Go Back
To make cilantro lime rice, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt to taste - Optional ingredients: black beans or corn These ingredients create a bright and tasty side dish. The rice is the base, and the broth adds depth. Olive oil gives it a smooth texture. Garlic adds a lovely aroma. Lime zest and juice make it fresh and tangy. Chopped cilantro brings a burst of flavor. You can also add black beans or corn for extra taste and nutrition. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a simple yet impressive dish. Each element plays a role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors. If you want to see the full process, check out the Full Recipe. - Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water. Use a fine-mesh strainer to wash until the water runs clear. This step is key. It removes extra starch and keeps the rice fluffy. - Toast the rice with garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Next, add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir it with the garlic for about 2-3 minutes. This toasting gives the rice a nice, nutty flavor. - Combine rice with broth: Now, pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. - Simmering the rice: Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. This time allows the rice to absorb all the liquid and become tender. - Let rice sit: After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This step helps the rice steam and become even fluffier. - Add lime and cilantro: Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add the zest of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste. If you like, you can stir in black beans or corn for extra flavor and protein. Gently mix everything together. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided above! Rinsing rice is key to fluffy grains. It removes excess starch. This step prevents clumping and helps keep each grain distinct. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. It usually takes a minute or two. After rinsing, use vegetable or chicken broth for cooking. This adds flavor and depth. Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes. This time is perfect for tender rice without mushiness. To make your rice even better, add black beans or corn. Both options pack protein and add texture. They also bring color to your dish. You can use fresh herbs or dried herbs. Fresh cilantro gives a bright, lively flavor. Dried herbs work, too, but fresh is best for taste. Mix them in just before serving for the best flavor. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many main dishes. It complements grilled chicken or fish wonderfully. You can serve it next to tacos or burritos for a fun meal. It also works great with roasted vegetables. Mix and match to find your favorite combinations. This rice is a versatile side dish that everyone will love. {{image_2}} You can use different types of rice for your cilantro lime rice. Brown rice is a great option. It adds a nutty taste and is more nutritious. Just remember, brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to adjust the broth and cooking time. Jasmine or basmati rice also works well. These rice types bring a nice aroma to the dish. They pair perfectly with the lime and cilantro flavors. Both options will give your meal a unique twist. Want to spice things up? Try making spicy cilantro lime rice. Just add some chopped jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. This brings a nice kick to the dish. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for coconut-infused cilantro lime rice. Simply replace some of the broth with coconut milk. This adds creaminess and a tropical flavor that will wow your guests. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavors rich and delicious without meat. You can serve cilantro lime rice with black beans, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. These options make for a hearty, meatless meal. Each bite will be full of flavor and nutrition. Explore these variations to find your favorite twist on this easy side dish! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. After making cilantro lime rice, let it cool down. Use airtight containers for storage. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the rice in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you track freshness. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This traps steam and warms the rice evenly. On the stovetop, heat on low, stirring often. Avoid high heat to keep the rice from becoming mushy. To freeze, let the rice cool completely. Divide it into portions for easy use later. Place rice in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air. Seal tightly and label with the date. Cilantro lime rice can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Heat thoroughly before serving. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or shrimp. It also complements burritos and salads nicely. Try it with black beans or grilled veggies for a tasty vegan meal. The fresh lime and cilantro add a vibrant touch to any plate. Yes, you can prepare cilantro lime rice ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. This saves time on busy days. Absolutely! You can add a kick to your cilantro lime rice. Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. Another option is to include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Both choices bring warmth and depth to the dish. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. In this blog post, I covered making cilantro lime rice from start to finish. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for a perfect dish. I hope you found helpful variations and storage tips. Whether you add beans or spice, this rice can fit your meal. Enjoy making your rice dish tasty and fresh. Create new flavors and share your success!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this delicious Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! This simple dish is packed with fresh flavors, featuring zesty lime and vibrant cilantro, perfect as a side or base for your favorite proteins. Follow our easy steps to a fluffy, fragrant rice dish that complements any fiesta! Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through now to explore the full recipe and get cooking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt to taste

Optional: black beans or corn for added protein and texture

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy.

    In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir it with the garlic to lightly toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes. This adds a nutty flavor to the dish.

        Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

          Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become extra fluffy.

            Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and season with salt to taste. If using, stir in black beans or corn at this stage for extra flavor and protein.

              Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4