Cilantro Lime Rice
User Reviews
5
Cilantro Lime Rice
Description
This recipe begins by heating avocado oil in a saucepan and sautéing uncooked white basmati rice until fragrant and turning opaque but not darkened, along with minced garlic. This gentle toasting step imparts a subtle nuttiness to the grains. The rice is then cooked by adding water and sea salt, brought to a boil, and simmered covered over low heat until tender.
Once cooked, the rice is fluffed and combined with fresh lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro leaves. This finishing touch gives balance to the dish with citrus brightness and herbal freshness. The texture is tender yet separate grains, contrasted by the fragrance of garlic and herbs.
Cilantro Lime Rice works well as a side dish for Mexican, grilled meats, or lighter meals that benefit from a citrus-herb aroma. It can be served immediately or cooled and served at room temperature as part of a rice salad. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to five days in airtight containers.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup Basmati white rice or long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
- 3/4 tsp salt sea salt
- 1 lime zested (about ½ tsp lime zest)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup cilantro loosely packed and chopped, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked white rice and stir well. Continue cooking and stirring the rice until it becomes fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. You can brown the rice or do as I do and sauté it just until the grains turn opaque white and the rice is fragrant. Avoid cooking at high heat, as the rice will become too dark very quickly. It will take a little longer over medium heat to achieve the goal of browning the rice, but it will ensure the rice turns out with perfect texture and flavor.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and sea salt. Cover, and bring the mixture to a full boil. As soon as the rice is at a full boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or the amount of cooking time specified on the package instructions.
- Once the rice has finished cooking, immediately remove the lid and fluff it with a fork.
- Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and fresh chopped cilantro. Taste the rice for flavor and add more salt, lime juice, or cilantro to your personal taste.
- Serve cilantro lime rice with your choice of main entrée and enjoy! This is an amazing side dish for Mexican food and it is marvelous in burrito bowls or burritos.
Notes
- You can adjust the cilantro quantity to suit your taste preference.
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2to 4 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 143 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving (of 4) | |
| Calories | 143kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Sodium | 436mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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