Coconut Lime Rice

$- 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 cup vegetable broth or water - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - Zest of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Coconut lime rice is simple to make and full of flavor. You will need jasmine rice for its light and fluffy texture. The creamy coconut milk adds richness. I often use vegetable broth for a savory touch, but water works too. Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the dish and give it a zesty kick. If you want a hint of sweetness, you can add sugar, but it’s optional. Salt helps balance the flavors. Finally, chop fresh cilantro for a vibrant garnish. Lime wedges are perfect for serving on the side. They add more zing when you squeeze them over the rice. This dish is not just tasty; it looks great too. The bright green cilantro against the white rice is appealing. You can serve it with grilled meats, fish, or veggies. It’s a great side for any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water. This step is key. Rinse until the water runs clear. It removes extra starch and helps the rice become fluffy. 2. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed jasmine rice with coconut milk, vegetable broth, lime juice, lime zest, sugar, and salt. Make sure to stir it well. This mix creates a lovely flavor base. 3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice will become tender, and all the liquid will be absorbed. 4. After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This resting time is important. It allows the rice to finish cooking and become light. 5. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice. This separates the grains and enhances the texture. Now, your coconut lime rice is ready to serve! 6. Plate the rice warm, garnished with chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Enjoy the bright flavors! Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh lime juice and zest add bright notes. They make each bite pop. You can adjust sweetness with sugar. A tablespoon gives a light sweetness. This balances the tangy lime nicely. Rinsing the rice is very important. It removes extra starch and makes the rice fluffy. Rinse until the water runs clear. Cooking times matter too. Bring the mix to a boil and then simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be tender and all the liquid should be gone. Garnishing with cilantro brightens the dish. It adds color and a fresh taste. Serve the rice warm on a plate. Add lime wedges on the side. This gives a zesty touch when you squeeze the lime. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, making the rice fluffier. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and provide a vibrant taste. Adjusting Sweetness: The sugar is optional, so taste the mixture before cooking. Adjust according to your preference for sweetness. Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Keeping the rice covered for 5-10 minutes helps it finish cooking and become fluffy. {{image_4}} You can make your coconut lime rice even better by adding vegetables. Peas and bell peppers work great. They add color and nutrition. Simply stir them in during the last five minutes of cooking. This extra step gives your dish more texture and flavor. You can also use different herbs to garnish. Fresh basil or parsley can add a fresh twist. Experiment with what you like best. This makes the rice more exciting and tasty. If you like heat, try spicy coconut lime rice. Adding jalapeños or chili flakes gives it a kick. Chop fresh jalapeños and mix them in with the rice. For chili flakes, sprinkle them in with the other ingredients. This will change your coconut lime rice into a fiery side dish. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Start with a little and add more if you want. Making vegan coconut lime rice is easy. Just swap the vegetable broth with water or a plant-based broth. Make sure all your ingredients are plant-based. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. Vegan coconut lime rice is still creamy and full of flavor. You won’t miss the dairy. It’s a perfect side for any meal. To store coconut lime rice, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When reheating, you want to keep the rice fluffy. The best method is using a pot. Add a splash of water or broth to the rice. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a bowl, add a bit of water, and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm. Yes, you can freeze coconut lime rice! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can prepare coconut lime rice ahead of time. This is great if you want to save time during a busy meal. To do this, make the rice as normal and let it cool. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of coconut milk or broth to keep it moist. Coconut lime rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken or fish - Shrimp tacos - Stir-fried vegetables - Spicy curries - Black bean salad Each of these dishes complements the zesty and creamy flavors of the rice. To make your coconut lime rice creamier, you can try a few simple tricks: - Use more coconut milk and less broth. - Stir in a bit of cream or sour cream. - Add some mashed avocado for a rich texture. These variations add depth and flavor, taking your rice to the next level! This blog post covered how to make delicious coconut lime rice. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and exciting variations. I shared how to store and reheat your rice so it stays fresh. Remember, using fresh ingredients enhances flavor and presentation. Coconut lime rice can elevate your meals with its bright taste. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and find your favorite twists. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in your cooking.$

A fragrant and flavorful rice dish infused with coconut milk and lime, perfect as a side or main dish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 unit zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
to taste unit fresh cilantro, chopped
to serve unit lime wedges

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water until the water becomes clear.
In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed jasmine rice with coconut milk, vegetable broth (or water), lime juice, lime zest, sugar (if using), and salt. Stir thoroughly.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Plate the rice warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Optional sugar can be added for a hint of sweetness. Garnish with cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime rice