This Cilantro Lime Rice boasts a vibrant and zesty taste, enhanced by the freshly squeezed lime juice and cilantro. The addition of jasmine rice contributes an aromatic quality, making this light side dish utterly delightful.
Recipe Details
I’m a big fan of jasmine rice, which makes this Cilantro Lime Rice an absolute favorite. The combination of fresh cilantro and lime creates a side dish that pairs well with nearly any meal. Plus, it’s simple to whip up while preparing the rest of your dinner, making it even more appealing!
- TASTE: Bright and tangy with hints of garlic, this Cilantro Lime Rice is delicious enough to enjoy on its own.
- TEXTURE: The rice is fluffy and tender, avoiding moisture or crunchiness. Creamy butter and tiny cilantro flecks enhance its appeal.
- TIME: Preparation takes just a little over 30 minutes.
- EASE: This recipe is incredibly straightforward. I’ll guide you through making flavorful stovetop rice with ease.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Rice- I prefer jasmine rice for its aromatic flavor, but other rice types can work, particularly long grain rice.
- Oil- Olive oil is an excellent choice that adds flavor while helping the salt adhere.
- Butter- This ingredient gives the rice a luxurious taste.
- Garlic- Fresh garlic cloves deliver the best flavor, though pre-minced varieties can suffice.
- Cilantro- Fresh cilantro is essential for its bright, citrusy flavor. Make sure to use only the leaves, discarding the stems.
- Fresh limes- Both lime zest and juice are utilized to flavor this delightful rice dish.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add some spice- For a bit of heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños.
- Substitute the cilantro- If you lack cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used as alternatives. Note that coriander, although derived from the same plant, has a distinctly different flavor.
- Add scallions- These mild green onions complement garlic beautifully.
- Substitute the rice- You can use other long grain varieties like white rice, brown rice, basmati, or even wild rice.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- Clean the rice. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under running water until the water is clear.
- Drain completely. Place the colander on a plate to catch any remaining water.
Pro Tip: Use your hands or a spatula to navigate the rice, ensuring that dirt and excess starch are thoroughly removed.
- Season the rice. Start by placing the rice in a medium pot, then add the oil and garlic. Stir for approximately one minute to lightly brown the rice.
- Add water. Pour in the water along with the salt, and give it a quick mix.
- Cook the rice. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low for about 15 minutes.
- Let it rest. After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add additional ingredients. Fluff the rice using a fork, then incorporate the butter, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve it hot.
Recipe Tips
- Avoid short grain rice: While short grains are ideal for dishes like sushi, long grain rice is the preferred choice for this recipe.
- Rinse the rice: Clean the rice well to eliminate any dirt and reduce starch content, preventing a gummy texture.
- Add cilantro at the end: Cooking the cilantro can cause it to lose its vibrant color and become slimy. For the best flavor and appearance, mix it in at the end.
- Fluff the rice: To prevent sticking, use a rice paddle or fork to fluff the rice after it has rested.
FAQs
Is cilantro lime rice genuine Mexican?While this dish gained widespread popularity from Chipotle, it has long been cherished in Mexico and various regions of Latin America.
Can I substitute lemon for lime in cilantro lime rice?Yes, you can replace lime with lemon in this recipe. Although lemons are generally sweeter and less tangy than limes, they will still provide the necessary citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe rivals Chipotle’s in deliciousness and is incredibly simple to prepare. It pairs wonderfully with tacos, burritos, proteins, and vegetables.
- Tacos, Burritos, or Burrito Bowls: Enjoy this rice alongside Baked Chicken Tacos, Flank Steak Tacos, Fish Tacos, or Breakfast Burritos (VIDEO). Don’t forget to add Guacamole and Pico de Gallo for enhanced flavor.
- Meats: This Cilantro Lime Rice is perfect alongside Grilled Ribeye Steak, Smoked Chicken Thighs, Smoked Pork Chops, and Chicken Cutlets. Top it off with some Chimichurri Sauce!
- Seafood: Serve it with Pineapple Salmon, Pan Fried Cod paired with Sautéed Vegetables, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, or Oven Baked Salmon over this rice.
- Vegetables: Complement it with Grilled Vegetables, Grilled Corn Salsa, Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, or Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Preparation ahead of time: You can prepare this rice dish in advance and let it rest while you work, adding cilantro and other ingredients later. Alternatively, refrigerate it for later use.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, transfer the rice to a microwave-safe container, add a bit of water, cover with a paper towel, and microwave until heated through. The steam from the water will help soften the rice, which can become dry in the fridge.
Freezing: Allow the rice to cool before placing it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, where it can be stored for up to three months. Thaw before use.
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Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice offers a refreshing and zesty taste, featuring freshly squeezed lime juice and cilantro. The use of jasmine rice enhances its aromatic quality, creating a delightful and fluffy side dish.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.Servings: 4Calories: 356kcalIngredients
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1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil -
1 1/2 cup jasmine rice -
2 cloves garlic pressed or zested -
2 1/4 cup water -
1 tsp salt -
2 Tbsp unsalted butter -
Zest of 1 lime -
3 Tbsp lime juice fresh -
1 cup lightly packed cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under running water until the water appears clear.
- Next, position the colander atop a plate to catch any remaining water drippings.
- Transfer the rice into a medium pot and incorporate the oil and garlic. Stir for approximately one minute until the rice begins to lightly brown.
- Next, pour in the water and salt, followed by a swift stir.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit undisturbed for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the butter, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve while hot.
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