Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Version)

Fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lime
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Place rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear, typically 2-3 minutes. This removes excess starch for fluffier results.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
03 - Add rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring constantly to coat each grain with oil. Toast for 1-2 minutes until grains appear translucent and slightly opaque.
04 - Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Keep covered and let stand undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the rice.
06 - Uncover and fluff rice with a fork. Gently fold in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as desired. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • The lime brightens everything it touches while cilantro keeps it tasting freshly picked from the garden
  • It transforms plain rice into something restaurant worthy with barely any extra effort
02 -
  • Removing the lid while the rice simmers lets out steam and ruins the cooking process, so trust the timer and keep it covered
  • Folding in the herbs while the rice is still hot releases their essential oils but overworking the grains makes them gummy, so fluff gently
03 -
  • Grate the lime zest before juicing so you do not struggle to get it out of a squeezed fruit
  • If the rice tastes slightly underdone after resting, add 2 tablespoons water, cover again, and cook for 3 more minutes
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