Description
Cilantro Lime Rice: Flavorful rice infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Quick, vibrant, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
- 3 cups (720ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from approximately 2–3 limes)
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- ½–¾ cup (30-45g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (for finishing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups of rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps ensure your Cilantro Lime Rice will be fluffy rather than sticky. Drain well in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium heat until shimmering. If you’re using the optional garlic, add it now and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the drained rice to the pan and stir to coat each grain with oil. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting step adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates your Cilantro Lime Rice above basic preparations.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups of water or chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with the lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking!
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for perfectly textured rice.
- Step 6: While the rice is resting, prepare your lime and cilantro. Zest and juice your limes, and finely chop the fresh cilantro.
- Step 7: Uncover the rice and fluff gently with a fork. Drizzle with the lime juice, olive oil, and sprinkle with lime zest. Add the chopped cilantro and fold everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly without crushing the rice grains.
- Step 8: Taste your Cilantro Lime Rice and adjust seasonings as needed. Some people prefer more lime juice or cilantro, so feel free to customize to your taste preferences. Serve immediately for the brightest flavor.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg