Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Version)

Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh cilantro, lime zest and juice for a zesty, aromatic side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lime
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains evenly with oil.
04 - Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow moisture to redistribute.
06 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Serve warm as a side dish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The lime wakes up every flavor on your plate without overpowering the main dish
  • It turns boring rice into the part of the meal everyone reaches for first
  • Ready in 30 minutes but tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen
02 -
  • Lifting the lid while rice simmers releases steam and can make the texture gummy
  • Adding lime juice while the rice is still cooking can make it turn slightly yellow
  • Letting the rice rest off the heat is the secret to perfectly separate grains
03 -
  • Zest your lime before juicing it so you do not accidentally lose those precious oils
  • Chop the cilantro stems too because they hold even more flavor than the leaves
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