Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable version)

Fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and lime zest—ideal for Mexican or Asian dishes

# What You’ll Need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lime
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add rinsed rice and stir continuously to coat all grains evenly with oil.
03 - Pour water into the saucepan and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
05 - Fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed throughout.
06 - Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and serve while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortless Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, it's a quick way to elevate any meal.
  • Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh lime zest and finely chopped cilantro creates a vibrant, restaurant-quality side.
  • Naturally Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of guests.
02 -
  • Resting Period: Never skip the five-minute rest; it allows the steam to distribute evenly through the grains.
  • Freshness Counts: Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled to maintain the zesty aromatic quality.
  • Texture Control: Use a fork instead of a spoon to fluff the rice to keep the grains separate and intact.
Go Back