Cilantro Lime Rice

Whip up the perfect side dish with our Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. Packed with fresh herbs and zesty lime, this easy rice dish is irresistible.

Are you ready to give your rice a vibrant makeover that will brighten up your plate? Today, we’re on a flavour-packed adventure that will lead you to mastering a simple yet utterly delicious dish – Cilantro Lime Rice.

Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a special gathering, our Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect accompaniment.

With its refreshing punch of citrus and the vibrant kick of fresh cilantro, this dish turns any meal into something special.

It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of cuisines – from Mexican to Asian, complementing everything from spicy curries to grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

How to Store Leftovers

Although cilantro lime rice is best served fresh and warm, it’s also easy to store and reheat leftovers for another meal. Simply transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

When you’re ready to eat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and microwave until heated through. You can also reheat the rice on the stovetop, adding a little more liquid as needed and fluffing with a fork to prevent clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use it as a bed for your favourite proteins, such as grilled chicken or salmon.
• Top it with sautéed vegetables and a dollop of creamy avocado sauce for a tasty vegetarian option.
• Mix it into burrito bowls or wrap it in a tortilla for a flavourful addition to your favourite Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Serve it alongside grilled meats or seafood for a refreshing side dish.
• Add it to soups or stews for an extra burst of flavour and texture.

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Rice

Rice – White long grain rice is best for this dish, although basmati or jasmine rice are good alternatives.

Water – To change up the flavour you can also use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead.

Oil – You can also use butter for a richer flavour.

Salt – To season the rice.

Cilantro – Chop up both leaves, and the tender part of the stems. For a more intense cilantro flavour, infuse the cooking liquid with cilantro stems. Just add the stems to the water before adding the rice.

Lime – You will need a fresh lime for both the juice and zest.

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How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Yields: 4 Servings |Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 ½ teaspoons lime zest

Directions

Rinse the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear to remove the starch. This step is optional but recommended.

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. (Image 1)

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook undisturbed for 17-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let the pot rest covered for 5 minutes. (Image 2)

Fluff the rice with a fork (Image 3) and mix in the cilantro, lime juice, and zest (Image 4). Check for seasoning and add additional salt as needed. Serve warm.