Description
This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for pairing with Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwestern meals. The fragrant combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice brightens tender, fluffy white rice, making it a refreshing, easy-to-make complement to grilled meats, beans, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavoring
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (Adjust to taste for tanginess)
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy during cooking.
- Cooking the Rice: In a pot, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups water, olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmering: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been fully absorbed.
- Resting: Remove the pot from heat and allow the rice to sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming and enhance fluffiness.
- Finishing Touches: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, then stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice evenly to infuse fresh, tangy flavor throughout.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice well helps prevent clumping and results in fluffier grains.
- Adjust lime juice according to your preferred tartness level.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor; dried cilantro will not yield the same vibrant taste.
- For extra zest, you can add lime zest along with the juice.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or keep covered to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Cilantro Lime Rice, Mexican rice, side dish, easy rice recipe, cilantro, lime, white rice
