Fluffy and Delightful Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

Introduction

This fluffy and delightful coconut basmati rice brings a tropical twist to your usual side dish. Infused with creamy coconut milk and brightened with fresh lime, it’s perfect alongside seafood, chicken, or your favorite curry.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 1 13.5oz can coconut milk
• ¾ cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 whole lime
• Juice of ½ lime

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 1 ½ cups rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cool, running water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Step 2: Pour the coconut milk into a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add enough water to make a total of 2 ¾ cups liquid (for example, ¾ cup water). Pour the coconut milk and water mixture into the pot with the rice, then add ½ teaspoon salt and stir briefly.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes. Without removing the lid, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lime zest and juice, then serve warm with your favorite dishes like shrimp, salmon, chicken, tacos, or curry.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the basmati rice lightly in a dry pan before rinsing to enhance its nutty aroma.
• Swap lime zest and juice with lemon for a different citrus note.
• Add a few fresh cilantro leaves or chopped green onions after cooking for a fresh garnish.

Storage

Store leftover coconut basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover, and microwave or warm gently on the stovetop to retain moisture and fluffiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but you can substitute jasmine rice with similar results. Avoid short-grain rice as it becomes sticky and less fluffy.

Is canned coconut milk necessary, or can I use fresh coconut milk?

Canned coconut milk provides the right creaminess and richness. Fresh coconut milk can be used if prepared thickly, but canned is more convenient and consistent for this recipe.

Fluffy and Delightful Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 556 reviews

This fluffy and delightful coconut basmati rice recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with creamy coconut milk and a hint of zesty lime to create a flavorful and aromatic side dish perfect for pairing with seafood, chicken, or curry dishes.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 1 13.5oz can coconut milk
• ¾ cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 whole lime
• Juice of ½ lime

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Place 1 ½ cups of basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cool, running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Transfer the rinsed rice to a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Prepare the Cooking Liquid: Pour coconut milk into a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add enough water to bring the total liquid volume to exactly 2 ¾ cups (¾ cup water added). Pour this coconut milk and water mixture into the pot with the rice. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and stir everything gently to combine.
3. Cook the Rice: Place the pot on the stove and bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
4. Let it Rest: After 10 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Allow the rice to sit and steam in the covered pot for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures the rice fully absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the zest of one whole lime and the juice of half a lime, distributing the citrus flavor evenly. Serve warm alongside shrimp, salmon, chicken, tacos, curry, or any other favorite dishes.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice thoroughly is key for fluffy, non-sticky rice.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure even steam cooking.
• Adjust lime zest and juice to taste for more or less citrus aroma.
• Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water.

Keywords: Coconut rice, basmati rice, coconut milk rice, lime zest rice, side dish, gluten free, stovetop rice