Cilantro Lime Rice (Print Version)

Tender rice blended with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright, flavorful side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly translucent, stirring frequently.
03 - Add water and salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter (if using), lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro until evenly combined.
06 - Serve warm alongside tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in half an hour with pantry staples and tastes like you put in way more effort.
  • The lime and cilantro add a freshness that wakes up even the simplest grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
  • You can tweak it endlessly with garlic, broth, or a squeeze of extra citrus without throwing off the balance.
02 -
  • If you skip the rinsing step, the rice will clump and lose that light, separate texture you want.
  • Letting it rest covered after cooking is crucial because lifting the lid too early releases steam and leaves you with undercooked grains.
  • Add the cilantro and lime at the very end so the heat doesn't dull their vibrant flavor.
03 -
  • Use day-old rice if you have it, because slightly drier grains absorb the lime and butter more evenly without getting mushy.
  • Zest the lime before you juice it, because trying to zest a squeezed lime is frustrating and messy.
  • Taste before serving and don't be shy about adding an extra squeeze of lime or pinch of salt to make it sing.
Return