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Cilantro Lime Rice full recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice

This easy cilantro lime rice is fluffy, fresh, and full of bright citrus flavor. Made with long-grain white rice, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and butter or olive oil, it's the perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, and homemade burrito bowls.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Person
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 185 g long-grain white rice
  • 1 ¾ cups 420 ml water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon lime zest

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Citrus juicer
  • Fine grater or zester
  • Fork
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice: Place rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water until the water becomes less cloudy. Drain well.
  2. Sauté garlic: Heat butter or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add rice: Add the rinsed rice and stir gently for approximately one minute to coat the grains.
  4. Add liquid: Pour in water or vegetable broth and add salt. Stir once to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15–18 minutes or according to the rice package instructions. Avoid lifting the lid.
  7. Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave covered for 5–10 minutes.
  8. Fluff: Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  9. Add fresh ingredients: Fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
  10. Taste and serve: Adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Serve warm with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Long-grain white rice gives the recipe a light, fluffy texture.
  • Water or broth can be used depending on your preferred flavor.
  • Add lime juice gradually to avoid making the rice too tangy.
  • Add cilantro after cooking to preserve its fresh flavor.
  • For a vegan version, use olive oil and vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly in a shallow airtight container and used within 3–4 days.
Tip: For the freshest flavor, add cilantro and lime juice after the rice has finished cooking and resting. Fluff gently with a fork to keep the grains light and separate.