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To make cilantro lime rice, you need the following 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 You can elevate your dish with these simple garnishes: - Sliced lime - Additional cilantro Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. Lime juice brings zesty brightness that wakes up the rice. Always choose high-quality rice for the best texture. Fresh garlic is key, as it has a stronger and more vibrant flavor than jarred options. When you use fresh ingredients, your dish becomes more exciting and enjoyable. It’s all about getting the best flavors into your cooking. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, you need to rinse the rice. Place 1 cup of long-grain white rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. Once rinsed, drain the rice well. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. Then, add the drained rice and stir it into the garlic oil. Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes. You want it to toast lightly and look a bit golden. Now, 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. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. After boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should be soft and absorb all the liquid. Once the rice is done, take it off the heat. Keep the lid on for 5 more minutes. This resting time helps the rice get fluffy. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This breaks up any clumps. Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes and mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro. Stir until everything is well blended. Taste your rice and add more salt or pepper if you like. For a great presentation, serve the rice in a nice bowl. You can top it with extra cilantro and lime slices. It looks pretty and tastes fresh! This cilantro lime rice goes well with grilled chicken, fish, or any dish you love. For the full recipe, check out the Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta. Rinsing rice is key to great texture. Start by placing your rice in a fine mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for a few minutes. You want the water to run clear, showing you’ve washed away extra starch. This step helps prevent sticky rice and keeps each grain separate. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. Cilantro is a must for this dish, but you can also try adding a pinch of cumin for warmth. For a kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a bit of chili powder. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk while cooking. This adds richness and pairs well with lime. One common mistake is not rinsing the rice. This leads to clumpy, sticky results. Another mistake is skipping the resting time after cooking. Letting it sit covered helps the rice steam and improves its texture. Lastly, don’t skip tasting before serving. Adjust the lime juice or salt to suit your taste. Remember, this dish needs balance between tart and savory! For the full recipe, check out the "Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta ." {{image_4}} You can add creamy avocado to your cilantro lime rice. Simply dice one ripe avocado. After you fluff the rice, gently fold in the avocado. This adds rich flavor and texture. The creaminess balances the bright lime and fresh cilantro. It makes your meal heartier and more satisfying. If you love heat, try spicy cilantro lime rice. Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the garlic. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or chili powder with the salt and black pepper. This kick transforms your dish into a zesty delight. It pairs well with grilled meats and fish. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth or water for cooking. Stick to the listed ingredients for a fresh and tasty result. You can also add black beans or corn for extra protein and flavor. These additions make the rice a complete meal. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish. For the full recipe, check out the Cilantro Lime Rice Fiesta. Store your leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, take the rice out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If microwaving, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. If using the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat, stirring often. For freezing, pack the rice in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as needed. This method keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Use 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth instead of 2 cups. The cooking time will increase to about 40-45 minutes. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Cilantro lime rice is very versatile. It pairs well with many dishes, such as: - Grilled chicken - Fish tacos - Black bean burritos - Shrimp stir-fry - Fajitas These dishes complement the bright flavors of the rice. You can easily make cilantro lime rice ahead of time. Cook the rice as instructed and let it cool. After it cools, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave. Add fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Cilantro lime rice is a bright and tasty side dish. It is easy to make and pairs well with many meals. Here is how to prepare it. - 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 Fresh ingredients make a big difference. They add flavor and color. For the best taste, use fresh cilantro and ripe limes. This dish shines with vibrant flavors. 1. Rinse your rice under cold water. This step removes extra starch. Rinse until the water is clear. 2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. 3. Add the drained rice to the pot. Stir it into the oil and garlic. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden. 4. Pour in the broth, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well, and bring it to a boil. 5. Once it boils, lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid. 6. After cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This helps the rice steam and become fluffy. 7. Fluff the rice with a fork. Mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve in a decorative bowl for a festive look. Add extra cilantro and lime slices on top. This rice pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. For the full recipe, check out the steps above. Enjoy your cooking! This post shared all you need for Cilantro Lime Rice. We explored fresh ingredients, simple steps, and tips for best results. I also highlighted tasty variations to try. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Finally, enjoy this dish with other meals. Whether you're serving it with tacos or as a side, it adds flavor. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own twists!

56. Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this refreshing Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! This easy-to-follow guide features zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and golden-toasted rice, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Discover how to create this vibrant, flavorful dish in just 30 minutes! Whether you're hosting a fiesta or just need a quick weeknight recipe, this Cilantro Lime Rice is here to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and add a burst of flavor to your dinner table!
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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
 

Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water becomes clear, indicating that excess starch has been removed. After rinsing, drain the rice thoroughly.

    In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic releases its aroma and becomes fragrant.

      Next, add the drained rice to the saucepan, stirring it into the garlic oil. Sauté the rice for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and gain a slight golden color.

        Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) along with the lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a rolling boil.

          After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow it to simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

            Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time will allow the rice to steam, enhancing its texture.

              After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, breaking up any clumps. Slowly mix in the fresh lime juice and finely chopped cilantro, ensuring even distribution.

                Give the rice a taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.

                  - Presentation Tips: For a colorful and inviting display, serve the cilantro lime rice in a decorative bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and lime slices on top for a refreshing touch. This vibrant side dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or any of your favorite entrees!

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