Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

$When making cilantro lime rice, use these simple ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Juice and zest of 1 lime - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional) - Freshly ground black pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role in the final taste. Long-grain white rice gives a fluffy texture. Vegetable broth adds depth and flavor. Olive oil helps the rice cook evenly and prevents sticking. The salt enhances all the flavors, while lime juice and zest provide a bright, zesty kick. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. If you like, garlic gives an extra flavor layer. Finally, black pepper adds a hint of spice, balancing the dish. With these ingredients, you create a dish that is fresh and full of life. This cilantro lime rice works well with many meals, making it a must-try side. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by rinsing the rice. Place 1 cup of long-grain white rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove extra starch. A clear rinse means fluffier rice. - Next, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. If you love garlic, add 1 small minced garlic clove now. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Avoid browning the garlic; we want a fresh taste. - Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir it well so the rice gets coated in oil. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This adds a lovely flavor to your dish. - Now, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mix to a boil. Watch it closely; you want a rolling boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice is done when it's soft and all the liquid is gone. - After cooking, take the pan off the heat. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time lets the rice steam and become fluffier. - Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This step keeps it light and airy. - Now, add the juice and zest of 1 lime and 1/2 cup of finely chopped cilantro. Mix well. Taste it and add freshly ground black pepper if you like. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors! To get fluffy rice, start by rinsing it. Rinsing removes extra starch. This step is key for a light texture. After cooking, let the rice rest. Keep it covered for about five minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking with steam. Want more flavor? Add minced garlic when you heat the olive oil. It gives a nice taste. You can also adjust the lime juice and pepper. Start with a bit and taste. This way, you can find your perfect balance. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken, fish, or tacos. You can also serve it with beans for a vegan option. For a fresh touch, garnish with more cilantro or lime slices. This adds color and flavor to your plate. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinsing the rice removes excess starch, resulting in a fluffier and less sticky final dish. Infuse Flavor: To enhance the flavor of the rice, consider toasting it in the olive oil before adding the liquid; this adds a nutty depth. Rest the Rice: Allowing the rice to sit covered after cooking helps it finish cooking with steam, making it fluffier and improving texture. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice after mixing in the lime juice and cilantro, and feel free to add more salt or pepper to suit your preference. {{image_4}} You can switch the rice to fit your taste. Jasmine or basmati rice works well. These rice types add a nice aroma and flavor. They cook similarly, so feel free to use them. Brown rice is another option. It gives a nutty flavor and adds fiber. Just remember, brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Adjust your cooking time to about 40-45 minutes. Want to boost flavor? Try adding veggies like corn or bell peppers. These add color and texture. Dice them small for even cooking. You can also mix in black beans for protein. Spices can bring a kick to your rice. Consider cumin, chili powder, or paprika for extra zest. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. For a rich taste, use coconut milk instead of broth. This adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can use half coconut milk and half broth for balance. Mixing in roasted nuts or seeds is another great idea. Almonds or pumpkin seeds add crunch and flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for the best taste. To store leftover cilantro lime rice, first let it cool. Once cool, place it in a container. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers both work well. To freeze cilantro lime rice, first cool it completely. Then portion it into freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the rice overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water. Cilantro lime rice lasts about 4 to 6 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for mold or an off smell. If you see either, discard the rice. Fresh rice should smell zesty and bright, just like it did when you made it. Cilantro lime rice is a bright and zesty side dish. It features long-grain white rice mixed with lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro. This dish brings a fresh flavor to your meals. It pairs well with many main courses, especially Mexican dishes. Yes, you can make cilantro lime rice ahead of time. Cook the rice and add cilantro and lime juice later. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. To fix mushy cilantro lime rice, try spreading it on a baking sheet. This helps it dry out a bit. Heat it gently over low heat to remove excess moisture. Fluff the rice with a fork to improve texture. Yes, you can use other herbs. Parsley offers a similar look and flavor. Basil or mint can add a unique twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. The best way to reheat cilantro lime rice is on the stovetop. Add a few drops of water to the pan to keep it moist. Heat over low until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cilantro lime rice is easy to make and full of flavor. We explored key ingredients, simple steps, and storage tips. With a few variations, you can make it your own. Remember, rinsing the rice helps keep it fluffy. Enjoy the fresh taste with your favorite dishes. This rice is a great side for meals, and it stores well. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. With these tips, you’ll always have delicious cilantro lime rice ready to serve.$

A vibrant and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 lime juice and zest
0.5 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Start by thoroughly rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
In a medium-sized saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. If you choose to include garlic, add the minced garlic at this point and sauté it for 1-2 minutes or until it becomes fragrant.
Next, add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, ensuring it's evenly coated in the olive oil. Toast the rice for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Once toasted, carefully pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and stir in the salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
When the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes.
After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes.
After the resting time, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Then incorporate the lime juice, lime zest, and finely chopped cilantro into the rice.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Rinsing the rice is key for a fluffier texture.

Keyword cilantro, lime, rice, side dish, vegetarian