This Coconut Lime Rice recipe is the perfect side dish for all your favourite Asian-style meals! Make it in under 20 minutes with only a few simple ingredients!

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
If you’re looking for a new and EASY side dish to jazz up your weeknight meal routine you’re going to LOVE this easy Coconut Lime Rice!! This Coconut Lime Rice recipe is just about as easy to prepare as regular white rice, but it’s got TONS of flavour your family will love! This Coconut and Lime Rice would be the perfect side dish for any of those delicious and easy dinner options – especially those Asian-style dishes, stir fry, and curry!
Here are just a few reasons why we love this Coconut and Lime Rice!
- It’s EASY to MAKE – This coconut lime rice is so easy, especially if you have a rice cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to your rice cooker, set to cook, and let the rice cooker do all the work! If you don’t have one, just add all the ingredients to a medium pot, cook on medium heat until all the liquid is absorbed, let stand with the lid on for several minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve!
- It’s VERSATILE – This coconut lime rice is great as a side dish or used in rice bowls like our Healthy Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls or in our Korean Beef Rice Bowls.
- It’s FULL of FLAVOUR – It’s a step up from regular rice, it’s full of coconut and lime flavour and it’s just as easy to make as white rice.

Make the BEST Coconut Lime Rice – the easy way – with all our PRO tips and tricks!
Real, good-quality canned coconut milk is an essential ingredient in this Coconut Lime Rice Recipe – be sure to buy the canned variety and steer clear of the coconut milk beverage sold in the natural beverage aisle.
Use long grain varieties like basmati or jasmine, as they are the best to give a fluffy texture. Short grain rice can get soggy and very sticky.
Make sure the ratio is 2:1 for liquid and rice to avoid too much liquid being added. Too much liquid will lead to over-cooking the rice, so be sure to measure carefully!
If you are making the coconut lime rice on the stove top, bring the pot to a boil and then turn the temperature down to simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice. (If it stays on high heat, the temperature will break down the grains and give the rice a gummy, sticky texture.)
Don’t lift the lid as it will release the steam and stop the cooking process. This is also the reason we don’t stir the rice during the cooking process. You can fluff with a fork once it’s done cooking.

If you’re having trouble with this Coconut Lime recipe, here are some issues you might encounter and some solutions to fix or prevent these issues:
Once the rice cooker clicks to KEEP WARM, fluff immediately to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. If you’re making the rice in a pot on the stove, be sure to turn down the heat once the water comes to a boil. This will prevent it from burning on the bottom.
The rice can become mushy if too much liquid is added. Make sure to follow the ratio of coconut milk and water to keep the liquid level controlled.
Make sure to follow the recipe and let the rice sit so that the rice finishes cooking with the steam. If you over-cook or use a temperature that’s too high and forget to simmer, the rice will become mushy and have a gummy texture.
The rice needs to sit covered for 5-10 minutes after cooking as it allows the moisture to redistribute for an even texture and taste. Let it sit and it should develop a beautiful texture.

To make this Coconut Lime Rice recipe, you’ll need these kitchen items on hand (paid links):
- Rice Cooker or a large pot with lid
- measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane Zester
- citrus juicer
- chef’s knife
- Cutting Board

To make this easy coconut and lime rice, you will need these items on hand:
- 1 3/4 cup white basmati rice
- 1 3/4 cups canned coconut milk (about one 14.5oz can – mix well before incorporating so both the coconut water and coconut cream are included)
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 lime juice and zest
- chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Try one of these variations for a slight twist on this easy basic coconut rice recipe!
- Coconut Curry – Add in a teaspoon of curry powder or turmeric to the liquid before cooking for an Indian-flavoured side dish.
- Mango-infused – Add in about 1/2 cup diced fresh mango to the rice before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped mint or basil for a Caribbean-style meal.

Time needed: 25 minutes
Follow these steps to make Coconut Lime Rice in a rice cooker or on the stove top!
- Measure ingredients for rice cooker.
Measure the rice, water, and coconut milk with the same measuring cup so the volume measurements are exactly the same. You can even use the coconut milk can to measure the water and rice.
- Add ingredients and stir.
Add the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, lime juice and lime zest (if using) to your rice cooker. Stir to combine.
- Set to cook.
Place the lid on and set to cook. When the rice cooker lets you know the rice is done, (it will switch from COOK to KEEP WARM) fluff with a fork and serve with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
- Add the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, lime juice and lime zest to a medium pot. Stir well to combine.
- Put the lid on and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until it appears all the liquid has absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.

