Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe: A Bright Side Dish Triumph

Steaming white rice gets a zesty boost with this incredible cilantro lime rice recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Bright, fresh herbs dance through each fluffy grain, creating a vibrant side dish that complements countless meals.

The combination of tangy lime and aromatic cilantro delivers a punch of flavor that turns ordinary rice into something extraordinary.

Tender rice absorbs the citrusy notes, making every bite a refreshing experience.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this simple yet delectable side, but you can easily master it at home with just a few ingredients.

Salt and a squeeze of lime bring this dish to life, ensuring a restaurant-quality result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your pot and start cooking – this rice is about to become your new favorite accompaniment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice

• Rice: Fluffy and light foundation that absorbs delightful flavors perfectly, choose long-grain white rice for best texture.
• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the rice, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity, pick plump cloves with no green sprouts.

• Oil or Butter: Creates rich undertones and prevents rice from sticking, use neutral cooking oil or unsalted butter for clean taste.
• Water or Stock: Provides essential moisture for cooking, choose low-sodium stock for enhanced flavor profile.

• Lime: Introduces bright, zesty freshness that transforms the entire dish, select juicy, firm limes with vibrant green color.
• Cilantro: Brings herbal, citrusy notes that complement lime perfectly, choose crisp leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
• Salt: Balances and elevates all other flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Cilantro Rice Effortless

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice, needs a tight-fitting lid to trap steam.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: Perfect for rinsing rice thoroughly and draining water.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice and water.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping onion and cilantro cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking.
• Fork: Ideal for gently fluffing rice and mixing in lime and cilantro.

Fluffy Rice Instructions with Lime & Cilantro

• Rice Preparation

Carefully rinse rice under cool water until liquid becomes transparent. Drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer to ensure excess starch is removed.

• Sautéing Base

Warm a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil and gently toast rice with finely chopped onion, stirring consistently until rice looks brighter and onion softens. Quickly introduce minced garlic, allowing fragrance to develop without browning.

• Liquid Incorporation

Pour warm liquid into the pan, stirring gently to release any stuck rice grains. Season with salt, then reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover and allow rice to simmer quietly.

• Resting Period

Remove pan from heat and let rice rest covered for several minutes. Check rice texture, adding extra liquid if needed and returning to low heat for final steaming.

• Finishing Touches

Sprinkle fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro across rice surface. Use a fork to delicately separate grains and blend herb and citrus flavors throughout the dish.

Tricks for Better Flavor in Every Spoon

• Remove excess starch by washing rice until water runs clear, ensuring fluffy and separated grains every single time.
• Enhance flavor depth by lightly toasting rice and onions before adding liquid, creating a nutty, rich base that elevates the entire dish.
• Use warm water or stock instead of cold to help rice cook more evenly and prevent uneven cooking or clumping.
• Adjust cilantro amounts to personal preference – chop finely for subtle flavor or use larger leaves for more pronounced herbal notes.
• Experiment with adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cumin, or replacing some water with coconut milk for exciting taste variations.

How to Plate Cilantro Lime Rice Beautifully

• Serve Alongside Zesty Proteins: Pair this cilantro lime rice with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish tacos for a burst of fresh, tangy flavor that complements the main dish perfectly.
• Create Colorful Rice Bowls: Layer the rice with black beans, roasted vegetables, avocado slices, and a drizzle of salsa to transform it into a vibrant and satisfying meal.
• Elevate Taco Night: Use this rice as a delicious base for burrito bowls, stuffed peppers, or as a side dish that adds a bright, citrusy kick to Mexican-inspired meals.
• Pack for Picnic Perfection: Chill the rice and mix with additional chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing cold rice salad that travels well.

Keeping Cilantro Rice Ready for the Next Meal

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Sprinkle a tablespoon of water before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent dry, clumpy rice. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook this rice for quick weeknight dinners. Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cilantro lime rice blends Mexican culinary traditions with fresh, zesty flavors. Bright ingredients and simple techniques create a delicious side dish you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or mixed into salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (280 g) long grain white rice
• 2 ¼ cups (530 ml) water, vegetable stock or chicken stock
• ½ cup (70 g) finely minced onion
• 1 tbsps olive oil or butter, plus more for serving
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 3 tbsps fresh squeezed lime juice
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup (30 g) roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly rinse long-grain white rice under cold water until liquid runs clear, drain completely in a fine-mesh colander to remove excess starch.
2. Sautéing: Heat medium saucepan over medium flame, add oil or butter. Toast rice and finely chopped onion, stirring consistently until rice turns opaque white and onion softens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Aromatics: Introduce minced garlic, gently stirring to release fragrant notes without scorching, about 30 seconds.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour warm water or vegetable stock into pan, loosening any rice grains from sides. Season with salt, reduce heat to lowest setting, and cover tightly with lid.
5. Cooking Process: Simmer rice undisturbed for 15 minutes, creating a steamy internal environment for uniform cooking.
6. Resting Phase: Remove pan from heat, keep lid sealed, and allow rice to rest 10 minutes, enabling moisture absorption and achieving perfect tenderness.
7. Final Adjustments: Uncover and check rice grain texture. If slight firmness remains, replace lid and apply low heat for additional 5 minutes, adding minimal water if needed.
8. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro across surface. Gently fluff rice with fork, ensuring even flavor distribution and light, airy texture.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Clear water prevents clumpy, sticky rice and removes excess starch for a light, fluffy final texture.
• Toast Rice Before Liquid: Sautéing rice with onions and oil creates a nutty flavor profile and helps grains cook more evenly and separately.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Low heat and a sealed lid are crucial for creating steam and preventing burned or undercooked rice, ensuring perfect tenderness.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding cilantro and lime juice at the end preserves their vibrant flavor and brightness, transforming the rice from plain to extraordinary.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg