Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish

Cilantro Lime Rice is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine fluffy grains of rice, kissed by zesty lime and aromatic cilantro, dancing together in perfect harmony. The fresh citrus notes brighten your palate while the herb adds a vibrant green pop, making each bite feel like a celebration.

This delightful dish is not just for taco nights or burrito bowls; it’s an all-year-round superstar! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, Cilantro Lime Rice will elevate any meal. Just wait until you take that first bite—trust me; you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last grain has vanished.

I once served this Cilantro Lime Rice at a family gathering, and my cousin’s eyes rolled back in delight with every spoonful. It was an instant hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Long-Grain White Rice: Use about 1 cup; it cooks up fluffy and separates easily.

• Fresh Cilantro: About half a cup chopped; opt for bright green leaves that smell fresh.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed from about 2 limes; bottled juice just won’t cut it.

• Salt: Use to taste; kosher salt works wonders for enhancing flavors.

• Water or Chicken Broth: 2 cups; broth adds depth, but water works too if you’re in a pinch.

• Butter or Olive Oil: Use one tablespoon; it adds richness and ensures fluffiness in the rice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Cooking this Cilantro Lime Rice is as easy as pie—if pie were made out of rice. So let’s dive into the steps!

Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.

Simmer Away: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes. You want that rice tender but not mushy—think fluffy clouds!

Add Flavorings: When the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before mixing in one tablespoon of butter or olive oil.

Mix in Citrus Goodness: Squeeze the juice from two fresh limes into the rice along with half a cup of chopped cilantro—this is where the magic happens!

Taste Test Time!: Give your rice one final fluff and taste! Adjust salt if needed because nobody likes bland food.

And there you have it! A bowl of heavenly Cilantro Lime Rice ready to steal the show at your next meal. Serve warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (and thirds).

Enjoy this delightful dish that brings sunshine to any table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the rice to eliminate excess starch, then cook it in vegetable broth for added flavor. Sauté garlic and cilantro in lime juice before mixing them into fluffy rice. This sequence ensures a flavorful and perfectly cooked dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap white rice for brown or jasmine rice for an aromatic twist. Add diced jalapeños for heat or mix in black beans for extra protein. Tailoring the recipe lets you create a unique dish every time.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, sprinkle some water over it and microwave until warm, ensuring it stays moist and fluffy.

Sharing this dish always brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone fought over the last scoop of cilantro lime rice, proving that food truly brings people together.

FAQ

Can I use other grains instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice work beautifully with similar seasonings.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it entirely plant-based.

What can I serve with cilantro lime rice?

It’s perfect alongside tacos, grilled shrimp, or even mixed into salads for extra flavor.

Print

Cilantro Lime Rice

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and zesty side dish that transforms any meal into a celebration. This fluffy rice, infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice, complements tacos, grilled meats, or can be enjoyed on its own. Ready in under 30 minutes, this delightful recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Experience the explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes, freshly squeezed
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in butter or olive oil.
5. Mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt to taste before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: For added flavor, cook rice in vegetable broth instead of water. Customize by using brown or jasmine rice or add diced jalapeños for heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat with a splash of water.