Cilantro Lime Rice Side (Print View)

Fluffy rice with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and garlic. Ready in 30 minutes.

# Components:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
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

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains evenly with oil.
04 - Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow moisture to redistribute.
06 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until combined.
07 - Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lime cuts through rich dishes like nothing else making every bite feel brighter
  • It transforms plain rice into something people think you slaved over even though it takes minutes
02 -
  • Never skip the resting period or your rice will feel heavy and damp instead of light and fluffy
  • Add the lime and cilantro after cooking because heat destroys the fresh bright compounds that make this special
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lime zest to avoid any bitter white pith
  • Squeeze the lime juice into a separate bowl first to catch any seeds before adding
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