A few months ago I posted a recipe for Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Popcorn. That was when I realized you could add citrus zest to white chocolate with no devestating effects. (ie. Seizing)

In fact, it gives white chocolate, which is usually cloyingly sweet, a bit of brightness and dimension. It was a revelation, friends.

Coconut and lime is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and air-popped popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. It was only a matter of time before they were combined somehow.

This isn't a kettle corn recipe, though. It's much sweeter -- like white chocolate popcorn.

This is so easy to do, too. I'll show you!

Ingredients for Toasted Coconut Popcorn

• popcorn kernels
• white chocolate chips or melts
• limes
• unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes
• sea salt

How to make popcorn

Here are a few ways to make popcorn:

Air popped

This is my personal favorite. No oil needed and you don't have to worry about burning! Here's a link to the one we have. Presto air popper on Amazon.

Stove top

If you prefer to make your own popcorn on the stovetop, it isn't too difficult. You can also choose the type of oil you like and cook it in a pot over medium heat. Popping corn with coconut oil will give it a boost of coconut flavor, too! Popcorn with coconut oil is super delicious, too. Here's a tutorial if you need one: Stovetop Popcorn Recipe.

Microwave

If microwave popcorn is your go-to, use a natural kind that doesn't have a lot of butter. Save that movie theater popcorn for movie night :) 

DIY Microwave

Have you ever made your own microwave popcorn? We did it with our kids recently when our air popper died and we were waiting on the replacement to arrive (it lived a long 15+ year life!).

You can also pop the popcorn in coconut oil! You just toss ½ cup popcorn kernels in oil, put them in a paper sandwich bag and roll the top a couple of times. Microwave for a couple of minutes like store-bought microwave popcorn and stop when the popping slows down. If you need a recipe, this is the one we used: Microwave Popcorn Recipe.

How to toast coconut?

There are two ways to do this:

Stovetop

Put the coconut in a large, dry skillet and cook it over medium heat, shaking and stirring it around occasionally when it begins to turn golden brown. I prefer this method because I alwasy forget about stuff like this in the oven. I've charred many pans of coconut over the years. Heh.

Oven/Toaster Oven

Put the coconut on a rimmed baking sheet -- no oil needed. Bake it in the oven on a low broil for a few minutes until it's as golden brown as you like. Maybe set a timer? That might have helped me have a better track record for toasting coconut in the oven.

What kind of white chocolate is best to put on popcorn?

I like to use high quality white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is my favorite) or a chopped white chocolate bar. The flavor is far better than using almond bark or lower quality white chocolate melts.

If you'd like to make this recipe lower in sugar, you can use Lily's White Chocolate Style Chips. I've done it before and it works beautifully. It won't make this recipe low carb or keto friendly since popcorn is high in carbs naturally.

How to melt white chocolate?

Although you get the best flavor from higher quality white chocolate, it can be a little less forgiving when you're working with it melted.

Almond bark and white chocolate candy melts are easier to work with.

That being said, both kinds are relatively easy to work with, so don't be scared off.

Just put some chips in a bowl and microwave it in 20-second increments, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Don't microwave it longer or you might scorch it. White chocolate scorches more easily than regular chocolate, too.

How to make this coconut popcorn recipe:

Start with some popcorn! I have an air-popper which eliminates the need for oil or watching a pot on the stove like a hawk. I'm a little obsessed with popcorn. My air-popper is my ride or die appliance. (Don't tell my food processor.)

Toast the coconut in a skillet on the stove.

Melt the chocolate and stir in the zest from two limes.

TIP: Be sure there is NO water on the limes when you zest them. If you just washed your lime, dry it off REALLY well. Any water that gets in the white chocolate will make it clump up and be impossible to use. It's called seizing, and it's tragic -- you'll have to start over with new chocolate. Just dry your limes off really well.

Pour melted white chocolate over the popcorn and mix it a little. Fold in the toasted coconut.

Spread the popcorn out on a large piece of parchment paper and let it sit out until the chocolate has hardened and is no longer sticky.

Cut those limes into a few segments and squirt some lime juice over the finished popcorn. I love the extra little bit of citrusy flavor it adds!

NOTE: Don't add the lime juice to the white chocolate when you add the zest. It'll ruin the chocolate at that point. It works better to squirt it over the popcorn when it's fully cooled and hardened.

Transfer to a lidded container and store at room temp for a week or so. If it'll last that long.

