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Home » Recipes » Sides

Published: Aug 6, 2020 · Modified: May 11, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Tropical Coconut-Lime Rice

Jump to Recipe

No summer meal is complete without a heaping side of this tropical coconut-lime rice! Made with caramelized coconut cream, this tender, fluffy Jasmine rice boasts summer's best flavors and makes the perfect side dish for any grill-out.

A bowl of tropical coconut-lime rice on a placemat with toasted coconut and cilantro around it and two spoons in the background.

For summer side dishes when entertaining, we can all agree something simple but flavorful is the way to go. Patio cocktails are waiting for us after all. We don't want to waste too much time fussing over a side dish.

And that's why I love this coconut-lime rice -- it delivers plenty of tropical flavors without demanding too much of our attention. While this recipe does take some time to cook on the stove like any rice, it requires little hands-on work, making it perfect for summer entertaining.

Ingredient Notes

For this coconut-lime rice recipe, here's everything we need.

  • Jasmine rice
  • Coconut cream
  • Fresh lime
  • White sugar
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Cilantro if desired

I recommend jasmine rice over long-grain white rice. Not only is jasmine rice the more traditional ingredient but it also boasts a lovely fragrance that matches nicely to our coconut and lime.

If you've never cooked with coconut cream, you can find it in the Asian section of the grocery store. Coconut cream comes in a can just like coconut milk.

Before opening coconut cream, I like to give it a good shake. Usually, I do this until I hear the liquid start to swish, but even with a lot of shaking, it may still be separated when you open the can. No worries. Simply pour the entire contents of the can into a small bowl and stir until it comes together.

A close-up view of the coconut-lime rice in a bowl with lime slices.

How to Make

Now let's start on our tropical coconut-lime rice. We begin by giving our rice a good rinse. This helps ensure our finished rice isn't overly sticky.

Once we rinse our rice, we add it to a medium pot with coconut cream, sugar and salt.

The jasmine rice in a pot with coconut cream, sugar and salt.

Traditionally, this is when we'd add our water, but to get a nice caramelization, I like to cook the rice without it first. For a light caramelization, 20 minutes of cooking works just fine, but you can caramelize the rice for up to 40 minutes if you'd like a deeper color. I've done both with great results. More caramelization means more crisp bits, so it comes down to personal preference.

The jasmine rice after it's caramelized in the pot.

After the rice caramelizes, we add our water, bring to a boil, put on the top and let the rice simmer at low heat until it's soft and fluffy. From here, we add in more coconut cream for an extra decadent touch and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to add the perfect brightness.

And that's it! We're ready to dig into a big pile of tropical coconut-lime rice.

A bowl of coconut-lime rice with a sprig of cilantro framing it on a placemat.

What to Serve With

Oh, we have so many options here! This coconut rice was made for serving with lots of my favorite recipes here on Burrata and Bubbles. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Jamaican jerk chicken
  • Jamaican jerk pork shoulder
  • Mexican meatballs with avocado-crema sauce
  • Braised sriracha short ribs
  • Beer-braised Mexican shredded beef
  • Roasted chicken-butternut squash tostadas
  • Jerk chicken enchiladas with habanero-sour cream sauce

Along with these recipes, this tropical rice makes a great base for a poke or burrito bowl. I have no doubt you'll find so many uses for this delicious rice.

An aerial view of a the coconut-lime rice with a cilantro bunch and toasted coconut around it.

Perfect Pairing

Of course, the exact pairing depends on the rest of the meal, but I have a feeling that you plan on enjoying this tropical coconut-lime rice on the patio with your favorite summer entrée. With that in mind, I recommend only the most refreshing beers. A gose with its salty and sour qualities is a tasty match. You also can't go wrong with a wheat ale, Kolsch or pilsner.

In the mood for a glass of wine? I like a crisp sauvignon blanc with this rice. Sauvignon blanc shows off lively citrus and lemongrass notes that pair perfectly with our coconut. Plus, sauvignon blanc comes with a bright acidity to contrast the rich coconut cream.

