Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable)

Fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and lime—perfect companion for tacos, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 (approximately 1 lime)
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear, removing excess starch for fluffy grains.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
03 - Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring constantly to coat each grain evenly with the aromatic oil mixture.
04 - Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, allowing residual heat to complete cooking and moisture to redistribute evenly.
06 - Uncover and fluff rice with a fork, gently folding in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as desired. Serve immediately while warm for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lime and cilantro transform plain rice into something that feels restaurant special but takes zero extra effort
  • Its endlessly versatile and makes everything from simple tacos to roasted vegetables feel like a complete meal
02 -
  • Never skip the resting period after cooking, those five minutes off the heat are what separate good rice from great rice
  • Add the fresh cilantro and lime after the rice has cooked, cooking herbs destroys their bright flavor and defeats the whole purpose
03 -
  • Zest your lime before juicing it, much easier to handle the whole fruit first
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for the zest to avoid any bitter white pith
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