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Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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