How to store toasted coconut popcorn

Once you spread the popcorn on a piece of parchment paper and let it set until the chocolate hardens again, transfer it to an air-tight container and store at room temperature. It should be good for up to a week. If it lasts that long!

If you like this recipe, try one of my other popcorn recipes!

More Popcorn Recipes on Perry's Plate

Loaded Chai Caramel Corn

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Popcorn

If you make one of my recipes, I'd love to see! Post it on social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!

Toasted Coconut Popcorn with Lime

Yield: Serves 12

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This sweet coconut popcorn is tossed in white chocolate spiked with lime zest and a dusting of crisp toasted coconut -- a perfect little treat for movie night or a party! It's also gluten free and comes together in under 20 minutes!

Print

Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 10 ounces white chocolate chips, melts, or chopped chocolate bar
• 2 limes
• Sea salt

Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn kernels using whichever method you prefer. (See post for instructions if you need them.) I prefer to use an air popper, but you can do it on the stovetop or in the microwave if you like.
2. Transfer the popcorn to a very large bowl. Like, the biggest bowl you have.
3. Put the coconut in a large skillet over medium heat. No oil needed. Shake the coconut around a few times when it starts to turn golden brown. Continue to toast it for as long as you like. This should take 5-8 minutes.
4. Put the white chocolate in a small bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each one, until chocolate is completely smooth.
5. Stir the zest from both limes into the melted white chocolate. MAKE SURE YOUR LIMES ARE DRY WHEN YOU ZEST THEM. Any drops of water will cause your chocolate to seize and you'll have to start over.
6. Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn and stir. While the chocolate is still wet, stir in the toasted coconut.
7. Spread the popcorn out on a large piece of parchment. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and let it sit until the chocolate has set, about 15-20 minutes depending on the temperature of your house.
8. Optional, but recommended: Slice the limes into wedges and squeeze a few of them over the popcorn. It gives it a stronger citrusy bite!
9. Transfer the popcorn to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes

If you'd like to reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, I highly suggest using Lily's White Chocolate Chips. They melt beautifully. It won't make this recipe low carb or keto since popcorn is high in carbs naturally.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  White Chocolate Style Baking Chips By Lily's Sweets | Stevia Sweetened
• 
  Microplane 45000 Gourmet Series Coarse Cheese Grater, 18/8, Silver
• 
  Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher's Hot Air Popper

This post may contain affiliate links. Any purchases made by using these links won't cost you any extra and helps keep my content free. These links may be Amazon links as I am part of the Amazon Associate Program.

The post Toasted Coconut Popcorn with Lime appeared first on Perry's Plate.

Why you will love this Lime Cilantro Rice Recipe

I've been hacking restaurant recipes for almost 20 years, and this rice is one of those side dishes that somehow steals the spotlight. Toasting the rice in butter before pressure cooking gives it this rich, nutty base, and the lime juice + zest situation? swoon

Thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s nearly effortless—and it’s the perfect sidekick for tacos, grilled chicken, burrito bowls, or honestly… just a spoon. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Copycat Cafe Rio Rice Recipe

This rice is based on a recipe I got from a friend a long time ago when we lived in California (Hi Jessie!). It was a stovetop version, which, to me, was quite a bit fussier than using a rice cooker. I got spoiled -- what can I say?

But the flavor of this rice is FANTASTIC. And it uses just a handful of simple ingredients. It reminds me of the rice you'd get at fresh mex places like Costa Vida or Cafe Rio.

(Side note: Can I just say how happy I am to live near a Cafe Rio again? It was a long 12 years without it.)

I took that stovetop recipe, doubled it, tweaked the measurements and adapted it to my Instant Pot. The fact that you can saute AND pressure cook in the same vessel is incredibly convenient. No dirtying extra pans, no babysitting stuff on the stove. It's so great.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Butter
• Long grain white rice
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Limes
• Chicken stock or broth
• Cilantro

How to make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Switch your Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and place your butter into the insert pot.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the rice and saute 5 minutes until it gets toasty brown in spots. Shift occasionally so the rice doesn’t burn.
3. Add the cumin, salt, lime juice and the zest. Stir well, then add the chicken broth.
4. Hit the "Cancel" button on the Instant Pot, place the lid on tightly and move the steam valve to "Sealing".
5. Push the "Rice" button and let it release steam naturally for 5-10 minutes before releasing the rest of the steam manually.
6. Remove the lid and use a fork to loosen the rice up a bit. Toss in the fresh cilantro and serve.

