Go Back
To make a tasty cilantro lime rice, you need a few key items: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt to taste These ingredients come together to create a bright and fresh flavor. The rice acts as the base, while lime and cilantro give it a zesty kick. You can boost the taste of your cilantro lime rice with some optional items. Consider these: - 1/4 cup diced red onion - 1/4 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped These add-ins can enhance texture and flavor. Diced onion gives a sweet crunch, while corn adds sweetness. If you like heat, jalapeño will spice things up. Each serving of cilantro lime rice has: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 4g - Carbohydrates: 42g - Fat: 4g - Fiber: 1g - Vitamin C: 7% of daily value This dish offers a good balance of carbs and a bit of protein. It’s a healthy side that pairs well with many meals. Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious dish at your next gathering! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. Start by rinsing the rice in cold water. Use a fine mesh strainer for this. Rinse until the water runs clear. This step helps remove extra starch. Less starch means fluffier rice. Trust me, it makes a big difference! In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the rinsed rice and sauté for another 2 minutes. This lightly toasts the rice for extra flavor. Now, pour in vegetable broth or water, and sprinkle in cumin and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until the rice is tender. Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garlic adds a warm, rich note to the rice. Cumin gives a bit of earthiness. Both together create a lovely base flavor. Once your rice has rested, it’s time for the fun part! Fluff the rice with a fork. Gently mix in chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. This brightens up the dish and gives it a fresh taste. Always taste your rice! You might want to add more salt or a splash more lime juice. Adjust according to your palate. Finally, fluff the rice again with a fork. This ensures all the flavors are mixed well. Your cilantro lime rice is now ready to serve warm! You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy! To get fluffy cilantro lime rice, rinse the rice first. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. Rinsing removes extra starch. This step helps the rice cook evenly. Next, toast the rice in the pan. Cook it with olive oil and garlic for two minutes. This adds flavor and helps the grains stay separate. One common mistake is not rinsing the rice. This leads to gummy rice. Also, avoid cooking on high heat. This can burn the rice. Always use a lid when simmering. This keeps steam inside for even cooking. Finally, let the rice sit after cooking. This helps it become fluffy and absorb flavors. You can make your cilantro lime rice unique. Add beans for protein. Black beans work well and add color. For spice lovers, mix in chopped jalapeños. You can also switch the lime for lemon. This gives a fresh twist. Finally, try adding different herbs. Mint or parsley can also be delicious. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta . {{image_2}} You can use various rice types for your cilantro lime rice. Long-grain rice works great, but jasmine or basmati rice adds a unique touch. These rice types have lovely aromas and flavors. For a healthier option, try brown rice. It may take longer to cook, but it adds a nutty taste. Adding protein can turn your cilantro lime rice into a complete meal. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent choices. Cook the protein separately and mix it in after the rice is done. You can also stir in black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. This keeps the dish filling and nutritious. If you love spice, add some heat to your rice. Try mixing in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers while cooking. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. This adds a new layer of flavor that pairs well with the lime and cilantro. To keep your cilantro lime rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the rice to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent excess moisture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Label your container with the date for easy reference. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover rice, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir it often until it's hot. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, checking often. This helps it warm evenly. You can freeze cilantro lime rice for later use. Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. Frozen rice can last up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above for a quick meal. Enjoy your tasty side dish anytime! Yes, you can make this rice ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or veggie stir-fry. It also goes great with beans or a fresh salad. This rice adds a burst of flavor to any meal. This recipe is easily vegan. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients are already plant-based. Enjoy this zesty rice without any animal products! To reheat leftover rice, add a splash of water to it in a pot. Cover it with a lid and heat on low. This method helps steam the rice, keeping it moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel. Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it. You can add fresh parsley or green onions instead for some flavor. Lemon zest can also brighten the dish. Feel free to customize it to your taste! For the full recipe, check out the Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta . You’ll find all the steps to create this tasty side dish! Cilantro lime rice is simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. I shared ways to customize your rice and avoid common mistakes. Now you can enjoy fluffy, flavorful rice with ease. Remember to experiment with different rice types or add protein for variety. This dish pairs well with many meals, so get creative! Stay confident in your cooking skills and make it your own.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this vibrant Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Simple to make and bursting with fresh flavors, this dish is perfect as a side for tacos, grilled chicken, or your favorite bowl. With just a few ingredients like rice, cilantro, lime, and spices, you can create a zesty complement to any dish in no time. Don’t miss out—click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of fiesta to your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.

    In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.

      Add the rinsed rice to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the rice.

        Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and add the cumin and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

          Simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

            Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

              Fluff the rice with a fork and add in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Gently mix until all the flavors are combined.

                Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve warm!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings