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If you’re craving a dish that’s both savory and simple, Coconut Lime Rice with Shrimp is your answer! This recipe combines fluffy jasmine rice, creamy coconut milk, and tender shrimp with a zesty lime kick. In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, share tips to perfect your cooking, and suggest tasty variations. Let’s dive into making a meal that’s sure to impress!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavors: The combination of coconut and lime creates a refreshing and tropical flavor profile that brightens up any meal.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time.
- Versatile Protein: Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious flavors of the coconut lime rice, but you can easily substitute with chicken or tofu.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish, along with the garnish of fresh cilantro and lime wedges, make it visually appealing for guests.
Ingredients
To make Coconut Lime Rice with Shrimp, you need a few simple and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup jasmine rice: This rice is fragrant and sticky, perfect for absorbing flavors.
– 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk: This adds creaminess and a tropical taste.
– 1 cup vegetable broth: Use this for extra depth in flavor.
– 1 tablespoon lime zest: This brings a bright, citrusy note.
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: This adds acidity that balances the dish.
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds protein.
– 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps sauté shrimp, adding richness.
– 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor.
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Ginger adds warmth and a bit of spice.
– Salt and pepper to taste: These enhance all the flavors in the dish.
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Cilantro adds freshness and color.
– Lime wedges, for serving: Extra lime gives a punch of flavor at the table.
Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success. Each one brings something special to the dish, making it delicious and satisfying. As you work with these items, remember that fresh ingredients will yield the best results. Enjoy the process of preparing this delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
Rinsing the Rice
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. This step removes excess starch. Rinse until the water runs clear. It helps the rice stay fluffy and not sticky.
Cooking the Rice with Coconut Milk and Broth
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Add a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice is done when the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Fluffing and Adding Lime Zest and Juice
After cooking, remove the rice from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Then, stir in the lime zest and lime juice. This adds a bright flavor to your rice. Cover the rice to keep it warm while you cook the shrimp.
Cooking the Shrimp
Sautéing Garlic and Ginger
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. This step builds a strong flavor base for your shrimp.
Adding and Cooking the Shrimp
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are ready. This is how you know they are cooked through.
Seasoning the Shrimp
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp. This adds a zesty kick and enhances the flavor.
Now, you are ready to serve your dish! Spoon the coconut lime rice onto plates and top it with the shrimp. Enjoy the fresh taste!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Rice Texture
Importance of Rinsing Rice
Rinsing jasmine rice is key. It removes extra starch, making the rice fluffy. When you skip this step, the rice can become sticky and clump together. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step makes a big difference.
Cooking Time Tips
Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes. Keep the heat low to let it simmer. Once the liquid absorbs, the rice will be tender. After cooking, fluff it with a fork. Stir in lime zest and juice while the rice is warm. This adds fresh flavor and keeps it light.
Enhancing Shrimp Flavor
Marinating Tips
To boost shrimp flavor, consider marinating them. A quick soak in lime juice, salt, and pepper works well. Even 15 minutes can add depth. You can also add garlic or ginger for extra taste. Just be careful not to marinate for too long, or the shrimp may become tough.
Best Cooking Techniques
Sauté the shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This quick method keeps them juicy and tender. Finish by squeezing lime juice over the shrimp for a zesty touch.
Pro Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, to avoid overcooking and ensure tenderness.
- Flavor Boost: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the shrimp right before serving enhances the dish’s brightness and flavor profile.
- Garnish with Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro as a garnish; it adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the dish.

Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Quinoa is a great option if you want a gluten-free dish. Both give a different texture and taste.
For proteins, shrimp is great, but you can use chicken or tofu. Chicken works well when cooked correctly, and it absorbs flavors well. Tofu is an excellent choice for a plant-based meal. It soaks up the coconut milk and lime flavors too.
Flavor Tweaks
Spices can elevate your dish. Adding cumin or coriander gives a warm, earthy taste. Just a pinch can make your rice pop with flavor.
Vegetables are another fun addition. Think about adding peas or bell peppers. They add color and crunch. You can sauté them with garlic and ginger for extra flavor. This makes your meal more vibrant and healthy.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
– Storing Leftover Coconut Lime Rice: Place the rice in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Before sealing, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent excess moisture.
– Storing Cooked Shrimp: Store the shrimp in a separate container. Make sure it is also airtight. Cooked shrimp can last in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to keep shrimp separate from rice to maintain texture.
Reheating Instructions
– Best Methods to Reheat Rice: To reheat rice, add a splash of water or broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat rice on the stove. Add a little water to a saucepan, then heat on low. Stir occasionally until hot.
– Reheating Shrimp without Drying Out: Reheat shrimp in a skillet on low heat. Add a tiny bit of olive oil or butter to keep it moist. Heat for about two minutes, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Place shrimp in a bowl with a sprinkle of water. Cover and heat for about 30 seconds. Check and stir, then heat again if needed.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use almond milk or soy milk. They add a different flavor but still work well. You can also mix heavy cream with some water for a creamy texture.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy sauce like Sriracha. Just mix it in with the shrimp for a nice kick.
Cooking Tips
What to do if the rice is too sticky?
If the rice sticks, add a bit more water and cook it on low heat. Stir gently to break up clumps. Next time, rinse the rice better to remove more starch.
How to tell when shrimp are properly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a “C” shape. If they are still gray or feel tough, they need more cooking time.
This blog post provided you with a simple way to make Coconut Lime Rice and Shrimp. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the perfect dish, and tasty variations. Remember, rinsing the rice is key for good texture. You can swap proteins or add spices for more flavor. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy your meal later too. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy cooking this bright, delicious dis
Coconut Lime Rice with Shrimp
A delicious and refreshing dish combining coconut milk-infused rice with sautéed shrimp and lime.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork, then stir in the lime zest and lime juice. Cover to keep warm.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze lime juice over the cooked shrimp for additional flavor.
To serve, spoon the coconut lime rice onto plates and top with the sautéed shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve lime wedges on the side for an extra punch of freshness.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword coconut, easy, lime, rice, shrimp
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