Cilantro Lime Rice
This foolproof cilantro lime rice delivers restaurant-quality results every single time! With perfectly fluffy grains, bright lime zest, and fresh cilantro, it's the ultimate side dish that transforms any meal into something special. The secret? Toasting the rice first for incredible depth, then folding in all that fresh goodness at just the right moment. Ready in 25 minutes and absolutely irresistible.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with tight-fitting lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Fork for fluffing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c. Basmati Rice
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil divided
- 2 Garlic Cloves finely minced
- 2 ¼ c. Water filtered
- 1 c. Fresh Cilantro finely chopped
- ½ c. Green Onions chopped
- 1 Serrano Pepper finely chopped
- 1 tsp. Lime Zest about 1 lime
- 3 tbsp. Fresh Lime Juice about 2 or 3 limes
- 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp. Sea Salt
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Instructions
Saute Garlic
- Heat olive oil (1 tbsp.) in a medium saucepan over medium. Add garlic (2 cloves) and sauté 30 to 60 seconds or until fragrant.
Toast Rice
- Add the remaining olive oil (1 tbsp.) to the garlic, add the rice (2 ¼ c.), stirring often for 2 to 3 minutes, lightly toasting the grains.
Cook the Rice
- Add filtered water (2 ¼ c.) to the sauce pan, bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed.
Remove from Heat & Cool
- Remove the pan from heat. Add lime zest, and green onions (¼ c.) and let stand covered for 10 minutes to steam.
Fluff with Fork & Season
- Stir in lime juice (2 tbsp.), cilantro (1 c.), serrano pepper (1), red pepper flakes (1 tsp.), and salt (½ tsp.). Taste and adjust. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Toast for Flavor
Those 1-2 minutes add amazing nutty depth.
Add Zest & Aromatics to the Steamed Rice
Add lime juice, green onions, and sauteed garlic while to the steamed rice to infuse the flavor into the rice. Waiting to add cilantro and lime juice until after it has cooled to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Fresh Lime Juice is a Must
Fresh is best! Bottled lime juice lacks the bright punch you need.
Lime Zest is Magic
Those oils in the zest pack way more flavor than juice alone. Adding the zest into the rice while it is still hot really infuses the oils into the rice.
Fork, Don't Stir
Keeps every grain perfectly separate.
Nutrition
Calories: 203kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 196mg, Potassium: 280mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2910IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.