Coconut Lime Cilantro Rice

Learn how to elevate your meals with my Coconut Lime Cilantro Rice recipe. Sick of eating plain white rice with your dinner? This is a perfect blend of creamy coconut, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, adding an easy-to-make rice dish to pair with your favorite dinners!

Ever found yourself in a bit of a dinner rut, reaching for the same old plain white rice?

I know I have, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with this Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. It’s like a breath of fresh air in our kitchen routine, a delightful change that has added an exciting twist to many of our meals.

Each bite is a little escape, transporting you with its creamy coconut, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro flavors. Making this recipe feels like treating myself and my family to something special, something more than just a meal.

Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain rice meal after meal!

Why you’ll love this Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s about to rock your dinner world – Cilantro Lime Rice.

• This isn’t just any rice; it’s a little tropical getaway right in your kitchen. The creamy goodness of coconut milk mixed with the zesty kick of lime, all jazzed up with fresh cilantro.
• This rice is perfect for anything from a simple family dinner to a fun potluck get-together.
• It’s the best side for grilled meats or your favorite curry.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just spicing up Tuesday night dinner, this rice is gonna be a hit!

Ingredients for Cilantro and Lime Rice

• Jasmine Rice: A long-grain rice known for its delicate floral aroma. It’s the perfect light and fluffy base for this dish.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy, tropical flavor to the rice.
• Water: Used in cooking the rice.
• Lime (Zested): The zest of lime adds a citrusy flavor. It’s all about adding that zingy, fresh taste to the rice.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Brings acidity and freshness to the dish, which enhances the other flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro (Finely Chopped): Fresh, herby element. Classic pairing with lime.
• Salt: A flavor enhancer.
• Pepper: Adds depth to the dish.

How to make Lime Cilantro Rice

1. Rinsing the Rice: Start by thoroughly rinsing the rice under cold water. Continue this process until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it helps to remove excess starch, ensuring that the rice doesn’t become overly sticky.
2. Combining Ingredients in Saucepan: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. The addition of coconut milk will give the rice a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.
3. Cooking the Rice: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with the lid slightly ajar. Allow the rice to cook in this manner until all the liquid has been absorbed. This should take about 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it as it might take slightly less time.
4. Fluffing and Seasoning the Rice: Once the rice is cooked and the heat is turned off, immediately fluff it with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and keep the rice light and fluffy. After fluffing, gently stir in the zest and juice of a lime, along with freshly chopped cilantro. These ingredients will add a bright, citrusy flavor and a fresh herbal touch.
5. Serving: Serve the rice hot. Feel free to add a little more salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for making Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice

Before you dive into making this recipe, here are some handy tips to ensure your Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice turns out perfectly flavorful and fluffy every time:

• Rinse the Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, which can make the rice too sticky. Just rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Use the Right Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for the best flavor and creaminess. Light coconut milk can be used if you’re looking for a lighter option, but it won’t be as rich.
• Balance the Liquids: Be precise with the ratio of coconut milk to water. Too much liquid can make the rice mushy, while too little can make it dry.
• Simmer Gently: Cook the rice on a low simmer. This allows the rice to cook evenly without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Add Fresh Lime Zest: Don’t omit the Lime Zest! Lime zest adds a more intense flavor than juice alone. Make sure to zest the lime before juicing it.
• Fresh Lime Juice is Key: Use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
• Fluff with a Fork: Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving. This helps to separate the grains and distribute the flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime

What to serve with Coconut Cilantro Rice

Coconut Cilantro Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes – literally almost anything. Here are some suggestions that I have loved serving it with:

• Grilled or Baked Fish: The light, fresh flavors of the rice work wonderfully with seafood.
• Tropical-Themed Chicken Dishes: Think along the lines of mango salsa chicken or a citrus-marinated grilled chicken. The tropical notes in these dishes will harmonize beautifully with the coconut and lime in the rice.
• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: The sweet and savory richness of Teriyaki Chicken Thighs is a match made in heaven with the fragrant and zesty Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice, offering a delightful contrast of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.
• Thai Curry or Caribbean Curry: Whether it’s a spicy Thai curry or a Caribbean-style curry, the creaminess of the rice makes it a great accompaniment.
• Vegetarian Stir-Fries: Pair the rice with a colorful stir-fry of bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, and tofu for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Pork Tenderloin: A juicy, herb-crusted pork tenderloin can be a great match, with its savory flavors balancing the rice’s sweetness.
• Tacos or Chicken Enchiladas: Use the rice as a side for tacos filled with grilled meats or chicken enchiladas, adding a unique twist to these Mexican favorites.
• Teriyaki Beef Skewers: The rich, savory flavors of teriyaki beef skewers, with their sticky and sweet glaze, pair excellently with the light and zesty Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice, creating a balanced and enjoyable meal experience.

Storing leftover Cilantro and Lime Rice

Storing leftover Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice is easy and ensures you can enjoy it for another meal. Here’s how to do it properly:

• Cool: Allow the rice to cool to room temperature quickly after cooking. Don’t leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled rice to airtight containers. This helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the rice, and also prevents it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate: Place the containers of rice in the refrigerator as soon as it’s cooled. Rice can spoil easily, so it’s important not to leave it at room temperature for too long.
• Consume Within a Few Days: Ideally, eat the leftover rice within 3 to 4 days. After this time, the quality and safety of the rice can start to diminish.

How to reheat Coconut Lime Cilantro Rice

When it comes to reheating your leftover Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice, it’s important to make sure that the rice is steaming hot all the way through to make it safe to eat.

A little tip to bring back the rice’s moisture is to add a splash of water before reheating.

You have the option to warm it up in the microwave or gently reheat it on the stove over low heat.

However, only reheat the amount you’re going to consume. Reheating the same batch of rice multiple times can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illness, so it’s best to avoid this practice.

I love to pair this recipe with taco’s and stir-fry the most!! 

Check out these recipes to pair it with: Nachos, Quick & Easy Beef Teriyaki Skewers, and Balsamic Pork Kabobs!