Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with Mexican and Tex-Mex meals. Its fresh lime juice and vibrant cilantro create a zesty twist on plain rice, making it both simple and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 can diced green chilis
• 3 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: To make Cilantro Lime Rice in a rice cooker, add all the ingredients into the cooker and start it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Step 2: To make on the stovetop, combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Step 3: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to mix in the cilantro evenly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors if needed.
• For extra zest, include some lime zest along with the lime juice.
• Try adding chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Storage

Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water. Adjust cooking times and liquid accordingly.

Can I omit the green chilis?

Absolutely. The green chilis add a mild heat and flavor, but the rice will still be delicious without them.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

Cilantro Lime Rice is a flavorful and zesty side dish that combines fluffy white rice with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a subtle hint of garlic and green chilis. This versatile recipe can be easily prepared using a rice cooker or stovetop, making it a perfect accompaniment to Mexican, Tex-Mex, or grilled dishes.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice Base

• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Flavorings

• 1/2 can diced green chilis
• 3 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure out 2 cups of white rice, 4 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, half a can of diced green chilis, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro to have everything ready for cooking.
2. Cooking in Rice Cooker: Add all the ingredients into the rice cooker bowl at once. Close the lid and start the rice cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The rice cooker will automatically cook the rice and infuse it with the flavors from the broth, garlic powder, green chilis, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. Cooking on the Stovetop: Alternatively, combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Finishing Touches: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. This helps release steam and evenly distributes the cilantro and lime flavor.
5. Serve: Transfer the cilantro lime rice to a serving dish and enjoy it as a vibrant and tangy side dish alongside your favorite main courses.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
• Adjust lime juice quantity to taste for stronger or milder citrus flavor.
• Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch for fluffier results.
• Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.
• If using a rice cooker, avoid opening the lid during cooking to retain steam and moisture.

Keywords: Cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice side dish, zesty rice recipe, lime and cilantro rice, easy rice recipe