Bright, tangy lime brightens thin slices of beef while warm, creamy coconut rice softens the heat and ties the meal together. This Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice is fast to make, full of tropical aroma, and easy to adapt. The beef takes on a citrusy bite from lime and ginger, while jasmine rice simmered in coconut milk becomes fragrant, slightly sweet, and silky. Serve it for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
For a bold party appetizer to pair with this main, try Beef Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls—they make a fun contrast in flavor and texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes marinade)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories per serving: 600 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
This dish balances bright, acidic lime with rich, creamy coconut. It cooks quickly. The marinated beef stays tender and full of flavor. The coconut rice smells amazing as it simmers. It’s a simple meal that feels special. The textures play well together: tender meat, soft rice, and fresh cilantro on top. It’s versatile enough for weeknights and nice enough for guests.
How to Make Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
You’ll marinate the beef, cook the coconut rice, then sear the meat. Timing is easy: start the rice while the beef marinates, then brown the beef last so it stays juicy. Use medium-high heat for a quick sear and bright lime at the end for freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (sliced thinly)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Add the 1 lb thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the lime and ginger tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Coconut Rice
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water (or adjust to package rice ratio), and 1 teaspoon salt to a gentle boil. Add 1 cup jasmine rice, stir once, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15–18 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork for light, creamy grains.
Step 3: Searing the Beef
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove beef from marinade and add in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear the beef until browned and cooked through, about 2–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. The edges should caramelize and smell savory. Discard leftover marinade or boil it if you want to make a quick sauce.
Step 4: Finishing and Serving
Serve the seared beef over the coconut rice. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh, green finish. Squeeze extra lime if you like more zing. The dish should taste bright, slightly salty, and satisfyingly rich from the coconut.
How to Serve Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
Serve hot on individual plates or family-style in a shallow bowl. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch. For a casual meal, pair with a light salad and lime wedges. For a festive touch, top with thinly sliced red chili or toasted coconut flakes for texture. The aromatic rice and zesty beef also pair well with a chilled white wine or a citrusy beer.
How to Store Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature then store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep beef and rice together or separate for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the rice. For microwave, cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
- Slice beef thin across the grain to keep it tender.
- Don’t skip the 30-minute marinade — it brightens flavor and tenderizes.
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk for creamier rice. Shake the can to remix before measuring.
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and keep rice fluffy.
- Cook rice on low and resist lifting the lid during simmer to ensure even cooking.
- Sear beef in a hot pan and avoid overcrowding; crowded meat steams rather than browns.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt or lime if needed.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Lime Beef: Add 1 sliced jalapeño or 1 teaspoon chili flakes to the marinade.
- Coconut-Lime Shrimp: Swap beef for shrimp; cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, carrots, or roasted bell peppers to the rice for color and nutrition.
- Low-Fat Option: Use light coconut milk and choose a lean cut of beef or turkey strips.
- Herb Swap: Use Thai basil or mint instead of cilantro for a different herbal note.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?
A: Yes. If using pre-cooked rice, reheat gently with a splash of coconut milk or water to restore creaminess. Toss briefly in a pan or microwave until hot. -
Q: How long can I marinate the beef?
A: Marinate between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Acid from lime will tenderize the meat; beyond 6–8 hours it can start to break down the texture. -
Q: What cut of beef works best?
A: Thinly sliced sirloin, flank, or skirt steak works well. They sear quickly and stay tender when sliced thin across the grain. -
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce. -
Q: How do I prevent coconut rice from becoming greasy?
A: Measure coconut milk accurately and mix with the correct amount of water. Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch that can make rice gummy. -
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: For a vegan version, swap beef for marinated tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth with coconut milk for extra flavor. -
Q: Is it safe to use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
A: Only if you bring it to a full boil for at least 1–2 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw beef.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice brings bright citrus and warm coconut together for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to love. It’s great for busy nights and scales well for guests. If you enjoy coconut rice paired with spiced beef, check out this tasty variation: Spicy Beef Larb With Coconut Rice – What’s Gaby Cooking. Try the recipe, and enjoy the fresh, fragrant flavors with family or friends.
Print
Zesty Lime Beef with Coconut Rice
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A bright, tangy dish featuring marinated beef served over creamy coconut rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (sliced thinly)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the beef and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring coconut milk, water, and salt to a gentle boil. Add the jasmine rice, stir once, cover, and simmer until tender, about 15–18 minutes. Let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade and sear in a single layer until browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard leftover marinade.
- Serve the seared beef over the coconut rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Squeeze extra lime for added zing.
Notes
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for creamier rice. Rinse jasmine rice to keep it fluffy.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
