Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe – A Flavorful Side Dish

Cilantro Lime Rice is the kind of dish that dances on your taste buds, bursting with zesty flavors and a vibrant green hue. Imagine fluffy rice kissed by the tang of fresh lime juice, and the aromatic pop of cilantro wafting through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. Your mouth starts watering just thinking about it, right? For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

This delightful rice dish isn’t just for show; it’s a culinary sidekick that elevates any meal. Whether it’s taco night, a summer barbecue, or simply a weeknight dinner that needs some excitement, Cilantro Lime Rice brings a zing that makes every bite worth savoring. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about how it transformed our taco night into a fiesta!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Long-Grain White Rice: Choose high-quality rice for perfect fluffiness; rinsing removes excess starch for better results.

• Fresh Cilantro: Opt for vibrant green leaves to ensure maximum flavor; nothing beats fresh herbs!

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds zest; avoid bottled versions for the best flavor.

• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Water or Broth: Use vegetable or chicken broth for added depth of flavor in cooking.

• Olive Oil or Butter: A small amount helps prevent sticking and adds richness to the rice.

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

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Prepare the Rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. This ensures fluffy rice rather than a sticky mess.

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low and covering with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

Add Flavorings: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter along with salt and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Toss in Cilantro: Gently fold in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro until evenly distributed throughout the rice. The aroma will be irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer your vibrant Cilantro Lime Rice to a serving bowl and watch as everyone dives in eagerly! Pair it with tacos or grilled chicken for an unforgettable meal.

Cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to tweak flavors based on your cravings; you can even spice things up by adding jalapeños if you like some heat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy grains. Cook it in broth instead of water for extra flavor. Once cooked, stir in cilantro and lime juice to infuse the vibrant flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cilantro lime rice with black beans for protein, diced jalapeños for a kick, or even corn for sweetness. Experimenting makes this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone clamored for seconds—it’s always a hit!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time; brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when cooking the rice.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

Try parsley or green onions as substitutes; they add freshness too!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Cilantro Lime Rice

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and zesty dish that transforms any meal into a flavorful experience. This fluffy rice is infused with fresh lime juice and aromatic cilantro, creating a delicious side that complements tacos, grilled meats, or can be enjoyed as a base for grain bowls. Easy to make and visually appealing, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until absorbed.
3. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
4. Stir in olive oil/butter, lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro until evenly mixed.
5. Serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg