Description
Mexican-inspired cilantro lime rice delivers a zesty, refreshing flavor profile that elevates any meal. Fragrant herbs and tangy citrus combine seamlessly, creating a simple side dish packed with irresistible southwestern charm you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (280 grams) long grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups (530 ml) water, vegetable stock or chicken stock
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (70 grams) finely minced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
Herbs and Fat:
- 1 cup (30 grams) roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Meticulously rinse long-grain white rice under cold water until the liquid becomes crystal clear, ensuring thorough drainage in a fine-mesh colander to eliminate excess starch and promote a light, fluffy texture.
- Position a medium saucepan with a snug-fitting lid over medium heat, introducing oil or butter to create a golden cooking surface. Introduce the pristine rice and finely chopped onion, stirring consistently until the grains transition from translucent to a vibrant white and the onion softens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the pan, gently circulating to release its aromatic essence without browning, which should take roughly 30 seconds.
- Carefully pour warm water or vegetable stock into the pan, gently dislodging any rice grains clinging to the sides. Season generously with salt, then reduce heat to the lowest possible setting and seal with the lid.
- Allow the rice to simmer, undisturbed, for 15 minutes, creating a steamy environment for perfect cooking.
- Carefully remove the pan from heat, maintaining the lid’s seal, and let the rice rest for an additional 10 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and achieve optimal tenderness.
- Delicately uncover and test a single grain for doneness. If slight firmness remains, return the lid and apply low heat for 5 more minutes, adding 1 to of water if the rice appears dry.
- Once perfectly cooked, sprinkle fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro across the surface. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring even distribution of the bright, zesty flavors.
Notes
- Rinsing rice thoroughly removes excess starch, ensuring a fluffy and light texture that elevates the overall dish quality.
- Toasting rice and onions before adding liquid creates a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that transforms basic rice into a gourmet side dish.
- Low and slow cooking method guarantees perfectly cooked, tender rice without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Letting rice rest after cooking allows moisture to redistribute, resulting in evenly cooked and wonderfully soft grains.
- Adding fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end brings a bright, zesty burst of flavor that makes this rice irresistibly refreshing.
- Fluffing rice with a fork helps separate the grains and prevents clumping, creating a light and airy final presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 4.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 4.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg