconut milk as your only liquid. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also make it gluten-free since all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This rice dish is safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. If you don’t have coconut milk, you can swap it with almond milk or cashew milk. They add a nice flavor too. Just remember that this will change the taste slightly. If you want it creamier, add a bit more sugar. To make your coconut lime rice even more exciting, add spices. Ginger gives a warm kick, while chili adds heat. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Start with a pinch and add more if you like it spicy! Another option is to mix in fresh herbs like mint. Mint adds a refreshing touch that pairs well with coconut and lime. Just chop it finely and fold it in before serving. Coconut lime rice pairs well with many proteins. Grilled chicken or fish brings out the dish's bright flavors. The sweetness of the rice balances savory meats. You can also serve it with fresh salads or rich curries. Salads provide crunch, while curries add creaminess. This makes a well-rounded meal that is satisfying and full of flavor. To store your coconut lime rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the rice fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the rice. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for one to two minutes. If using the stovetop, add a bit of water in a pan. Heat it on low until warm. To enhance the flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice on top after reheating. You can freeze coconut lime rice too. Let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any air to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw the rice in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before. Enjoy the deliciousness of your coconut lime rice! Coconut lime rice is a bright, fragrant dish. It blends jasmine rice with coconut milk and lime. The coconut milk gives a creamy texture. The lime adds a fresh burst of flavor. You will taste sweet and tangy notes in each bite. This dish is perfect for adding a tropical twist to your meals. Yes, you can make coconut lime rice ahead of time. Cook the rice and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it moist. Coconut lime rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled shrimp or fish - Spicy chicken or beef stir-fry - Vegetable curries or stews - Fresh salads with lime dressing - Tacos or burritos with a tropical twist This rice enhances the flavors of any meal. Coconut lime rice is easy and fun to make. You learned the key ingredients and steps. You can customize it with flavors and spices. Remember to store leftovers properly for later. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own. I hope you feel ready to create this dish. It will add a tasty twist to your meals. Enjoy the bright flavors with every bite!$

A fragrant and creamy rice dish infused with coconut milk and lime, perfect as a side or light meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice
1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
1 cup water
1 lime for zest and juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
to taste Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
to taste Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice with the coconut milk, water, lime zest, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and become tender.
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and achieve the perfect texture.
Once the resting period is complete, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and stir slowly to fold it in evenly across the rice.
Serve the coconut lime rice warm. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, consider serving the rice in a coconut shell or a colorful bowl, and add a lime wedge on the side for a pop of color.

Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime rice