![- 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 lime (for zest and juice) - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To make cilantro lime rice, gather your ingredients first. I love using long-grain rice because it cooks up fluffy and separates well. Vegetable broth adds great flavor. You can also use water if you prefer. Olive oil is perfect for sautéing the rice. The lime gives a fresh, zesty taste. Make sure to zest the lime before cutting it. Fresh cilantro brings a bright color and taste to the dish. Garlic and onion powders help boost the flavors. Finally, salt and black pepper add just the right seasoning. This combination creates a simple, yet tasty side dish that complements various meals. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Rinse the long-grain rice Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This step is key. It removes extra starch. Rinse until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well and set it aside. - Sauté the rinsed rice in olive oil In a medium saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add in the rinsed rice. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until the rice looks slightly clear. - Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil Carefully pour in the vegetable broth or water. Turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. Watch closely as it will bubble quickly. - Reduce heat and cover to simmer After boiling, lower the heat. Cover the saucepan tightly. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. The rice should be tender and absorb all the liquid. - Let rice sit after cooking When the rice is done, remove it from heat. Keep the lid on and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the rice become fluffy. - Fluff the rice and mix in seasoning After sitting, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This separates the grains nicely. Now stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Adjust seasoning to taste Taste your rice to check the flavors. If you want more zing, add extra lime juice or salt. Adjust until it tastes just right. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Rinsing rice is a must. It helps remove excess starch. This step prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Rinsing also leads to a cleaner taste. The key to fluffy rice is using the right water ratio. For this recipe, I use two cups of vegetable broth for one cup of rice. This balance gives you soft and tender grains. Letting the rice sit after cooking is crucial. After you remove it from heat, keep it covered for five minutes. This resting time helps the rice finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture. For garnishing, I love to sprinkle extra cilantro on top. It adds a fresh touch and bright color. You can also add a lime wedge for an extra zest. When serving, choose a decorative bowl. This makes the dish look more inviting. Place the rice in the center and surround it with lime wedges and cilantro leaves. This not only looks great but also lets guests add more lime if they like. {{image_4}} To make your cilantro lime rice even better, consider these simple tweaks: - Add jalapeños for a spicy kick: If you love heat, chop some fresh jalapeños. Mix them in while cooking for a nice zing. - Incorporate other herbs like parsley: For a fresh twist, try adding chopped parsley. This will give the rice a different flavor profile. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Pairing with tacos and burritos: This rice complements the bold flavors of tacos and burritos perfectly. - Using as a base for protein bowls: Spoon the rice into a bowl, then top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies. It's a satisfying meal. - Adding to salads for extra flavor: You can mix the rice into salads. It adds texture and a burst of flavor. These variations make the dish more exciting and allow you to tailor it to your taste. Enjoy experimenting! To store your leftover cilantro lime rice, choose an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure to let the rice cool down before sealing it. This keeps it fresh longer. Place it in the fridge right away. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it. Just scoop it into freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. This method keeps the rice tasty for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover rice, you need to reheat it well. The best way is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of water in a pot and heat it on low. Stir the rice often to avoid sticking. This keeps the rice moist and fluffy. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time. Add a little water to the rice in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat it in short bursts. Stir and check for warmth. For serving after reheating, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This really brings the flavors back to life. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes, like tacos or grilled chicken. Enjoy your meal! Can I use brown rice instead? Yes, you can use brown rice in this recipe. Brown rice takes longer to cook, about 40-45 minutes. Adjust the water to 2.5 cups for better results. How can I make it vegan? To make cilantro lime rice vegan, simply use water instead of broth. The flavor will still be great with lime and cilantro. What other dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice? Cilantro lime rice goes well with tacos, burritos, and grilled chicken. It also complements fish and beans nicely. Can I substitute lime with lemon? Yes, lemon works as a good substitute for lime. It adds a different but fresh flavor to the rice. What is the best way to increase the recipe yield? To increase the yield, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of broth for a larger batch. Is cilantro lime rice healthy? Yes, cilantro lime rice can be healthy. It is low in fat and provides good carbs. The fresh herbs add nutrients too. What are the calorie counts per serving? One serving of cilantro lime rice has about 180 calories. This can vary based on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. For the Full Recipe, check the details above. This blog post shared a complete guide for making cilantro lime rice. You learned the ingredients needed, from rice to fresh cilantro. I also offered easy steps for cooking, tips for perfect rice, and ways to store leftovers. You can enhance this dish with flavors, or serve it with tacos and bowls. Always feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your tastes. Enjoy making your cilantro lime rice and impress your family and friends!](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/df1e15ca-c255-476a-b8f5-f79f1d6c80b8-300x300.webp)
Cilantro Lime Rice
Elevate your meals with this easy and delicious Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Perfectly fluffy and bursting with fresh flavors, this rice dish makes a fantastic side for any occasion. Using simple ingredients like cilantro, lime, and garlic powder, you can create a bright and vibrant dish in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends?