Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is one of those simple yet delicious side dishes that can take any meal to the next level. It has a bright, zesty flavor from fresh lime juice and a pop of freshness from chopped cilantro.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Microplane or small grater
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice jasmine or basmati works great
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
For the Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
Rinse the rice (optional, but recommended).
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice light and fluffy.
Cook the rice. (15 minutes)
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil. Add the rice, salt, and butter (or olive oil).
- Stir once, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Pro Tip: Try not to lift the lid too often while cooking—keeping the steam trapped helps the rice cook evenly!
Let the rice rest. (5 minutes)
- Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This step allows the grains to firm up and makes fluffing easier.
Add the lime and cilantro.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Then, stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Pro Tip: If you like a stronger lime flavor, add a little extra zest or a squeeze of juice right before serving!
Serve and enjoy!
- Your cilantro lime rice is ready to serve! It’s perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled chicken, or burrito bowls. Enjoy it warm and fresh!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190-210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg (varies based on broth or added salt)
- Vitamin C: 8-10% DV
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.