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The BEST Coconut Lime Rice Recipe

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

February 28, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Coconut lime rice pinterest image.

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!

Overhead close up of bowl of lime coconut rice with chopsticks.

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Cooking rice in coconut milk isn’t anything new. It’s a common practice throughout Southeast Asia, India, the Caribbean, East and West Africa, and Central and South America because the rice is decadent and goes with almost anything. 

Learning how to make Coconut Lime Rice at home is foolproof too. It begins with plain jasmine rice, which is cooked with coconut milk and broth instead of water.

Anything goes when it comes to serving coconut lime rice.

Pile it next to comforting curries, stews, stir fry, and more. It’s particularly delicious with my Butternut Squash Curry and Butter Chicken!

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make it
  • Tips and tricks
  • What to serve with it
  • Recipe FAQs
  • How to make ahead & store
  • Full Recipe

Ingredients needed

Ingredients for coconut lime rice labeled on counter.
  • 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.

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.

Rinsed rice in strainer.

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. 

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.
Overhead close up of bowl of lime coconut rice with chopsticks next to lime wedges and bowl of coconut.

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

  • Thai Butternut Squash Curry
  • Creamy Thai Curry Coconut Meatballs
  • Thai Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry

Indian-inspired

  • Indian Lamb Curry
  • Potato Vindaloo Curry
  • Butter Chicken

Chinese-inspired

  • PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef
  • Asian Vegetable Stir Fry
  • Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Mexican-inspired

  • Mexican Meatballs
  • Mexican Lamb Stew
  • Salsa Chicken
Overhead side view of bowl of lime coconut rice with chopsticks.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead?

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. 

Can I make it in a rice cooker?

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. 

How do I make sweet coconut rice?

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.

Why is my coconut lime rice mushy?

This likely means that the rice is overcooked and has absorbed too much water. 

How do you fix soggy coconut lime rice?

Draining any excess liquid in the rice cooker should help the rice be less soggy.

How to make ahead & 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.

Bowl of coconut lime rice with chopsticks.

More helpful grain guides

  • Instant Pot Quinoa
  • Instant Pot Rice
  • Garlic Rice
  • Rice Cooker Rice
  • Spinach Rice
  • Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)
  • Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
  • Greek Lemon Rice
  • Toasted Rice Powder
  • Instant Pot Farro

​​Did you make this coconut lime rice recipe?

If you loved this lime + coconut rice recipe, I would appreciate it if you gave it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook.

PS – If you have leftover coconut milk, try out one of these 45+ recipes that use coconut milk.

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Overhead close up of bowl of lime coconut rice with chopsticks.

Full Recipe

Coconut Lime Rice

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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker (optional )

Ingredients

  • 2 cups jasmine rice (rinsed)
  • 1 cup coconut milk (full fat )
  • 1 ⅔ cups chicken stock (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Optional:

  • ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 lime (juiced)

Instructions

  • Combine rice, coconut milk, chicken stock, and salt in a rice cooker.
  • Cook on “quick” setting or white rice setting.
  • After the cook time is up, allow the rice to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the shredded coconut and, if desired, the cilantro and lime juice.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Instant Pot Directions: 
  • 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. 
Stovetop Directions: 
  • 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. 
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the shredded coconut and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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