Name: Coconut Quinoa w/ Lime Zest
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed if necessary); 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk; 1/4 cup cold water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 small lime (zested and juiced)

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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!

coconut milk quinoa with lime ingredients

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 lime quinoa garnished with lime zest in a bowl

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.

coconut milk quinoa with lime zest in a bowl with limes and a fork

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 lime quinoa in a persimmon striped bowl with cut limes

Coconut Quinoa w/ Lime Zest

4.67 from 106 votes

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!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Additional Time 5

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 149.4 kcal

Ingredients

Get Recipe Ingredients

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

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 6 months.

Substitution suggestions:

• Canned coconut milk » omit the water in the recipe and add 2 cups of coconut milk beverage or coconut water.

Other tips and suggestions:

• Instant Pot coconut quinoa » Using the Pressure Cook setting, cook at high pressure for 1 minute. When the pork is done cooking, press the Keep Warm/Cancel button to turn off the cooker. Allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR) for 10 minutes, then use the pressure valve to quick release any remaining pressure.

• Stovetop coconut quinoa » Bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Let the quinoa set for about 4-5 minutes after it's done cooking.

• Seasoning » If your coconut lime quinoa seems bland, it's because you haven't seasoned it enough. Season to taste after cooking with additional salt and lime juice until you're satisfied with the flavor.

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Nutrition information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment & tag @unsophisticook on social

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!

Comments

4.67 from 106 votes (90 ratings without comment)