Just 3 ingredients and insanely easy prep (use your rice cooker or Instant Pot) make this delicious coconut quinoa with lime zest recipe a go-to side dish or breakfast option... Total winner!
Coconut Quinoa with Lime Zest
I'm all about simple healthy side dishes that pack a ton of flavor — and this easy coconut quinoa totally delivers! We're talking virtually hands off cooking here, folks...
Basically, it's a riff on our favorite (and very popular) coconut milk rice recipe, substituting quinoa for the basmati rice. Sounds good, hmm?
And it's good for you, too! Not only is quinoa high in protein, it's also packed full of antioxidants, high in fiber, AND naturally gluten free. So many benefits wrapped up in one delicious, versatile and incredibly easy to prepare grain!
"The coconut milk adds so much to it!"
This is such a GOOD recipe and my go-to when I make quinoa. We love it and it goes well with pretty much anything!
3-Ingredient Coconut Milk Quinoa
With just three real ingredients (because salt and water don't count, right?), this coconut milk quinoa recipe is a cinch to prepare, especially when you use my easy quinoa in rice cooker method. Yes, really... You CAN make quinoa in your rice cooker!
Just a word on coconut milk... While you could probably use your favorite coconut milk beverage in this recipe, I prefer to use canned coconut milk when cooking. It provides loads more flavor and a richer consistency.
But if you wish to opt for the coconut milk beverage, quinoa is always cooked at a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. So you'd omit the water and use 2 cups of coconut milk beverage in lieu of the canned coconut milk and water in my recipe. You could also substitute coconut water using this same method.
By the way, my favorite brand of canned coconut milk is Thai Kitchen — organic if I can find it, but the regular variety will do, as well. I stock up via my monthly Subscribe & Save order so I always have some in my pantry (because we make this yummy quinoa and coconut milk recipe often).
Although I've been finding it for a great price at Costco lately, too. So if you're a big Costco fan (like me!), look for it there.
Coconut Milk Quinoa in Your Rice Cooker or Instant Pot
How you prepare this coconut quinoa is totally up to you. You CAN choose to make it on the stovetop (instructions below) — it's actually slightly quicker. But it's just so darn insanely easy to make it in a rice cooker...
Simply dump the quinoa, coconut milk, water, and salt in, and push the start button. Then you're free to throw together the rest of your meal while it cooks.
I have a fancy Zojirushi model, but a bargain rice cooker, like this uber budget-friendly model, will more than suffice. For about $16, you'll adore the overall time savings!
Instant Pot Quinoa: I've recently been experimenting with making this recipe in my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker — and it's even faster! Like just one minute at pressure fast...
I alternate between methods depending whether I'm meal prepping or preparing it for dinner alongside a longer cooking dish. Instructions for both methods can be found in the recipe card.
Not only is this coconut lime quinoa a versatile side dish (served alongside chicken, in burritos, in salads, mix in fresh veggies, basically any way you'd normally use rice), the mild flavor with just a hint of sweetness means that it's perfect for breakfast applications, as well.
Top it with coconut flakes, fresh blueberries, toasted pecans, and a dollop of vanilla yogurt, it makes for a surprisingly delicious breakfast bowl!
Printable Recipe ↓
Coconut Quinoa w/ Lime Zest
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed if necessary
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 small lime zested and juiced
Instructions
- Check the quinoa package to see if your quinoa needs rinsed. If it does, pour 1 cup of quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Place quinoa, canned coconut milk, water, and salt into the rice cooker.
- Select the quick cook setting on your rice cooker, and then press the start button to start the cooking process. For a standard rice cooker without all of the bells and whistles, one cooking cycle should be enough to do it.
- The rice cooker will beep after about 30 minutes to indicate that it's done cooking. Let the quinoa set for about 4-5 minutes after it's done cooking, and then fluff it with a fork.
- Stir in the zest and juice of one small lime, and season with additional salt to taste. Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
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Try These Healthy Chicken Recipes
These easy chicken recipes pair perfectly with this quinoa side dish:
- This balsamic grilled chicken recipe makes the most juicy and succulent boneless skinless breasts EVER! Made with an easy balsamic chicken marinade that requires just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of marinating time. AND it's Whole30 compliant...
- With just 4 ingredients and only 30-minutes of baking, these amazing baked boneless skinless chicken thighs are sure to become a weeknight staple. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!
- This delicious spicy shredded Instant Pot salsa chicken recipe is equally perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend meal prep! It's easy to prepare, super versatile, and freezes well. Just 4 ingredients and under 40 minutes prep to table!
If you love this coconut quinoa, I think you'll also love this cilantro lime cauliflower rice! It's a delicious, light, and healthy low carb side dish.
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your coconut quinoa turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Ashley says
This came out like soup. Not like a little watery, literally like soup, and i even had the foresight to not use the water because it already looked like too much liquid. I cooked for another ten minutes- still soup. Will try again with half the can of coconut milk.
Jackie says
This is such a GOOD recipe and my go-to when I make quinoa. We love it and it goes well with pretty much anything! The coconut milk adds so much to it. You can really add it to any dish, salad, meat and add your own other seasonings. Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy to hear how much you love it, Jackie!
Kathleen says
I love this recipe and I make it once a week now! I do add a bunch of spices when bringing it to a boil (curry, cumin, red pepper flakes, sometimes paprika or chili powder) and it comes out delicious!
Jennifer says
Can u use Coucous or Amaranth in lieu of Quinoa??
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Jennifer! I've not tried either, but I don't see why you couldn't — with some modifications. Quinoa cooks at a 1:2 ratio of grains to liquid, whereas couscous is a 1:1 and amaranth a 1:3. So I would substitute the quinoa for either 2 cups of couscous or 2/3 cup of amaranth and leave the remaining ingredients as is, if you'd like to try it. I'd love to hear your results if you do!
Reagan says
This is so much better than the typical quinoa sides I’ve made. Feels indulgent and so easy! I have been eating plain but I could see throwing sweet or savory on top of this.
Experienced Cook says
This was...interesting. I prepared it on the stove top and followed the directions exactly (it's pretty simple). There was way too much liquid leftover, so I had to drain it. My family thought it tasted good - for limey, milky quinoa. Not sure I'd make it again but it was definitely worth a try. Thanks for the recipe.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Sorry I missed your comment previously. It sounds like it probably just needed to sit a little while longer to allow the liquid to absorb. Also, if you used a quinoa that needed to be rinsed before cooking, you might need to use a bit less water because it will retain some of the rinse water. I'll add a note about this to the recipe. Thanks!
Kristina says
Never thought to use coconut milk! I bet that give it such a great flavor and goes perfectly with that lime zest!!!! :)
Katie says
This sounds like the perfect side or even base for an Asian dish like curry or in the place of any rice dish!
Jennifer says
We have this for dinner all the time! My family loves it and it's so easy to make!
Emmeline says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!! I love love love coconut rice but it doesn't feel all that healthy, this version feels so much better. I'll try it this weekend!
Vicky says
I can't believe how simple it is to make a delicious side dish. I would make this in the instant pot to make it even simpler. I love the flavor of lime and coconut together!
Aimee Shugarman says
This was the perfect side dish to the curry I made for dinner. Thank you!
Cheryl Sousan says
Thanks for the Instant Pot tip!! This quinoa is a big hit at our house!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This is such an amazing flavor combo!! Would love to try it!
Kelly Anthony says
It's so fluffy and gorgeous! And I love that it can be a breakfast time win OR a dinnertime win! Yes, please!
Kara says
Is it weird that I want to make this for breakfast? I think it would be a tasty way to start the day! :)
Justine Howell says
I'm just getting into quinoa and looking for new ways to jazz it up, this was great!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Not weird at all, Justine! I actually use it in breakfast bowls frequently. Sometimes it's a good way to use up leftovers, but often I even make it specifically for breakfast!
Sarah Skaggs says
We are making this tonight, it smells amazing!!
Nellie Tracy says
I am a HUGE quinoa fan and love the combination of lime and coconut in this recipe! Yum!
Anna says
Love this idea for a flavorful quinoa! Can't wait to try it!
Linda says
I make my quinoa in the microwave using an 8-cup Pyrex measuring bowl but you can use any large microwave safe dish. 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa. (I usually use chicken broth for extra flavor.) Rinse your quinoa if needed, add the liquid and cover. I just use microwave safe plastic wrap with a couple of holes poked in it (or you could use a plate). Cook 5 minutes on High. Remove (be careful not to burn yourself with the steam) and stir, cover again and cook another 5 minutes on High. Let sit, covered, an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve. Depending on the strength of your microwave, you may have to adjust cooking time. It is crucial that you stir halfway through the cooking process.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for the tips, Linda!
Carol says
Hi. This recipe doesn’t make since to me. If you use the whole can of coconut milk. Do you leave the water out of this?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Carol! Yes, you still need to add some water along with the coconut milk — 1/4 cup as listed in the directions. Just print off the recipe and follow it along, and it should work!
