Brazilian Cuisine
Coconut Lime Rice
Coconut Lime Rice is a sophisticated and aromatic tropical-style side dish, perfect for pairing with fish or chicken. The soft, creamy texture of coconut milk gently envelops each rice grain, giving it a delicate sweetness and a unique fluffiness. Fresh lime juice and bright zest introduce an invigorating citrus note that prevents the dish from being overly sweet and adds depth to the overall profile. This flavorful rice looks incredibly appetizing and turns even the simplest dinner into a small gastronomic adventure.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 25 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- Brazilian Cuisine
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 280 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Carbs
- 42 g
- Fiber
- 1.5 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold running water…
Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold running water several times until the water runs clear. This is necessary to remove excess starch so the rice doesn't become mushy in the coconut milk.
- 02
Grate the zest from the lime using a fine grater, being caref…
Grate the zest from the lime using a fine grater, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Then, cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into a small cup, removing any seeds.
- 03
Heat the coconut oil in a thick-bottomed saucepan
Heat the coconut oil in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Add the rinsed rice and sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until each grain is coated with a thin layer of oil.
- 04
Pour the coconut milk and water into the saucepan, add the sa…
Pour the coconut milk and water into the saucepan, add the salt and half of the prepared lime zest. Stir well to ensure the zest is evenly distributed throughout.
- 05
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowes…
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and cook the rice for 15-18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Do not open the lid during cooking.
- 06
Remove the saucepan from the heat, pour in the lime juice, an…
Remove the saucepan from the heat, pour in the lime juice, and add the remaining zest. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to disperse the lime aroma, cover, and let it rest for another 5 minutes before serving.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
For the most intense coconut flavor, use coconut milk with at least 17-19% fat content. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little water before adding the rice.
How to serve
Serve the rice hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh lime zest and, if desired, toasted coconut flakes to enhance the aroma.
How to store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to ensure the rice doesn't dry out and regains its delicate texture.
Note
If you have some on hand, add a small piece of fresh ginger to the pot while cooking — it will highlight the coconut notes beautifully.
