Cilantro Lime Rice

$- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt to taste - Additional spices (like chili powder or paprika) - Sliced green onions for garnish Cilantro lime rice shines with its fresh taste. The main ingredients create a simple yet tasty side dish. You can swap or add ingredients based on your preferences. For example, using brown rice gives a nutty flavor. Feel free to add spices for an extra kick. The lime and cilantro will brighten any meal. Using fresh cilantro is key for great flavor. If you want a milder taste, use less lime juice. This recipe is flexible and can match many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with tacos or burritos. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this delightful dish! - Rinse the long-grain white rice. - Warm olive oil and cook minced garlic. Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Rinsing helps remove extra starch. This step makes the rice fluffier. Use a fine mesh strainer and run cold water over the rice until the water runs clear. This can take a minute or two. Next, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 clove of finely minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir it continuously so it does not brown. You want the garlic to smell nice, not burn. - Combine rice with broth/water and seasonings. - Simmer covered until rice is tender. Now, add the rinsed rice into the saucepan. Sauté the rice for 2 minutes. This helps to toast it lightly and brings out flavor. Then, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin and add salt to taste. Stir everything well. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight lid and simmer it for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will be tender and the liquid should be all absorbed. - Fluff rice and mix in cilantro, lime zest, and juice. - Adjust seasoning to taste. After cooking, take the saucepan off the heat. Keep it covered and let it sit for 5 more minutes. This step helps the rice steam and fluff up nicely. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and separate the grains. Then, add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro, the zest of 1 lime, and the juice of that lime. Stir everything together to mix the flavors well. Finally, taste the rice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if you like. Enjoy your cilantro lime rice as a side dish or a base for your favorite meals! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To make fluffy rice, start by rinsing it well. Rinsing removes extra starch. This step is key. Excess starch makes rice sticky. Rinse until the water runs clear. Next, use the right broth or water ratio. For this recipe, a 1:2 ratio works well. One cup of rice needs two cups of liquid. This balance helps the rice cook evenly. To boost the lime flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest. The zest adds a bright kick. When you sauté garlic, it brings out its sweetness. Cook minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. A golden color is perfect, but brown can taste bitter. Serve the cilantro lime rice in a colorful bowl. This adds a fun touch. You can garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Lime wedges on the side look nice and invite guests to add more lime. For extra flair, try adding some sliced green onions. They add color and a mild onion taste. These small changes can make your dish stand out. {{image_4}} You can switch up the rice for fun. Try brown rice for a heartier bite. It has more fiber and a nutty taste. Jasmine rice is another great choice. It has a lovely floral aroma that adds depth to your dish. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using quinoa. It cooks quickly and brings a unique texture. Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños to your rice. They give a nice kick and pair well with lime. You can also mix in black beans or corn. These add color and extra nutrients. Plus, they create a filling meal. For a Mexican flair, try adding diced tomatoes and avocado. These fresh ingredients brighten up the dish. You can also sprinkle some queso fresco on top for a creamy finish. If you want to go Asian, try adding soy sauce or sesame oil. These flavors mix well with the cilantro and lime, creating a unique rice dish. For the full recipe, check out the recipe above! To keep your cilantro lime rice fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent drying out. Place the rice in the container and seal it tightly. This way, it stays flavorful and moist. For freezing, let the rice cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat your leftover rice, reheat it properly. The best way is to use a microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to trap steam. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly. You can also reheat on the stovetop. Add a little water in a pan and warm it over low heat. Stir often to keep the rice from sticking. Cilantro lime rice lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. If your rice has an off smell or visible mold, it’s best to throw it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Storing your rice correctly will ensure its quality for your meals. Yes, you can make cilantro lime rice in an Instant Pot. Here’s how: - Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice until water runs clear. - Add the rinsed rice to the pot. - Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. - Add 1 clove of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. - Season with salt to taste and stir well. - Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. - After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. - Open the lid, fluff the rice, and stir in cilantro and lime. Yes, cilantro lime rice is gluten-free. The main ingredients include rice, broth, and lime juice. Always check your broth for any gluten content, but most vegetable broths are safe. To adjust the recipe for more servings, scale up the ingredients evenly. - For 8 servings, use 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of broth. - Keep the lime juice and cilantro amounts relative to the rice. - Maintain the same cooking time, as the Instant Pot can handle larger volumes. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. - Tacos or burritos to add a fresh side. - Beans or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian meal. To make cilantro lime rice spicy, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. - Stir in the heat gradually to avoid overpowering flavors. - You can also use spicy broth for an extra kick. - Taste as you go to find the right balance. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Cilantro lime rice is easy and flavorful. We covered all the main ingredients, like rice, broth, and lime. You learned prep steps, cooking tips, and variations. Plus, I shared storage and reheating info to keep it fresh. In the end, this dish is versatile. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking, and remember, it pairs well with many meals!$

Elevate your meals with this delicious Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and fragrant spices, you’ll learn how to create a fluffy, flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and unlock tips for that perfect presentation. Make your next meal a fiesta with this easy-to-follow guide!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lime (about 1 teaspoon)

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold running water. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. Continue rinsing until the water is clear to remove excess starch, which will result in fluffier cooked rice.

In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.

Incorporate the rinsed rice into the saucepan, and sauté it for an additional 2 minutes. Stir frequently to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.

Gradually pour in the vegetable broth or water. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and season with salt to taste. Stir the mixture well, then raise the heat to bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow it to simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat while keeping it covered. Let it sit for 5 additional minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff up.

Using a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Then, add in the finely chopped cilantro, lime zest, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and flavors meld together.

Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice, if desired. Serve warm as a vibrant side dish or as a base for your favorite dishes!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cilantro lime rice in a decorative bowl; garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges on the side for a fresh touch.