![To make cilantro lime rice and beans, you will need: - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 fresh lime (zest and juice) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder - Salt and pepper to taste You can add more flavor with these options: - 1/4 cup diced red onion - 1 jalapeño, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 cup corn, fresh or frozen - A few slices of avocado for topping If you have dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Use brown rice for more fiber. - Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans. - Replace vegetable broth with water if you prefer a lighter taste. - For a low-sodium option, choose low-sodium broth or rinse the beans well. - Use lime juice from a bottle if fresh limes aren't available. For the full recipe, make sure to check the detailed cooking steps! Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key. Rinsing removes excess starch, making the rice fluffy. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Next, heat a medium pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Stir in the rinsed rice and cumin powder. Cook for two to three minutes until the rice gets a light toast. While the rice cooks, it’s time for the black beans. Take a small saucepan and set it over low heat. Add the drained and rinsed black beans. Squeeze in the lime juice and add lime zest. A pinch of salt and pepper adds flavor. Warm the beans for about five minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Now, layer the cilantro lime rice on a plate. Top it with a generous scoop of the seasoned black beans. For a nice touch, garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy this flavorful side dish with your favorite main course! You can find the full recipe above. To get the best rice, start by rinsing it well. Use cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove extra starch. Less starch means fluffier rice. When cooking, use a mix of water and broth for flavor. I like using vegetable broth, but chicken broth also works. Stir the rice gently while cooking. This keeps it from sticking. Always let the rice rest after cooking. This step allows the grains to firm up. You can boost the flavor by adding extra ingredients. Try adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the rice. For a spicy kick, mix in chopped jalapeños. You could also add corn for sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions make a nice touch too. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic when cooking. A splash of hot sauce can bring heat. Each of these tweaks makes the dish your own. This dish is great for many meals. Serve it as a side for tacos or grilled chicken. It also works well for potlucks or family gatherings. For a quick lunch, add avocado or a fried egg on top. You can even serve it cold in a salad. Pair it with a zesty dressing for a fresh twist. When hosting, arrange the rice and beans in a colorful bowl. This makes a fun and inviting presentation. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. {{image_2}} Cilantro lime rice and beans shine as a vegetarian dish. You can enjoy it without meat. It has protein from beans and fiber from rice. For a vegan option, just use vegetable broth as in the recipe. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra color and taste. This dish is a great base for many toppings, too. Want to spice things up? Add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers. These add heat and flavor. You can mix them in while cooking the rice or beans. If you like a milder spice, try adding poblano peppers. They give you flavor without too much heat. Remember to adjust the amount based on your taste. Cilantro lime rice and beans can pair well with proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. You can also use it as a side for tacos or burritos. If you want a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad. The bright flavors of the rice and beans work well with many dishes. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To keep your cilantro lime rice and beans fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water to the rice and beans in a pan. Heat over medium until warm. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. To freeze your dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you will enjoy that zesty flavor again. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. It takes longer to cook, about 40 to 45 minutes. Adjust the liquid amount to 2.5 cups for brown rice. This will keep the dish moist and tasty. This recipe is already gluten-free. You use jasmine rice and canned black beans, both naturally gluten-free. Just check the can for any added ingredients. Always read labels to ensure all products meet your needs. Cilantro lime rice and beans is a healthy choice. It offers a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber. Jasmine rice gives you energy and carbs. Cilantro adds vitamins A and K. This dish is filling and nutritious, making it great for any meal. Enjoy this flavorful side dish by following the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, I shared how to make a tasty dish with rice and beans. You learned the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember, you can adapt this recipe easily. Whether you want a spicy kick or a vegetarian option, there’s a version for you. Store leftovers well for later, and enjoy reimagining your meals. With these steps, you can create a delicious dish that suits your taste. These options make cooking fun and satisfying. Enjoy every bite!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8f0fbb8d-2292-4285-967e-75d8902d7ed2-250x250.webp)
88. Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this zesty cilantro lime rice and beans recipe! This dish combines fluffy jasmine rice with protein-packed black beans, vibrant lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a delicious and nutritious meal. Perfect for quick lunches or satisfying dinners, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table today!