This cilantro lime rice transforms plain jasmine rice into something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients. Our readers love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality Thai-inspired flavors right to their dinner table. Even kiddos who normally push rice around their plates ask for seconds of this aromatic side dish!
What’s in the Mix
Great rice starts with quality ingredients and proper technique. Every component works together to create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors. A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Jasmine Rice – These fragrant grains become light and fluffy while soaking up all the coconut goodness. Make sure to rinse until the water runs clear for the best texture.
- Coconut Milk – This creamy liquid creates the most amazing texture and adds subtle sweetness. Look for full-fat coconut milk in cans, not the drinking kind in cartons.
- Water – Plain water helps achieve the perfect consistency without overwhelming the coconut flavor. Use filtered water if your tap water has a strong taste.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the tang of lime and brings out the natural flavors of the coconut and jasmine rice. The small amount makes a big difference.
- Fine Sea Salt – This kitchen staple brings all the flavors into perfect harmony. Regular table salt works too, but sea salt has a cleaner taste.
- Cilantro or Thai Basil – Fresh herbs add bright flavor and beautiful green flecks throughout the rice.
- Lime or Lemon Juice – Fresh citrus adds the perfect zing and brings all the flavors to life. Always use fresh-squeezed for the brightest flavor!
Let’s Get Cooking
Making perfect coconut rice is all about timing and technique. Follow these steps for fluffy, flavorful results every time.
- Rinse the rice. Keep rinsing until the water runs totally clear.
- Combine ingredients. Mix your liquids and seasonings with the clean rice.
- Start cooking. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat.
- Let it rest. Once cooked, hands off. The resting time is crucial!
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
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- Salt – A measured amount of fine sea salt perfectly balances the sweet coconut milk and tangy lime. The right amount of salt makes the difference between good rice and amazing rice.
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- Seasoning – Fresh herbs brighten up the rich coconut base while adding beautiful color. The herbs are added at the end to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant green color.
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- Swap – Try using kaffir lime leaves instead of juice for a more authentic Thai flavor. You can also swap in lemongrass or ginger for an aromatic twist. For a different grain, try basmati rice or even brown jasmine rice.
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- Senses – Your kitchen will fill with the sweet aroma of coconut and jasmine rice as it cooks. The finished dish sparkles with bits of green herbs, and each fluffy forkful releases a new wave of tropical fragrance.
Perfect Pairings
This cilantro lime rice makes an incredible base for any meal. Try serving it with grilled harissa chicken and a crisp cucumber tomato salad.
You can also pair it with a salad tossed in Asian ginger salad dressing, hibachi shrimp, or beef pad Thai.
Storage and Freezing
Coconut lime rice keeps well and can easily be made ahead for busy weeknights. Prepare the rice up to 2 days ahead, but add fresh herbs and lime juice just before serving.
How to Store
Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Sprinkle the rice lightly with water when reheating to add a little moisture.
Can I Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice?
Store in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Too much liquid or not enough rinsing are usually the culprits. Make sure to rinse the rice until the water runs clear and measure your liquids carefully.
While you can use other types of rice, jasmine rice gives the best results because its natural flavor works so well with coconut milk. The finished dish won’t have quite the same aromatic quality as regular rice.
Keep the heat low after the initial boil and avoid lifting the lid while cooking. The steady, gentle heat helps the coconut milk incorporate properly into the rice.
More Rice Recipes
If you love rice as much as I do, you’ll want to check out these other recipes that put it front and center on the dinner table!
Coconut Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or Thai basil finely minced
Instructions
- Rinse the2 cups jasmine rice well in colander using cold water, until water runs clean.
- Combine the uncooked rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon fine sea salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook, without disturbing, for 30 minutes, or until liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and keep covered, allowing the rice to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Add the 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon Juice and 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or Thai basil
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
I read the recipe three times. I’m here at work in a tax office, and in a hurry, but am i missing the part where we add the coconut milk in the directions? Please let me know because I would like to make this tonight!
Hi Charlotte, No worries, step #2 instructs to add the rice THROUGH sea salt, which would include the coconut milk and water and sugar too. Hope you enjoy!
Awesome! I used a 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk and added water to make the full 3 cups of liquid. I also had some leftover fresh grated ginger from the main dish I was making and just added it to the rice and milk. finished with the cilantro, lime juice and lime zest. Perfect.
Thanks for the feedback! Ginger sounds dreamy!
What step does the coconut milk go in?
Hi Diane, Step #2 is to combine the “rice through fine sea salt” which includes rice, coconut milk, sugar, water and salt. Enjoy!