Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make rice dish that packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! With just a few simple ingredients like jasmine rice, lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro, this dish is bursting with a bright, tangy flavor that will elevate any meal.
So whether you're looking for a side dish to pair with your favorite Mexican-inspired cuisine or a base for a hearty burrito bowl, this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe will become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, it's easy to customize to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of salt and cilantro used. So try it out today and savor this delicious dish's fresh, zesty flavors!
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What is Cilantro Lime Rice?
Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful dish commonly found in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It is made by cooking rice with lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro, giving it a fresh, tangy flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. Cilantro lime rice can be served as a side dish or used as a base for burrito bowls, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. It is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meal while getting the nutritional benefits of rice, cilantro, and lime.
Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Butter, Olive Oil, or Cooking Oil: This ingredient is used to coat the rice and add richness and flavor to the dish. It also helps prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
- Kosher Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish. It brings out the natural flavors of the rice and complements the citrusy notes from the lime or lemon.
- Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is the primary ingredient and serves as the base of the dish. It provides a fluffy and fragrant texture that pairs well with the cilantro and citrus flavors.
- Hot Water: Hot water is used to cook the rice. It is absorbed by the rice during cooking, allowing it to soften and expand.
- Lime or Lemon Juice and Zest: Lime or lemon juice and zest add a bright and citrusy flavor to the rice, giving it a refreshing and tangy taste. The zest also contributes aromatic oils that enhance the overall aroma.
- Cilantro Leaves: Cilantro leaves are the star herb in this recipe. They add a fresh and vibrant herbal flavor, as well as a pop of green color. Chopped cilantro is typically added at the end to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a medium saucepan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter. Add in the rice and salt; stir to coat with the butter. Briefly toast the rice, pour the hot water, and cover the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook until the cilantro lime rice has absorbed all the water for about 10 minutes. Remove the cilantro lime rice from the heat. Let stand, covered and undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Uncovered, I poured the lime juice and zest over the rice, tossed the chopped cilantro, and fluffed it up with a fork to combine. Transfer the cilantro lime rice to a serving bowl. 😋Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Butter or oil: Use neutral-flavored vegetable, canola, or avocado oil instead of butter or olive oil.
- Kosher salt: You can use any salt you prefer, such as sea or table salt.
- Jasmine rice: You can use any long-grain rice, such as Basmati rice, white rice, or brown rice.
- Hot water: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of hot water to add more flavor to the rice.
- Lime or lemon: You can use lime or lemon juice, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
- Cilantro: If you do not like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil.
- Garlic: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the rice for flavor.
Variations
- Butter or oil: Use neutral-flavored vegetable, canola, or avocado oil instead of butter or olive oil.
- Kosher salt: You can use any salt you prefer, such as sea or table salt.
- Jasmine rice: You can use any long-grain rice, such as Basmati rice, white rice, or brown rice.
- Hot water: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of hot water to add more flavor to the rice.
- Lime or lemon: You can use lime or lemon juice, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
- Cilantro: If you do not like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil.
- Garlic: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the rice for flavor.
How to Serve
- As a side dish with grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or fish: Cilantro lime rice makes a perfect side dish to pair with grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve it with roasted or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- In a burrito or taco bowl: You can use cilantro lime rice as a filling in a burrito or taco bowl, along with black beans, grilled vegetables, guacamole, and salsa.
- Alongside Mexican-inspired dishes: Cilantro lime rice pairs well with Mexican-inspired dishes such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and fajitas.
- With a salad: You can use cilantro lime rice as a base for a salad and add in some grilled chicken or shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Cilantro lime rice can be used as a filling in a wrap or sandwich, along with some roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or shrimp, and fresh herbs.
How to Store & Re-Heat
- To store: Cilantro lime rice, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- To reheat: Rice, you can use a microwave or stovetop. Remove the rice from the refrigerator and transfer it to a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the rice to help prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat the rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For a more Stovetop approach, Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the rice to the pan and stir. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the rice to help prevent it from drying out. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice heat up for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make-Ahead
You can make the cilantro lime rice and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To make the rice beforehand, follow the recipe as written and let the rice cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the rice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat the rice, follow the instructions in the How to Store & Re-Heat section.
Note that the texture of the rice may change slightly after being refrigerated or frozen, but the flavor will remain intact. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying before reheating. You can also fluff the rice with a fork to help separate the grains.
How to Freeze
Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Then, place the container or bag in the freezer. Cilantro lime rice can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Then, when ready to use the rice, please remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen rice directly from the freezer using a microwave or stovetop method.
It's important to note that when you freeze rice, its texture may change slightly once it is thawed and reheated. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying before reheating. Once reheated, fluff the rice with a fork to help separate the grains.
Tips for Making The Best Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse the rice: Before cooking it, rinse it with cold water to remove excess starch. This will help prevent the rice from sticking together and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Use the proper rice: For this recipe, use Jasmine rice. It has a slightly floral aroma and a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with the flavors of cilantro and lime.
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lime or lemon juice, cilantro, and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients will give the rice a bright, zesty flavor.
- Don't skimp on the salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to use enough salt to taste.
- Use hot water: Use hot water when cooking the rice to help it cook faster and more evenly.
- Fluff the rice: Once cooked, use a fork to fluff the grains and help separate them. This will prevent the rice from becoming clumpy or sticky.
- Let the rice cool slightly: Before adding the cilantro and lime juice, let the rice cool slightly. This will prevent the cilantro from wilting and the lime juice from turning bitter.
FAQ
Can I add other ingredients to the rice, like beans or vegetables?
You can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio as needed.
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
You can use any rice you prefer, but remember that the cooking time and water-to-rice ratio may need to be adjusted depending on the kind of rice.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
While fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried cilantro if that's what you have. However, remember that the flavor will be less intense, so you may need to adjust the amount of cilantro used.
What is the carb count for cilantro lime rice?
The carb count for cilantro lime rice can vary depending on the type and amount of rice used. One cup of cooked jasmine rice generally contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. To calculate the carb count for this recipe, you need to determine the number of cups of rice used in the recipe and divide it by the number of servings.
For example, if the recipe makes 6 servings and uses 3 cups of rice, each serving would contain approximately 22.5 grams of carbohydrates from the rice alone. Remember that other ingredients in the recipe, such as lime juice and cilantro, will also contribute some carbohydrates, but in smaller amounts. If you are following a low-carb diet, consider using a lower-carbohydrate rice alternative or reducing the portion size of the rice in this recipe.
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Recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter , olive oil, or another neutral flavorless cooking oil that won't affect the recipe's taste.
- 1-½ teaspoons kosher salt , to taste
- 3 cups Jasmine Rice
- 5 cups hot water
- Juiced and zest from 2 large and juicy lime or 1 large juicy lemon
- 1 small bunch Cilantro Leaves , Chopped (removed steam)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter. Add in the rice and salt; stir to coat with the butter. Briefly toast the rice, then pour the hot water, and cover the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and cook until the cilantro lime rice has absorbed all the water for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the cilantro lime rice from heat. Let stand, covered and undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Uncovered, poured the lime juice and zest over the rice, tossed the chopped cilantro, and fluff it up with a fork to combine. Transfer the cilantro lime rice to a serving bowl. 😋Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.