Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta

$- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 lime, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt, to taste - Pepper, to taste - Medium saucepan - Measuring cups and spoons - Fork for fluffing To make cilantro lime rice, you need simple ingredients. First, the long-grain white rice acts as the base. Use two cups of vegetable broth or water to cook it. Olive oil adds richness. The lime zest and juice give it a bright flavor. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. For seasonings, minced garlic adds depth. Cumin gives it a warm touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You will need a medium saucepan to cook the rice. Measuring cups and spoons help ensure accuracy. A fork is key for fluffing the rice at the end. Using the right tools makes the process smoother and more fun. This dish is easy to prepare, and it pairs well with many meals. Enjoy making it! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice in cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy. - Sauté garlic in olive oil: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. - Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir well to coat it in the garlic oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This toasts the rice and adds flavor. - Add broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender. - Let the rice rest: After cooking, take the saucepan off the heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice become even fluffier. - Fluff and mix in cilantro and lime: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lime, along with 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined. To make fluffy cilantro lime rice, start by rinsing the rice. Rinsing helps remove excess starch. This step keeps the rice from becoming sticky. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Next, toast the rice in olive oil and garlic. This adds flavor and helps the grains stay separate. Cook it for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid. You can add more herbs or spices for extra flavor. Try adding fresh parsley or chopped green onions. A pinch of chili powder can add warmth. For garnishes, consider diced avocado or sliced radishes. They add color and contrast. You can cook cilantro lime rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. A rice cooker is easy and keeps the rice warm. Follow the same steps but adjust the water ratio based on your cooker. Different rice types need different water amounts. For brown rice, use more water and extend the cooking time. Check your rice for doneness and adjust as needed. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make the rice gummy. Toast the Rice: Lightly toasting the rice in olive oil and garlic adds a depth of flavor that enhances the dish. Let it Steam: After cooking, allow the rice to sit covered for a few minutes to finish steaming and improve texture. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime and cilantro for the best flavor—dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste. {{image_2}} You can switch up the rice in this recipe. Brown rice works well. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. You will need to cook it longer, about 40-50 minutes. Quinoa is another good choice. It cooks faster and adds protein. Rinse it well before cooking to remove its bitter coating. Want to spice it up? Add some jalapeños to the mix. They bring heat that pairs great with lime. You can chop them finely and sauté them with the garlic. If you like other citrus flavors, try using lemon or orange zest. These will give a unique twist to your rice. Cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly with tacos. The fresh flavors complement the spices in the tacos. You can also use it as a base for a bowl. Top it with grilled veggies, beans, or your favorite protein. This makes a great meal that is easy to customize. To keep your cilantro lime rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can put it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. You can freeze cilantro lime rice for longer storage. Spread it out on a baking sheet in a thin layer. This helps it freeze evenly and quickly. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, microwave it straight from the freezer. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often, until warm. Cilantro lime rice is versatile and fun to use in new dishes. You can mix it into salads for added flavor. It works well in wraps with your favorite proteins and veggies. Try adding it to burritos for extra zest. You can even use it as a base for grain bowls topped with beans, avocado, or grilled chicken. You can use water as a substitute for vegetable broth. It works well but may lack some flavor. If you want more taste, try using chicken broth. You can also use low-sodium broth for a healthier option. For a richer flavor, add a bit of soy sauce or a splash of lemon juice. Yes, you can use dry cilantro. However, fresh cilantro gives a better taste. If you must use dry cilantro, use less. About one tablespoon of dry cilantro is equal to one-quarter cup of fresh. Remember, dried herbs are stronger, so adjust based on your preference. To make cilantro lime rice spicy, add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers. Use one or two, depending on your heat level. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra kick. - Additional spicy ingredients: - Fresh chopped chili peppers - Chili powder - Cayenne pepper - Recommended heat levels: - Mild: 1 jalapeño - Medium: 2 jalapeños or 1 teaspoon chili powder - Hot: 1 serrano pepper or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Cilantro lime rice is simple to make and adds great flavor to meals. You learned the key ingredients, cooking steps, and clever tips for perfect rice. Remember to rinse the rice for fluffiness and try different grains for variety. Get creative with flavor and pair it with your favorite dishes. Whether for tacos or wraps, this rice can enhance any meal. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty meals to come!$

A flavorful and zesty rice dish with cilantro and lime, perfect as a side or base for your favorite meals.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lime zested and juiced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the oil and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust the lime and cilantro to taste for a more pronounced flavor.

Keyword cilantro, lime, rice, vegetarian