Coconut Lime Rice is an easy side dish that pairs well with just about any main course meal! Ready in less than 30 minutes and a great meal prep recipe! 

If you are thinking this is just another boring side dish recipe, you are wrong! When you try coconut lime rice it’s possible you will never look at rice the same way again. 

I love making rice as a side, but depending on what the main course is, sometimes it can feel a little heavy. Not only does the coconut milk and lime add a ton of flavor, but it’s fluffy and refreshing too. 

This would go great with any grilled chicken or pork and would be easy to prepare for a crowd. 

It’s amazing how just a couple of ingredients can jazz up the standard rice recipe. 

Why Use Coconut Milk

• It adds more flavor and creaminess to the rice.
• Good source of healthy fats 
• A good option for those with dairy sensitivities
• Contains many vitamins and minerals
• Adds a little sweetness without having to use additional added sugar 

Ingredients Needed for Coconut Lime Rice

rice – I like long grain brown or white rice but you can use whatever you prefer

canned coconut milk

water

Lime juice – be sure to use freshly squeezed to get the full experience

salt

How to Make Coconut Lime Rice

Add the rice to a large saucepan over medium high heat. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toasting the rice brings out more flavors in the final dish.

Pour in the coconut milk, water, fresh lime juice, and salt. Mix well and bring it to a boil using high heat. Once it’s boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat and simmer. 

Simmer until the rice is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed. This should take about 15 minutes, but if you are using brown rice it will take a little longer. 

Remove the rice from the heat but keep the lid on and let it steam for another 10 minutes. 

Fluff with a fork then serve! 

You don’t want the rice to be mushy, so be sure to not overcook it.

Coconut Rice Storage Instructions 

This rice will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To make meal prepping easier, store in portion sizes so you don’t have to thaw the whole batch if you are just making food for yourself.

To reheat the frozen rice you can let it thaw or microwave it until it’s warmed all the way through.

The Best Dishes to Serve Coconut Rice With 

You can really serve this side with any main dish, but here are some of my favorites. 

• Tacos with Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Instant Pot Shrimp
• Broiled Scallops
• Vegan Fajita Bowl

More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Try:

• Baked Halloumi Fries
• Greek Vegetables
• Buckwheat Salad
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Coconut Lime Rice

Coconut Lime Rice is an easy side dish that pairs well with just about any main course meal! Ready in less than 30 minutes and a great meal prep recipe!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Abbie

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice I like long grain brown or white rice
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add rice. Stir occasionally and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, till fragrant.
• Add coconut milk, water, lime juice, and salt to the pan and mix well. Bring to a boil over high heat then cover, over low heat, and simmer.
• Simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, approximately 15 minutes. Note that brown rice may take longer.
• Remove from heat, allow to steam for 10 minutes, then remove cover and fluff with a fork.
• Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in portion sizes in air tight container or resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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