Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice recipe featuring perfectly cooked long-grain rice infused with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, ideal as a zesty side dish for Mexican and Southwestern meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
Flavorings
- 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
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps to prevent clumping and results in fluffier rice.
- Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the rice’s aromatic profile.
- Cook Rice: Pour the low-sodium vegetable broth and salt into the saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered, allowing the rice to rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the rice to steam further and become tender.
- Fluff and Season: After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro evenly throughout the rice for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing rice is key for fluffiness by removing surface starch.
- Adjust lime juice and cilantro quantities based on taste preference.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a heart-healthy fat alternative to butter.
- Optional garlic adds aromatic depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, cilantro rice, lime rice, Mexican rice side dish, easy rice recipes, vegetarian side dish
