Tropical Coconut-Lime Rice 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.
How to Make the Best Tropical Coconut-Lime Rice
This tropical coconut-lime rice is the perfect summer side dish that brings vibrant island flavors to your dinner table. The combination of creamy coconut cream and bright lime juice creates a fragrant, tender rice that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, or as part of a Thai-inspired meal.
What makes this recipe special is the caramelization step—cooking the rice with just enough coconut cream to develop a golden, slightly crispy bottom layer that you’ll scrape up and fold back in. It adds depth and complexity to what could otherwise be a simple side dish. The aromatic jasmine rice is the perfect canvas for these tropical flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving island-inspired cuisine, this coconut-lime rice will transport your taste buds to paradise. The optional cilantro garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the creamy coconut and zesty lime beautifully.
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.
Ingredients
Main
Instructions
Cooking
- 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!