Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy steamed rice cooked with rich coconut milk and zesty lime for a fragrant side dish reminiscent of tropical islands. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 25 minutes pairs jasmine rice, coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 cup coconut milk, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp lime zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let rice steam, covered, for 5 more minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness and fresh aroma.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tiki-Inspired Coconut and Lime Rice?

Caribbean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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