Oh, the simple joys of discovering a dish that seems to dance on your taste buds—like cilantro lime rice, a zesty flavor explosion. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe, a delightful accident really—it was one of those days when the fridge was bare, save for a lonely lime and a bunch of cilantro. The result? A refreshing, almost magical side dish that pairs with just about anything, from tacos to grilled shrimp.
Steps
- Rinse the jasmine or basmati rice to remove excess starch, ensuring the grains remain fluffy after cooking. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and a teaspoon of olive oil in a saucepan, and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or follow the package instructions for your rice. After cooking, uncover and fluff the rice with a fork.
- While the rice is still warm, stir in finely minced garlic, chopped scallions, and lime zest to allow the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
- Let the rice cool slightly before adding the remaining olive oil, sea salt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and optional diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the cilantro lime rice as a fresh and flavorful side dish with your favorite Asian or Mexican-inspired meals, or use it as a base for burrito bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, long-grain, rinsed and drained
- 1½ cups water
- 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced finely
- 2 scallions, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon zest of lime
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1½ tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped finely
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or ¼ of a jalapeño, diced (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While long-grain jasmine or basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and quick cooking time, you can opt for brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Just remember to adjust the water measurement to 2 cups if using brown rice. Alternatively, you can mix in cauliflower or broccoli rice for a lighter option.
- What dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?
- Cilantro lime rice is a versatile side dish that complements both Asian and Mexican-inspired meals. It pairs wonderfully with crispy sesame tofu, baked tempeh, enchiladas, taquitos, or as a base for a burrito bowl with beans, fajita veggies, guacamole, and salsa. It even works well in a sushi bowl!
- How should I store leftovers of cilantro lime rice?
- This rice is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can enjoy the leftovers cold, at room temperature, or warmed up in the microwave.
- Do you have any tips for cooking the rice perfectly?
- To ensure your rice turns out fluffy instead of sticky, rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, add ingredients like garlic, scallions, and lime zest while the rice is still warm to help it absorb their flavors more effectively.
- Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
- Yes, you can customize the spice level by choosing whether to include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. Add more or less according to your preference for heat.
Tips
- To ensure your rice turns out fluffy and not sticky, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Enhance the flavor of your cilantro lime rice by tossing in garlic, scallions, and lime zest while the rice is still warm, allowing it to absorb these aromatic ingredients.
- Allow the cooked rice to cool slightly before adding fresh cilantro and jalapeño to prevent them from wilting, maintaining their vibrant flavor and texture.
- For a unique variation, consider substituting half of the rice with cauliflower or broccoli rice to create a lighter, veggie-packed dish.
Equipment
- Rice Cooker: If you prefer using a rice cooker rather than cooking rice on the stove.
- Instant Pot: An alternative to a rice cooker for cooking rice.
- Medium Saucepan with Lid: If you don’t already have a suitable saucepan for cooking rice.
- Zester: For zesting the lime.
- Chef’s Knife: For finely chopping garlic, scallions, jalapeño, and cilantro if you don’t already have a good-quality knife.
