Imagine a side dish so incredibly delicious that it can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Easy Coconut Lime Rice is your ticket to a quick, vibrant, and mouthwatering accompaniment that brings the exotic flavors of Thailand right to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a fragrant, creamy rice that's guaranteed to make your family and guests ask for seconds - and maybe even the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After the cooking time, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Uncover the rice and fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add fresh lime zest and squeeze the lime juice over the rice, stirring to distribute the bright citrus flavors evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional lime zest or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking - steam is crucial for perfectly cooked rice.
- For extra flavor, toast the rice in a bit of coconut oil before adding liquids.
- Fresh lime zest and juice are key - bottled juice won't provide the same bright, zesty flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense coconut flavor, you can replace some water with additional coconut milk.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow it to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg
