Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals, especially Mexican dishes like tacos and burritos. The bright flavors of fresh cilantro and lime make this rice a refreshing addition to your dinner table. It’s easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.

How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.)
• 2 cups Water (Essential for cooking the rice.)
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (Finely chopped, adds vibrant flavor.)
• 1 Fresh Lime Juice (Adds zesty tang; freshly squeezed is preferred.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Helps keep the rice from sticking together.)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle with olive oil, tossing gently to combine.
7. Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve warm.

How to Serve Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Serve Cilantro Lime Rice as a side to your favorite Mexican dishes, grilled chicken, or seafood. It also makes a great base for burrito bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

How to Store Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Let the rice cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave it until hot, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps to keep the rice fluffy.
2. Adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro according to your taste preferences.
3. For added flavor, consider adding a little garlic or onion while cooking the rice.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers. For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

Q: What can I do with leftover cilantro lime rice?
A: Leftover rice can be used in salads, burritos, or as a filling for stuffed peppers.

Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A simple and flavorful side dish that complements many meals, especially Mexican dishes. The bright flavors of fresh cilantro and lime make it a refreshing addition to your dinner table.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.)
• 2 cups Water (Essential for cooking the rice.)
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (Finely chopped, adds vibrant flavor.)
• Juice of 1 Fresh Lime (Adds zesty tang; freshly squeezed is preferred.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Helps keep the rice from sticking together.)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle with olive oil, tossing gently to combine.
7. Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve warm.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a little garlic or onion while cooking the rice. Adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro according to your taste preferences.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg