This Coconut Lime Rice is fragrant, fluffy, and easy to make. The mild coconut flavor is delectable, making this simple side dish perfect for curries, stir fry, stew, and more. Rice cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop directions included!
Table of Contents
This Coconut Lime Rice is an easy way to turn everyday rice into a flavorful, aromatic side dish with almost no extra effort. Coconut milk adds rich creaminess while fresh lime brightens every bite, creating the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It pairs beautifully with curries, grilled chicken or fish, stir-fries, and veggie bowls—making it a versatile recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredient notes
- Jasmine rice – This is a long-grain white rice deeply rooted in Thai cuisine. For true coconut rice, jasmine rice is non-negotiable. The final taste and texture will be different if you use another type of rice.
- Coconut milk – Use a can of full fat coconut milk for the best results.
- Chicken stock – In order for the rice to absorb the coconut milk, it needs to be diluted slightly. Chicken stock or bone broth works well and adds a savory element to the coconut rice. If you’re planning on making sweet coconut rice, use water instead of stock.
- Shredded coconut – Unsweetened! This gets fluffed into the hot cooked rice, making it extra rich and creamy.
- Cilantro and lime – For garnish. Substitute fresh parsley or sliced green onions if you aren’t a fan of cilantro.
How to make it
Here’s how to make coconut lime rice on the stove top. Or, head to the FAQs section for Instant Pot and rice cooker directions.
Step 1
Rinse the rice
- First, rinse your rice in a mesh strainer under cool running water until the water runs clear.
- Add it to the rice cooker along with coconut milk, chicken stock, and a generous pinch of salt.
Step 2
Cook
- Add the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, and broth (or water) to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid, about 15 minutes.
Step 3
Fluff and serve
- Finally, fluff the coconut rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- Always rinse your rice. The natural starchy coating on the grains can make them taste gelatinous or gummy if they aren’t rinsed properly.
- The easiest way to rinse rice is to let the grains sit in a bowl of cool water for about 20 minutes.
- Not using jasmine rice? Then the cooking time will need to change. Refer to the package directions for that particular type of rice – brown rice, basmati rice, white rice, etc.
What to serve with it
Coconut lime rice is the perfect side dish to pair with dishes from around the world. Take your pick of any of these flavor-packed options:
Thai-inspired
Indian-inspired
Chinese-inspired
Mexican-inspired
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Add the rinsed jasmine rice, broth, and coconut milk to the pot and seal the lid closed. Set the steam valve in the sealed position.
Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Yes! Program your rice cooker to cook on the “quick” or “white rice” setting. Refer to the equipment manual for instructions specific to your model if you need to.
When the timer goes off, remove the lid and let the rice sit in the pot undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Cook the rice in coconut milk and water instead of chicken stock, and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of white sugar. You can serve sweet coconut rice for dessert or with fresh fruit, like mango or pineapple.
This likely means that the rice is overcooked and has absorbed too much water.
Draining any excess liquid in the rice cooker should help the rice be less soggy.
How to make ahead and store
- Store the extra coconut lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 4 or 5 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy leftover coconut lime rice, the easiest way to reheat it is in the microwave in 30-second intervals. If the rice doesn’t seem as creamy as before, stir in a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up.
More helpful grain guides
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PS – If you have leftover coconut milk, try out one of these 45+ recipes that use coconut milk.
Full Recipe
Coconut Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice (rinsed)
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat )
- 1 ⅔ cups chicken stock (or water)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons shredded coconut (unsweetened )
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups jasmine rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 ⅔ cups chicken stock, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid.
- After the cook time is up, allow the rice to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the 3 Tablespoons shredded coconut and, if desired, the ¼ cup cilantro and lime juice.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Add the rinsed jasmine rice, broth, and coconut milk to the pot and seal the lid closed. Set the steam valve in the sealed position.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining steam.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
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Combine rice, coconut milk, chicken stock, and salt in a rice cooker.
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Cook on “quick” setting or white rice setting.
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After the cook time is up, allow the rice to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
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