If you’re seeking a simple side dish that bursts with fresh flavor, this Cilantro Lime Rice is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms plain rice into a vibrant, tangy delight. Perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican dishes or grilled meats, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the basmati rice to the pan and stir to ensure each grain is coated with oil. Continuously stir until the rice becomes lightly browned.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the rice and continue cooking for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in water, add salt, and include the finely grated lime zest to the rice mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer.
- Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, or follow the specific instructions on your rice package. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Transfer the fluffed rice to a serving bowl. Drizzle the lime juice over the rice, and gently mix in the chopped cilantro to combine all the flavors. Serve alongside your choice of chicken, steak, shrimp, or any Mexican or Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups of basmati or other long-grain white rice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 1/4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Finely grated zest from one lime
- 3 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro (lightly packed, including leaves and tender stems)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1374 | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2154mg | Carbohydrates: 258g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 516mg
FAQ
- What type of rice is best for cilantro lime rice?
- For the best results, use basmati long grain rice as it is more aromatic and pairs well with the flavors of cilantro and lime.
- Why should I brown the rice before cooking it?
- Browning the rice in olive oil enhances its flavor significantly, similar to making rice pilaf or Spanish rice, and this step sets this recipe apart from others.
- Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
- It is recommended to use fresh lime juice as well as fresh lime zest to infuse the rice with the essential oils and vibrant flavor of lime during cooking.
- How do I incorporate the cilantro and lime into the rice?
- After the rice is cooked and fluffed, mix in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice to ensure the rice absorbs these flavors thoroughly.
- What dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?
- Cilantro lime rice makes an excellent accompaniment to chicken, steak, shrimp, as well as various Mexican and Asian dishes.
Tips
- Use basmati rice for its aromatic qualities, which enhance the flavors of cilantro and lime better than standard rice.
- Lightly brown the rice in olive oil to unlock a depth of flavor similar to rice pilaf or Spanish rice.
- Incorporate freshly grated lime zest into the cooking water to infuse the rice with a more pronounced lime flavor.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice only after the rice is cooked and fluffed to preserve their fresh taste and vibrant color.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – If someone doesn’t already have a suitable saucepan for cooking rice, they might need to buy one.
- Microplane or Zester – For finely grating lime zest.
- Garlic Press (optional) – To mince garlic easily, although a knife can be used if one is available.
- Rice Cooker (optional) – If someone prefers an alternative method to cook rice, although not necessary for this recipe specifically.