Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a perfect side dish combining fluffy, tender long-grain white rice with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of buttery flavor. It’s simple to make, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, and offers a bright, aromatic accompaniment to Mexican, Tex-Mex, or any southwestern cuisine.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Liquid
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed (to remove excess starch)
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the rice evenly.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook gently for 20 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting phase lets the steam finish cooking the rice, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the unsalted butter so it melts into the warm rice, then fold in the finely chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, lime zest, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse the rice with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to suit your preference before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best citrus flavor impact.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- This rice pairs excellently with grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.