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Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice – A Bright and Flavorful Side for Every Meal

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Add a burst of brightness to your plate with this Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice! 🍚🍋 Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a touch of garlic makes the perfect sidekick to tacos, grilled meats, or burrito bowls. 🌿🧄 It’s light, refreshing, and loaded with flavor—easy to make and hard to resist. Whether for weeknight dinners or festive feasts, this vibrant side dish steals the show! ✨🌮

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

  • 2 cups water (or chicken broth for more flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Flavor Additions:

  • Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)

  • Zest of 1 lime

  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (loosely packed)

  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional, for added depth)

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

  • Rice: Long-grain white rice is traditional and yields the fluffiest texture, but jasmine rice or basmati rice also work well.

  • Lime: Fresh lime is essential. Bottled lime juice won’t offer the same brightness or depth.

  • Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro and chop it just before using for maximum flavor.

  • Liquid: Water is standard, but chicken broth adds a savory base that complements the lime and cilantro beautifully. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt levels.

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice

  • Place the uncooked rice in a fine mesh sieve.

  • Rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

  • This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy, separated grains.

2. Cook the Rice
Stovetop method:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  • Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.

  • Pour in water or broth and add salt.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

  • Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

  • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.

Rice cooker method:

  • Add rinsed rice, water or broth, and salt directly to the cooker.

  • Cook according to your machine’s white rice setting.

  • Let it sit in the “keep warm” mode for 5–10 minutes once finished.

Instant Pot method:

  • Use the sauté function to toast the rice in oil for 1–2 minutes.

  • Add liquid and salt, then seal the lid.

  • Cook on high pressure for 3–4 minutes with a natural release of 10 minutes.

  • Fluff with a fork before adding herbs.

3. Prepare the Flavor Base

  • While the rice is cooking, zest your lime and juice it into a small bowl.

  • Wash and finely chop the fresh cilantro.

  • Mince the garlic and green onions if using.

4. Combine and Finish

  • Once the rice is done cooking and slightly cooled (but still warm), fluff with a fork.

  • Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and optional garlic/onion.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more lime or salt if needed.

Notes

  • Avoid mushy rice by rinsing thoroughly and not stirring during cooking.
  • Fluff, don’t mash. Always use a fork to fluff your rice rather than a spoon, which compresses the grains.
  • Use fresh ingredients. Lime and cilantro lose their brightness over time, so prep them fresh and add right before serving.
  • Make ahead tips: You can cook the rice a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge, then stir in the lime and cilantro just before serving.
  • Warming up: To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave it loosely covered to avoid drying out.

Find it online: https://inarecipes.com/zesty-cilantro-lime-rice-a-bright-and-flavorful-side-for-every-meal/