Cilantro Lime Rice Delight (Printable)

Fragrant rice infused with fresh cilantro and lime zest for a bright, flavorful side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly translucent.
03 - Add water and salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
05 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in butter if using, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro until evenly incorporated.
06 - Serve warm alongside tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can set the table, leaving you time to focus on the main course.
  • The lime and cilantro brighten any protein without competing for attention.
  • Once you nail this, you'll find yourself making it constantly because it tastes anything but ordinary for something so simple.
02 -
  • Adding the lime juice and cilantro at the very end preserves their fresh brightness—cooking them in the rice dulls both flavors into something forgettable.
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice; the difference between sticky rice and fluffy rice lives in those starches washing away.
  • If your rice seems dry after fifteen minutes, add a splash more water and cover it again rather than stirring excessively.
03 -
  • Zest your lime before juicing it—once you've squeezed it, retrieving zest becomes impossible.
  • If you find your rice cooking unevenly, check that your burner temperature is truly low; high heat will evaporate water too quickly and leave raw rice underneath.
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