56. Cilantro Lime Rice

$- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 garlic clove, minced - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 2 limes - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Optional: sliced lime and additional cilantro for garnish Cilantro lime rice is simple yet full of flavor. You only need a few fresh ingredients to create a dish that shines. Start with long-grain white rice, which gives a nice texture. Use vegetable broth for richer flavor, or water if you prefer. Next, grab some olive oil to sauté the garlic. This step makes the garlic fragrant and adds depth. For a bright taste, you’ll need lime zest and juice. The zest gives a punch, while the juice brings freshness. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and taste. If you want to make it special, you can add sliced lime and extra cilantro as garnish. You can find the full recipe to try this dish at home. Enjoy the vibrant flavors with your favorite meals! - Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water. This step helps remove excess starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice well. - Sauté garlic in olive oil: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, not burnt. - Toast the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want the rice to be lightly toasted, which adds depth to the flavor. - Add broth and seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Add the zest of 1 lime, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil. - Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender. - Steam and fluff before serving: After cooking, let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This step helps it steam. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the juice of 2 limes and 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This easy recipe makes a bright, flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. You can find the full recipe [here](#). Enjoy your cilantro lime rice! Rinsing rice is key. It removes extra starch. This prevents sticky rice and helps it stay fluffy. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is easy but very important. Proper cooking time matters too. For long-grain white rice, aim for 15-18 minutes on low heat. This allows the rice to absorb the broth. Make sure to cover the pot so steam stays inside. To boost the taste, add spices. Cumin or chili powder can add warmth. Just sprinkle a little in while cooking. It will give the rice a nice kick. Adjust the acidity with lime juice. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. Taste as you add it. You can use more or less to fit your taste. Serve cilantro lime rice in a colorful bowl. A bright bowl makes the dish pop. Top it with extra cilantro and lime slices. This adds a fresh look and taste. Pair this rice with proteins like grilled chicken or fish. It complements these flavors well. You can also serve it with tacos or burritos for a fun meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps! {{image_2}} You can use different kinds of rice for Cilantro Lime Rice. Brown rice adds more fiber. Jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the rice type. For broth, feel free to switch it up. Chicken broth adds depth if you don’t mind meat. You can also use water for a lighter dish. The choice of broth changes the flavor, so experiment! Adding vegetables or beans can elevate this dish. Chopped bell peppers or corn bring color and crunch. Black beans add protein and a nice texture. You can mix in these extras during the last few minutes of cooking. Incorporating spices like cumin can deepen the flavor. A pinch of cumin adds warmth. You can also try chili powder for a kick. These spices can transform your rice into a flavorful side. Transforming Cilantro Lime Rice into a salad is easy. Just cool the rice, then mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Drizzle with more lime juice for a fresh taste. This makes a great summer dish! You can also use the rice as stuffing for wraps or burritos. Just fill tortillas with the rice and your favorite proteins. Add some cheese and greens for a complete meal. It’s a fun way to enjoy this tasty rice. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your cilantro lime rice fresh, cool it quickly. Spread it out on a plate or tray. Once cool, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the rice moist and flavorful. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to avoid drying out. Cover the rice with a damp paper towel. This keeps it fluffy. On the stovetop, heat it on low. Stir often to prevent clumping. You can freeze cilantro lime rice for up to three months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently when ready to eat. This helps maintain its tasty flavor. For more details, check the Full Recipe. If you don’t like cilantro, you have options. Try using parsley for a fresh taste. You can also use mint for a different flavor. Basil adds a nice twist too. Chopped green onions can work in a pinch as well. This recipe is nearly vegan! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your oil is plant-based. All the other ingredients are vegan-friendly too. You can enjoy this dish worry-free. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the rice and let it cool. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. You can reheat it later, adding lime juice and cilantro just before serving. This keeps the flavors bright. To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. For every cup of rice, use two cups of broth. Adjust the lime juice and seasonings to taste. This way, you keep the flavors balanced. This article covered how to make delicious Cilantro Lime Rice from scratch. We discussed key ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for perfect texture. You learned about variations and storage options to keep your rice fresh. My final thought: this dish is easy to make and very versatile. Customize it to fit your meals and enjoy a burst of flavor. Happy cooking!$

56. Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this refreshing cilantro lime rice recipe that bursts with flavor! Perfectly cooked long-grain rice is paired with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, making it a delightful side dish for any occasion. Easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.Enjoy the fiesta of flavors today!

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Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 2 limes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Optional: sliced lime and additional cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain.

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in the rinsed rice and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Add the vegetable broth (or water), lime zest, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to steam.

After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cilantro lime rice in a decorative bowl, topped with extra cilantro and lime slices for a vibrant touch. This dish pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken or fish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings