Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Version)

Zesty rice with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and buttery richness, ideal as a side for grilled meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rice, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
06 - For added richness, fold in an additional tablespoon of unsalted butter if desired.
07 - Serve warm as a side dish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore.
  • The bright lime and cilantro make even simple grilled chicken taste like you spent hours planning the meal.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so everyone at the table gets the same delicious side.
02 -
  • Stirring the rice vigorously after the water is absorbed will turn it into mush—use a fork and be gentle.
  • Adding the cilantro and lime after cooking preserves their bright flavor, which would fade if they simmered with the rice.
  • If your lime is old and hard, microwave it for 15 seconds before squeezing to get more juice out.
03 -
  • Buy your limes when they're still at the grocery store and let them sit on the counter for a day—they'll yield more juice than cold ones straight from the produce section.
  • Fresh cilantro wilts quickly, so chop it just before you're ready to stir it in if you have time, or store the stems in water like a small bouquet to keep them fresher longer.
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