Nat says
This was a perfect ratio for my instant pot. I didn't have a 1 minute setting, so it cooked for two minutes. Wonderful! I would love to turn it into a salad to serve at potlucks. What would be good to add?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Ooh, good question! I'm thinking some black beans, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and cilantro. Then instead of adding the straight lime juice, make a simple lime vinaigrette to toss with it all. Some diced jalapeños would be an amazing addition, if spiciness isn't an issue. I'm making myself hungry — think I need to try this!
Lee says
I made this before and it was awesome, but now I need to make it again but double it- same cook time if in the instant pot? Any changes to the amount of liquids? (Other than double...)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Lee! I actually tried doubling it in my rice cooker once, and it was just too much for it, so I ended up dumping it into my Instant Pot. You should be fine to just double everything and leave the cook time the same.
Erin says
I mainly use this as a breakfast food! (Although i love breakfast for dinner ;) A bowl of this with a poached egg nestled in it is my favorite!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I love hearing this, Erin! And you're so right — this is one of those great versatile recipes that's perfect for any meal.
Courtney Criel says
AMAZING! This is the first recipe I have made in my Instant Pot and I'm so happy I tried this one first! The quinoa is so creamy. I'm very impressed.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad to hear you love it, Courtney! I just made a batch in my Instant Pot last night, too.
Elsy Varghese says
I tried this yesterday. It was delicious. I have always tried to eat quinoa because it was healthy. Now I will be eating it for the taste.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I'm so happy to hear that, Elsy — thanks for sharing!
Bridget says
I've made this dish before and it was wonderful! I'm cooking it this time on the stove and I accidentally added the lime juice and zest into the mix to boil... hoping it still turns out okay :/
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
How did it turn out, Bridget? Sometimes I'll throw the zest in while it's cooking, but I've never added the juice before.
Kim says
This is not good ratios for cooking in the instant pot! I even doubled it to 2 minutes and it was runny. And yes it's a good side dish recipe, little bland, but like the author says season to taste.
Lori I Silverstone 825 says
I've made Quinoa before in the IP but not this recipe. Followed instructions and have right ingredients but it was very runny. Not being in a natural cook I figured the best thing to do was just put the lid back on, set it for one minute again and then do another 10 minutes NPR. Does that make sense? Thanks!
Lori I Silverstone 825 says
P. S. Did as I said above but left for NPR 18 minutes this time and it's perfect and very decadent! Love it.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Lori! I haven't made this recently, because we're in the midst of a Whole30 and can't have quinoa. But I will test my settings again soon and update the post if needed.
Becky says
I'm going to try adding cilantro to this dish. It sounds delicious.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Cilantro is an excellent addition!
Elizabeth says
The ratio of liquid to quinoa is 1:1 in the Instant Pot. It seems as though nearly 2 cups of coconut milk plus water would be twice what you need. Does the coconut milk thicken it up? How did yours turn out in the IP?
Ann Poyer says
Any suggestions on main dishes that go really well with this?? Thanks so much for the yummy recipe!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
You're welcome, Ann! Try this mustard-glazed chicken thighs recipe: https://unsophisticook.com/baked-chicken-thighs/ It's one of our favorites and can be ready in just about 30 minutes! Or another good one is this cilantro lime chicken: https://unsophisticook.com/cilantro-lime-chicken/
Melissa P says
Delicious!!!! Curious if you have you tried this with lemon instead of lime?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Melissa! You know, I actually haven't tried it with the coconut milk. But I often add lemon juice and zest to my regular quinoa, so I bet it would be very tasty! Now I'm inspired to try it for dinner tomorrow...
Tara Taylor says
Have you tried this as a cold side dish, such as for a potluck?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I haven't taken it to a potluck. But I have eaten cold, and it's very good either way!
Joanna says
Can you tell me what the calories per serving is and what is the serving size?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Joanna! One cup of dry quinoa yields about 3 cups of cooked quinoa. I ran this coconut lime quinoa recipe through a nutrition calculator to get some figures for you, and a 1/2 cup serving has approximately 233 calories.
Lynn Pennington says
If doing this on the stovetop, at what point do you add in the coconut milk?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Lynn! You can follow the instructions as is, just add the ingredients in Step 2 to your saucepan. Cook your quinoa as you normally would, and then pick up with Step 5 to add the lime zest and juice. Enjoy!
Julie Piper Delesdernier says
I made this with brown rice and it was delish!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, it's fabulous with rice, Julie! In fact, it was inspired by my favorite Coconut Milk Rice recipe that I shared several years ago. I used jasmine rice at that time, but my favorite lately is this organic brown rice from Bob's Red Mill.
Tammy says
Did you use 1 cup of rice before switching to Quinoa? My was a bit mushy but the taste was great.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Tammy! If you want to make this recipe with rice, you can follow the recipe here: https://unsophisticook.com/coconut-milk-rice/