Name: Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil; Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons); ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

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Introduction

Cilantro lime rice is a fresh and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. With zesty lime and aromatic cilantro, this easy recipe brightens up simple white rice in just 30 minutes.

A white bowl filled with cooked white rice mixed with chopped green herbs, giving a fresh look with small green specks throughout. A wooden spoon is scooping some rice, with a woman's hand partly visible holding the spoon from the right side. The bowl rests on a white cloth on a white marbled surface, with a few lime halves and green leaves blurred in the background. The rice looks soft and fluffy with light texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, if using, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Step 6: Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving to keep the fresh flavors vibrant.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
Try swapping vegetable broth for chicken broth for added depth of flavor if not vegetarian.
Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness; bottled lime juice lacks the same fresh zing.
If you prefer a lighter oil option, extra virgin olive oil works wonderfully and adds a subtle fruitiness.

Storage

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop, covered, until heated through.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with fluffy white rice mixed with small green cilantro leaves and tiny lime pieces. The bowl is white with a simple dark rim. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl, slightly lifting some rice. The background shows a white marbled texture with some green cilantro and a sliced lime blurred out. The scene has soft natural light highlighting the freshness of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust broth quantity and cooking time according to package instructions.

Will the rice turn mushy if I overcook it?

To avoid mushy rice, be sure to keep the heat low, cover the pot tightly, and avoid stirring during cooking. Letting the rice sit after cooking helps it firm up.