Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water. Continually rinse until the water runs clear to eliminate any excess starch, which will help prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice with the coconut milk and water. Add in the lime zest, sugar (if using), and salt. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
After the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Carefully remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over the top and mix lightly to blend the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
Transfer the flavorful coconut lime rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant touch and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
Optional sugar can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.