Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice (Printable version)

Tender rice infused with fresh cilantro and bright lime, creating a vibrant, aromatic side.

# What you need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approx. 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice appears lightly translucent.
03 - Add water and salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let the covered rice stand for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter if using, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
06 - Serve warm alongside tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms boring rice into something people actually ask for seconds of.
  • The lime and cilantro wake up your taste buds without any heavy sauces or complicated steps.
  • You can make it with pantry staples and it still feels special enough for company.
  • It cooks in the same time as plain rice but tastes like you tried way harder.
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the rice or it will turn out gummy and sticky instead of light and fluffy.
  • Add the cilantro and lime after cooking, not during, or the heat will dull their brightness and turn them bitter.
  • If you lift the lid while the rice is simmering, steam escapes and the texture suffers. Just trust the timer.
03 -
  • Use day-old rice if you are making fried rice later—it has the perfect texture and the lime flavor holds up beautifully.
  • Zest the lime before you juice it, it is way easier and you get more flavor out of the peel.
  • If your cilantro is starting to wilt, this recipe will use it up and no one will know it was not perfectly fresh.
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