Abstract Theoretical investigations of L-shell Δn = 0, 1, and 2 (2s→2p, 3l′, and 4l′) dielectronic recombination (DR), as well as K-shell Δn = 1, 2, and 3 (1s→2l′, 3l′,and 4l′) DR of Li-like Si11+ ions are performed, using the relativistic distorted-wave approach. Detailed resonance energies, resonance strengths, and recombination rate coefficients are calculated including complex configuration mixing, Breit interaction, and QED corrections. Good agreement is achieved between the theoretical rate coefficients and the experimental results. The plasma rate coefficients are also calculated for electron temperatures ranging from 10−1 to 106 eV, and an analytical formula is presented to fit the total plasma rate coefficients for convenient modeling of astrophysical and fusion plasmas.