Creamy coconut milk, fresh lime, and chopped cilantro turn simple basmati rice into a bright, slightly tropical side dish that works with everything from grilled chicken and shrimp to spicy tacos and smoked meats.
The coconut milk gives the rice a rich, silky texture without making it overly sweet, while the lime cuts through the richness and cilantro keeps everything fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice
- Place the basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water begins to run clear.
- Let the rice drain well.
- Combine the Liquids
- Add the coconut milk and chicken broth to a medium saucepan.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the Rice
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice.
- Bring everything back to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook
- Cook covered for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Avoid removing the lid while the rice cooks.
- Rest
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave it covered for another 10 minutes.
- This gives the rice time to finish steaming and helps keep the grains fluffy.
- Finish With Lime & Cilantro
- Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
Serving Ideas
This coconut lime cilantro rice makes an easy side for:
- Blackened chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Smoked chicken thighs
- Pulled pork
- Fish tacos
- Carne asada
- Jerk chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- BBQ pork or chicken bowls
Tips for the Best Coconut Rice
Rinse your rice. Removing excess surface starch helps keep the finished rice fluffy instead of sticky.
Keep the heat low. Coconut milk can scorch more easily than water or broth, so once the rice begins simmering, keep the burner at its lowest setting.
Don't skip the resting time. Ten minutes covered and off the heat makes a noticeable difference in the texture.
Add the lime at the end. Cooking lime juice for too long can dull its fresh citrus flavor.
Make It Spicy
For a little heat, stir in one finely chopped jalapeño with the cilantro or finish the rice with a pinch of crushed red pepper.