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White rice with coconut milk and fresh lime zest in a turquoise serving bowl.

Simple Coconut Lime Rice

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Chelsea Allard
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes (includes 10 minutes to cool)
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Light, creamy, and full of vibrant flavor, this coconut lime rice comes together in 30 minutes with just four ingredients. This gluten-free side dish is also dairy-free and vegan. Enjoy it with Lemon Coriander Chicken, your favorite fish, and Red Cabbage Slaw for crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup white basmati rice

1 cup water

1 (13.5-ounce) can reduced-fat, unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

Zest of 12 limes

Optional:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped


Instructions

Cook the Rice: Bring the rice, water, coconut milk, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed; about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly.

Add the Lime: Zest one lime and stir it into the rice until evenly combined, then taste. For even more flavor, add the zest from a second lime. Top with fresh chopped cilantro (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage: Let the leftovers cool to room temperature before storing them in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.


Notes

Don’t: Open the lid or stir the rice before the liquid is fully absorbed (at least 20 minutes). This releases steam and affects cooking.

Don’t: Zest the lime ahead of time—it loses flavor quickly. Zest right before stirring it in.

Do: Cool the rice for 5–10 minutes before adding the lime zest. Adding it too soon reduces the flavor and can make it bitter.