Description
Discover the perfect cilantro lime rice recipe – fluffy, tangy, and fresh. Ideal as a side for tacos, burritos, and Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice: This serves as the base for the dish, providing a fluffy texture. Long-grain rice is preferred as it cooks evenly and separates nicely.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing, olive oil adds a healthy fat option while butter brings a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the dish.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: Adding onion imparts a sweet and savory flavor to the rice, making it more aromatic and complex.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: Garlic adds depth and a characteristic pungency that works beautifully with cilantro and lime.
- 2 ¼ cups vegetable or chicken broth: Using broth instead of water significantly boosts the flavor, making the rice more savory. Choose low-sodium options for better control over salt levels.
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt (to taste): Enhances the overall flavor of the dish and balances the acidity from the lime.
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice: This ingredient is essential for the refreshing taste that defines cilantro lime rice, giving it a tangy kick.
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, zesty flavor and vibrant color, making the dish inviting to enjoy.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Drain well.
- Cook the rice and onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter. Once heated, add the rinsed rice and ½ cup of finely chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until the rice turns slightly brighter in color.
- Add garlic: Stir in 2 tsp minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to brown. This infuses the rice with aromatic flavors.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in 2 ¼ cups of vegetable or chicken broth and season with ¼ tsp fine sea salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper steaming.
- Rest the rice: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for another 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking in its steam.
- Check doneness: After resting, check the rice. If it’s not fully tender or looks too dry, add a little more broth or water, cover, and cook for an additional few minutes until fully cooked.
- Fluff the rice: Finally, fluff the cooked rice with a fork and mix in 3 tbsp of fresh lime juice and 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This step adds the signature flavor and freshness to the dish.