Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts

Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts

Coconut milk does double duty here in this light yet hearty rice dish that straddles the line between side salad and pilaf-like main. First the rice is simmered in creamy coconut milk, then the remaining milk is used to make a soothing dressing spiked with lime juice, peanut butter, toasted peanuts and garlic, with a little added heat from chile sauce. Fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped herbs turn it all into a rice salad that can be a flavorful side for grilled chicken or the base for fried eggs. 

Ingredients

  • uncooked jasmine rice

    rinsed

    1 c
  • can coconut milk
    1
  • salt and pepper
  • piece ginger
    1
  • garlic cloves
    2 large
  • limes
    2
  • roasted and salted peanuts

    crushed

    ½ c
  • peanut butter
    2 tbsp
  • granulated sugar
    2 tsp
  • sambal oelek
    2 tsp
  • ripe cherry tomatoes

    halved, about 10 ounces

    2 c
  • roughly chopped mixed herbs

    such as dill, cilantro or mint

    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the rice according to the packaging instructions until tender, replacing 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water with 1 1/4 cups of the coconut milk. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, transfer to a serving bowl and season with salt and pepper — it should taste well-seasoned and almost buttery — and let cool.

  2. 2

    While the rice is cooking, add 1/4 cup coconut milk to another bowl. Finely grate the ginger and garlic into the bowl, followed by the zest of 1 lime. Then, juice both limes into the bowl. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the peanuts, the peanut butter, sugar and sambal and season with salt.

  3. 3

    When ready to serve, add the tomatoes and 3/4 cup of the herbs to the bowl with the rice. Pour in the coconut dressing, toss well to coat, season with pepper and top with remaining 1/4 cup crushed peanuts and 1/4 cup herbs. For the best flavor, serve at room temperature the day it’s made.

Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts

Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts

591 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that effortlessly balances richness with a zesty kick? This Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice with Peanuts delivers a refreshingly hearty experience, perfect for elevating any weeknight meal or summer gathering.

What makes this recipe truly special is the ingenious dual use of coconut milk. First, it imbues the jasmine rice with a delicate creaminess as it simmers. Then, the remaining milk transforms into a luscious, bright dressing, spiked with the tang of lime, savory peanut butter, aromatic ginger, and a hint of heat from sambal oelek. This layered approach ensures every grain of rice is infused with complex, satisfying flavor.

Prepare for a truly satisfying and balanced dish. You’ll find the jasmine rice perfectly tender, enveloped in a subtle coconut sweetness that forms a comforting base. This is beautifully contrasted by a creamy, bright dressing that brings together the zing of lime, the nutty depth of roasted peanuts, and a gentle warmth from the chile sauce. Bursting cherry tomatoes add a fresh juiciness, while a generous blend of mixed herbs—like dill, cilantro, and mint—provides an invigorating, aromatic lift. It’s a light yet surprisingly hearty dish, striking a delightful balance that makes it substantial enough for a main course but versatile as a robust side.

Customization & Serving

This naturally vegetarian Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice is a fantastic canvas for your preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of sambal oelek to dial the heat up or down. For those who enjoy a richer herb profile, you can easily tweak the proportions of dill, cilantro, or mint to your liking. While the recipe calls for roasted peanuts, you could experiment with cashews for a different nutty note. You might also consider adding extra protein by serving alongside grilled chicken or even topped with a perfectly fried egg.

Serve this colorful rice dish as a standalone main for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, or pair it as a flavorful side with grilled chicken or fish. It’s particularly suited for outdoor dining and picnics, bringing a fresh, tropical flair to your table.

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