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Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Tips

• Getting some of this rice toasty brown adds a lot of flavor. Be careful, though, because once it starts to turn darker brown, you're about a minute away from scorching. So, add the rest of the ingredients quickly and get the liquid in there.
• I think the juice and zest from 2 limes is enough to make the flavor shine, but if you want it to knock your socks off, add another lime.
• If you've ever made chicken broth from scratch, you know how great it is, but seriously -- store-bought broth is just fine here. (It's easy to use your Instant Pot to make chicken broth. I have a recipe for it in my Instant Pot cookbook, too.)

How to serve Cilantro Rice

Stir some fresh cilantro into that rice and go nuts, guys.

This is the best rice for taco salads, rice bowls, and goes with so many drippy shredded meat.

We recently had it with my Shredded Green Chile Chicken, but it would be amazing with my Chipotle Shredded Beef, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos, Green Chile Shredded Beef, and all of the tex-mex style shredded meat in my cookbooks.

If you're not eating rice, I also made a Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe for The Pioneer Woman: Food & Friends a while back (along with a couple other cauli rice variations!).

If you like this recipe, check out my other Instant Pot rice recipes!

Instant Pot Coconut Rice is super tasty with any kind of curry or island-inspired meal!

Instant Pot Lemon-Herb Rice is a classically flavored rice that would pair well with just about any kind of grilled or roasted meat. Or a big pile of roasted veg.

Storing Cilantro Rice

You can store this rice in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezing rice is a great way to meal prep! Once it’s cooled, pop it into a portion-sized, freezer-safe container.

To thaw your rice, simply take it out the freezer and let it defrost in the sealed container. You’ll want to keep that moisture in the rice!

The easiest way to reheat rice is to microwave it on high for about 2 minutes. It’s a best to cover your rice so it doesn’t dry out.

Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made by using these links don’t cost you any extra and helps to keep my content free.

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice FAQs

What kind of rice is good for cilantro rice?

We always use jasmine or basmati rice because I'm totally in love with the fragrant rices. I read something about basmati being the best, nutritionally-speaking, but I have nothing to back that up with, so... we just eat it because it's super tasty.

I'd recommend any long-grain white rice here. I made this a long time ago with brown rice, but the lime flavor didn't shine as much. If you use brown rice, then bump up the pressurizing time to 20 minutes.

What is a substitute for cilantro in cilantro lime rice?

Parsley would be the closest substitute for cilantro.

What can I use if I don’t have cilantro?

Parsley, mint, and dill are all good substitutes if you are a fan of cilantro.

What is the ratio of water to rice in an instant pot?

A ratio of 1:1 is the general rule, but this recipe is perfect with 2 ¾ cups of rice and 1 quart chicken stock or broth

What if my instant pot doesn’t have a rice button?

If you don't have a rice button than manually set for 12 minutes on Low pressure. Once cook time is done, release steam naturally for 5-10 minutes before releasing the rest of the steam manually. Serve and enjoy.

How long should you cook rice in an instant pot?

Cooking time depends on the type of rice you are using. 12 Minutes should be good for long grain white rice.

Should the vent be open when cooking rice in instant pot?

Cilantro Lime Rice (Instant Pot)

Yield: Serves 6-8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This is by far my favorite rice recipe. It's similar to what you'll find at Costa Vida or Cafe Rio, but made effortlessly in an Instant Pot! Don't have an Instant Pot? There are stovetop directions in the recipe notes, too. I got your back.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 2 ¾ cups long grain white rice
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• 3 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup of chopped, fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Turn your Instant Pot or multi-cooker to the "Saute" mode. Add the butter to the insert pot.
2. When the butter melts and starts to bubble and sizzle, add the rice. Cook the rice for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it gets toasty brown in spots.
3. Add the cumin, salt, and the zest and juice from both limes. Stir well, then add the chicken broth.
4. Hit the "Cancel" button on the Instant Pot, place the lid on tightly and move the steam valve to "Sealing". Push the "Rice" button and let it release steam naturally for 5-10 minutes before releasing the rest of the steam manually.
5. Remove the lid and use a fork to loosen the rice up a bit. Toss in the fresh cilantro and serve.

Notes

Stovetop instructions: Do the saute steps in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Once you add the broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, covered, until the rice is cooked through and there isn't any liquid in the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cilantro and serve.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Microplane 45000 Gourmet Series Coarse Cheese Grater, 18/8, Silver
• 
  Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart

The post Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Instant Pot) appeared first on Perry's Plate.