Creamy & Fragrant Thai Coconut Cilantro Rice

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If you’re looking for a luxurious yet simple side dish, this Thai Coconut Cilantro Rice is the perfect choice! Light, fluffy rice is cooked in rich, creamy coconut milk, creating a subtly sweet, tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, curries, stir-fries, or even fresh seafood.

This dish is one of my favorite ways to elevate a meal without extra effort. The coconut milk infuses every grain with silkiness, while the fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten up each bite. It’s a quick and easy recipe, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality side dish in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this irresistibly creamy, fragrant rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Creamy & Dreamy – Coconut milk makes this rice extra rich and velvety.
✅ Bright & Fresh – Cilantro and lime balance the flavors perfectly.
✅ Perfect for Pairing – Pairs beautifully with Thai, Indian, and tropical-inspired dishes.
✅ Easy & Quick – Just 20 minutes of cooking time!
✅ Dairy-Free & Vegan-Friendly – Naturally plant-based and gluten-free.

📝 Ingredients

🔹 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine rice works best!)
🔹 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess!)
🔹 1 cup water
🔹 ½ teaspoon salt
🔹 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
🔹 Juice of 1 lime

🥥 Want even more coconut flavor? Stir in ½ teaspoon coconut extract or top with toasted coconut flakes!

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Rinse the Rice

✔️ Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. (This removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy!)

2️⃣ Cook the Rice

✔️ In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
✔️ Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

3️⃣ Simmer & Absorb

✔️ Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4️⃣ Fluff & Add Flavor

✔️ Remove from heat and let sit (covered) for 5 minutes.
✔️ Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

✔️ Serve warm alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, curry, or roasted vegetables.

🍽️ For an extra tropical touch, garnish with toasted coconut flakes or chopped cashews!

🌿 Tips & Variations

✅ Make it extra rich – Stir in ½ tablespoon of butter for a silky finish.
✅ Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced Thai chili for heat.
✅ Turn it into a meal – Top with grilled tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken.
✅ Go nutty – Sprinkle with toasted cashews, almonds, or peanuts for crunch.

🛍️ Storage & Reheating

🧊 To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Microwave with a splash of coconut milk or water to keep it creamy.
❄️ To Freeze – Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.

🌟 Tried This Recipe?

Let me know how you liked it in the comments below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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