Coconut Lime Rice

$To make Coconut Lime Rice, you need a few key ingredients. Each one brings unique flavors that make the dish shine. Here’s the full list of ingredients: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1 cup water - 1 lime (zest and juice) - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish) Jasmine rice gives a soft and fragrant base. Coconut milk adds creaminess and richness. Water helps to cook the rice to the right texture. Lime zest and juice brighten the dish with citrus notes. Sugar balances the flavors, while salt enhances them. Fresh cilantro brings a pop of color and taste. Toasted coconut flakes add a crunchy finish. Using these ingredients, you will create a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Each bite of the rice bursts with flavor, making it a perfect side for many meals. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Rinse and drain jasmine rice. This step helps remove extra starch. It keeps the rice from being too sticky. 2. Combine ingredients in a saucepan. In a medium pot, mix the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, lime zest, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to blend. 3. Bring to a boil and simmer. Heat the pot over medium-high heat until it boils. Once boiling, cover and lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice should become tender, and the liquid will be absorbed. 1. Let sit and steam. After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This step helps the rice become fluffy. 2. Fluff and mix in lime juice. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Add the fresh lime juice and stir gently. This adds a zesty flavor. 3. Serve and garnish. Serve the rice warm. Top it with fresh chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for a nice touch. - Ensuring perfect rice texture: Rinse the jasmine rice well. This helps remove extra starch. It keeps the rice from getting sticky. Use a 1:1 ratio of coconut milk to water. This mix gives creamy rice. Cook on low heat for best results. - Adjusting sweetness with sugar: The sugar adds a nice hint of sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, use less sugar. Test the rice before serving. You can always add more sugar later. - Using fresh vs. dried lime: Fresh lime gives a bright, zesty flavor. Use it for zest and juice. Dried lime can work in a pinch, but it lacks freshness. Always choose fresh when possible for the best taste. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of green. It also gives a fresh taste. Toasted coconut flakes add crunch and flavor. Sprinkle both on top for a beautiful look. - Serving alongside main dishes: Coconut lime rice pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements spicy dishes. Try it with shrimp tacos or veggie stir-fry. The rice brings balance to any meal. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice is essential to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffy texture instead of sticky rice. Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness. Start with less if you prefer a more savory taste. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of fish sauce to the cooking liquid. Garnish Variations: Feel free to experiment with garnishes! Chopped green onions or crushed peanuts can add a different texture and flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make Coconut Lime Rice work for you by swapping some ingredients. If you want a healthier option, try using brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice. Both options add their own flavors and textures. Coconut milk is a star in this dish, but you can use other milk types if needed. Almond milk or cashew milk can work, though they won’t provide the same rich taste. Adding spices can boost the flavor. A little garlic or fresh ginger can create a warm, inviting taste. Just be careful not to overpower the coconut and lime. You can make Coconut Lime Rice even more delicious by adding vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, peas, or corn can add color and nutrients. Sauté them lightly before mixing them in for extra flavor. If you want more protein, consider adding shrimp or tofu. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. For tofu, sauté until golden brown. Stir either into the rice just before serving to keep things warm and tasty. To keep your Coconut Lime Rice fresh, start by letting it cool down. Place the rice in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. For freezing, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat is on the stove. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to the rice. Heat it over low heat while stirring. This keeps the rice moist and fluffy. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the rice with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. Can I make Coconut Lime Rice vegan? Yes, Coconut Lime Rice is already vegan! It uses coconut milk as the base. Just make sure your sugar is vegan too. Some sugars are processed with bone char. Look for brands that are labeled vegan to be safe. How can I enhance the coconut flavor? To boost coconut flavor, use unsweetened shredded coconut. Add it to the rice while cooking. You can also sprinkle some on top before serving. This adds texture and a stronger coconut taste. What dishes pair well with Coconut Lime Rice? Coconut Lime Rice goes well with many dishes. It pairs nicely with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken. You can also serve it with spicy curries or stir-fried veggies. The bright lime and coconut flavors balance rich and spicy foods well. Caloric content per serving Each serving of Coconut Lime Rice has about 250 calories. This can vary based on serving size and added ingredients. Diet-friendly options (vegan, gluten-free) Coconut Lime Rice is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It fits well into many diets. You can enjoy it without worry if you avoid animal products or gluten. Coconut Lime Rice is a simple and tasty dish. By following the steps, you can prepare it easily. Rinse the rice, mix the ingredients, and cook until perfect. Remember to adjust sweetness and try different grains. You can make this dish your own by adding spices or vegetables. It’s a flexible recipe that fits many meals. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a dish that impresses every time. Enjoy your cooking!$

A fragrant and creamy rice dish infused with coconut milk and lime, perfect as a side or base for various meals.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice
1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
1 cup water
1 lime zest and juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to taste toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, lime zest, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from heat, and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then add the lime juice, stirring gently to incorporate.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top.

Notes

For extra flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest.

Keyword coconut rice, jasmine rice, lime rice