Cilantro Lime Rice (Print version)

Light, aromatic rice with fresh cilantro and bright lime zest. Quick 30-minute side dish perfect for Mexican or Asian-inspired meals.

# What You Need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
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
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat all grains with oil.
04 - Pour water and salt into the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
06 - Fluff rice with a fork. Fold in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste the rice and adjust salt or lime juice as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms basic rice into something so vibrant and fresh that guests actually notice—and ask for the secret.
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which means weeknight dinners suddenly feel less like rushing and more like cooking with intention.
  • Works with almost any main dish, whether you're doing tacos, grilled chicken, or even just roasted vegetables on a quiet Tuesday.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step—I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into a starchy, gluey mess that no amount of cilantro could save.
  • Add the lime juice and cilantro after cooking, not before—heat destroys the fresh flavor and turns cilantro musty, so these are your final flourish.
03 -
  • Let the rice rest covered for those full 5 minutes—it seems small, but it's when the magic happens and grains become tender instead of just cooked.
  • Taste your rice before adding salt or lime, because the broth method and your lime size affect how much you actually need, so you're adjusting rather than guessing.
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