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Can I use a low fat coconut beverage in this coconut rice recipe?
It is best to use canned coconut milk for this recipe as it contains the solid coconut cream and coconut water. The coconut cream brings the intense coconut flavour, so using a thin, low fat coconut beverage will not work well for this recipe.
How do I store this coconut lime rice recipe?
Store the rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If I don’t have a rice cooker, can I make the coconut lime rice on the stove?
Yes, you can make the coconut rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. See below in the recipe for instructions for both cooking methods.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Long grain basmati or jasmine rice is best for this recipe.
What should I serve with this Coconut and Lime Rice side dish?
Coconut lime rice pairs well with stir-fry vegetables, seafood, grilled chicken, or curries.
Can I make this coconut lime rice ahead of time?
Yes, this rice recipe can be made ahead of time and is great for meal prep.
How do I reheat the rice?
To reheat the coconut rice in the microwave, add a splash of water to the rice to maintain the moisture.
We hope you love this Coconut Lime Rice as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favourite Asian-style main dish you’d serve with this Coconut Lime Rice? We’d love to know!
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Easy Homemade Naan Bread
- Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad
- Easy Roasted Potato Casserole
- Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Bacon Dressing
- Quick and Easy Greek Pasta Salad
- Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Rainbow Vegetable Pasta Salad with Creamy Italian Herb Dressing
- Rosemary Dill Roasted Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes

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Coconut Lime Rice

Recipe: Equipment
Recipe: Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup white basmati rice
- 1 3/4 cup canned coconut milk one 14.5oz can (mix well before incorporating so both the coconut water and coconut cream are included)
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 lime juice and zest
- chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Recipe: Instructions
Rice Cooker Instructions:
- Measure your rice, water, and coconut milk with the same measuring cup so the volume measurements are exactly the same. You can even use the coconut milk can to measure the water and rice.
- Add the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, lime juice and lime zest (if using) to your rice cooker. Stir to combine.
- Place the lid on and set to cook. When the rice cooker lets you know the rice is done (it will switch from COOK to KEEP WARM), fluff with a fork and serve with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
Stove Top Instructions:
- Add the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, lime juice and lime zest to a medium pot. Stir well to combine.
- Put the lid on and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until it appears all the liquid has absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Recipe: Notes
Storage Instructions
Store the rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.Make ahead Instructions
The rice can be made ahead of time and reheated. It is perfect for meal prep.Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

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So great to have as a side with all my favorite Asian dishes!!
So glad you like the recipe!! ๐
I canโt seem to make this without the bottom burning- medium heat as instructed and both times now the bottom has burned (& rice doesnt cook) Help?!
Try lowering the heat a bit, to a medium low. Hope this helps!
This rice looks heavenly!Perfect for my busy weeknights!
So glad you love the recipe!! ๐
Such a wonderful rice recipe!! Perfect for weeknights!
Thanks!
This sounds fabulous! Pinning to use later this week <3
So glad you like the recipe!! ๐
This looks delish, just wondering about the 3 cups liquid to 1 cup rice. Isn’t the usual ratio 2:1. I don’t want to go ahead and make it, only to have it all mushy and soggy.
The overall ratio is still 1:2 as you use 1 3/4 c rice to 2 times 1 3/4 cups liquid (water and coconut milk).
It is 2:1 parts. Each part is 1 and 3/4 cup, including the rice. Only answering so someone doesn’t try 1 cup rice to the other parts. It is only teaspoons over for the lime juice.
I love how easy this rice is to make! I can’t wait to add it to my lists of side dishes.
Thanks so much! I hope you give it a try!
Thank you for making note that this recipe MUST be made with canned coconut milk and not the jug. I would have overlooked that.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe! ๐
Iโm gonna make this with a green curry some time! Have you ever used jasmine rice?
Yes, any long grain rice should work ๐
This is one side dish that is perfect with so many meals! I never get tried of it.
Thanks! I’m so glad ๐
I can’t wait to try this! Sounds so flavorful!
Thanks!
Our whole family will go crazy over this rice! This is a winner!
You’ll love it! Thanks!
Looks really amazing! Love how simple and easy to make this side dish, need to try this!
Thanks so much!
how awesome I’ve never made my own rice like this, perfect side dish!
Thanks so much!
This would pair well with so many main entrees. I can’t wait to taste the flavor that explodes from this.
Let me know how you like it!
I love it! Looks like my new favorite side!
So glad you love the recipe!! ๐
Silly question perhaps, but do you use unsweetened coconut milk?
Yes, definitely!
Fantastic recipe. Will become a staple on my menu rotation.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the positive feedback!
Very easy recipe and tastes great. I added cilantro at the end and served with chicken tikka masala.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Quick tip – The coconut milk was not mixing, so I heated up some water in the microwave and put the can in it to melt the coconut oil part.
And yum… I need to find more easy dishes to serve with this… It’s not often you find yourself searching for basin dishes to pair with a side dish! (LOL.)
You can try our Dairy Free Butter Chicken or our Lentil Daal Curry https://thebusybaker.ca/easy-dairy-free-butter-chicken/ https://thebusybaker.ca/easy-one-pan-lentil-daal-curry/
This feels like a silly question, but do you boil the rice first when using the stovetop method? I always boil rice but that step is not mentioned here. Excited to try this recipe!
No, you add the uncooked rice, coconut milk, water, salt, lime juice and lime zest to a medium pot. Stir well to combine.
Put the lid on and cook on the stove over medium-low heath. Let us know how it turns out! Hope this helps โบ๏ธ