For the perfect summer side dish, I hope you try this tropical coconut-lime rice. Please let me know how you enjoyed this recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers!

The coconut-lime rice in a white bowl on a placemat with lime slices.

Looking for More Summer Side Dishes?

  • Herbed bacon macaroni salad
  • Truffle egg salad
  • Burrata-blackened salmon panzanella salad
  • Herbed roasted potato salad
  • Hawaiian potato salad
A bowl of tropical coconut-lime rice on a placemat with toasted coconut and cilantro around it and two spoons in the background.

Tropical Coconut-Lime Rice

No summer meal is complete without a heaping side of this tropical coconut-lime rice! Made with caramelized coconut cream, this tender, fluffy Jasmine rice boasts summer's best flavors and makes the perfect side dish for any grill-out.
5 from 58 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Thai
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 244kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid

Ingredients

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 (15)-ounce coconut cream can shaken and stirred into one cohesive mixture before using, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 lime juiced
  • Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Place rice in a fine-mesh sieve and run cold water over it. Allow to drain.
  • Add rice to a medium-size pot lightly sprayed with cooking spray with 1 cup coconut cream, sugar and salt. Bring just to a boil, stirring every so often to help dissolve the sugar. Turn heat to low, put on the lid and cook until the rice caramelizes on the bottom, about 20 minutes, though you can cook for up to 40 minutes if you want more caramelization. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the caramelized bits.
  • Add the water and bring to a boil again over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, place the top on and cook until the rice absorbs the water and is soft and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in remaining coconut cream and lime juice. Fluff with a fork. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For full tips, please see blog post.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 783mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Katie Youngs says

    June 16, 2021 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    Wow I had no idea you could cook rice in coconut cream. I can't wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      June 16, 2021 at 11:15 am

      The coconut cream adds the best flavor! Enjoy.

      Reply
  2. Amy Roskelley says

    June 14, 2021 at 10:37 am

    5 stars
    This rice, with your Jamaican jerk pork was the perfect Sunday dinner!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      June 14, 2021 at 10:51 am

      Oh, I'm so glad you thought so! We really love the two together.

      Reply
  3. Kirby says

    June 14, 2021 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    I've never tried rice like this. I can't wait to make it at my next cookout. Saved!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      June 14, 2021 at 9:12 am

      You will love it!

      Reply
  4. Jessie says

    August 24, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    5 stars
    So much better than just plan white rice!! I love this for summer time!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      For sure! The coconut adds such great flavor.

      Reply
  5. Priya Lakshminarayan says

    August 24, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    5 stars
    That sounds delicious..coconut and lemon flavored rice..yumm

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      Thanks, Priya!

      Reply
  6. Sandhya H says

    August 24, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    5 stars
    Coconut Lime Rice sounds so amazing.. Love the wonderful flavors marrying each other!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      They all work so well together!

      Reply
  7. Elaine says

    August 24, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    I am glad I've stumbled upon this rice before the summer is over - I've got to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      I hope you do!

      Reply
  8. Alexandra says

    August 24, 2020 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    A delicious, full of flavour side dish - so good with so many things!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      Totally agree! It's amazing how many meals it pairs with.

      Reply
  9. Anita says

    August 17, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    Such a delicious way to prepare rice. I don't want to go back to just plain steamed rice anymore. 😀

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 18, 2020 at 7:15 am

      It’s hard to go back to plain rice after you’ve had coconut rice — for sure!

      Reply
  10. Kasey says

    August 17, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    5 stars
    This looks amazing! I'm excited to try it with a chickpea curry tonight!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 18, 2020 at 7:12 am

      Ohhh, that sounds like a delicious partner for the rice!

      Reply
  11. Erika says

    August 17, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    I love trying rice with different flavors and this coconut lime rice sounds so unique and delicious. What a great idea!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 17, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      Thanks, Erika! I think you’ll love it.

      Reply
  12. Carrie Robinson says

    August 17, 2020 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    This sounds like the perfect side dish to me! Yum. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      August 17, 2020 at 11:04 am

      I'd have to agree!

      Reply

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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