Cilantro Lime Rice

User Reviews

5

28 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    153 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is a fragrant side dish featuring long grain rice toasted with garlic and cumin, then simmered until tender in seasoned water. The rice is finished with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, adding brightness and herbaceous flavor. It complements a variety of mains with its light, citrus-infused profile.

Description

This recipe uses long grain white rice, which is first toasted briefly in olive oil with minced garlic before cooking. Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note. The rice is then simmered in water seasoned with salt and black pepper until tender. Once cooked, lime juice and chopped cilantro are stirred in, giving the dish a fresh, zesty lift and vibrant color.

The texture is fluffy with individual grains separated, making it a versatile side that works well with Mexican, Tex-Mex, or other flavors that benefit from a citrusy rice base. Optional garnishes include cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a bright presentation and additional fresh flavor.

Long grain or Basmati rice varieties are recommended for their texture. Leftover rice keeps well in the refrigerator up to four days and reheats easily on the stovetop or microwave, making it practical for meal preparation.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped, leaves
  • cilantro optional, sprigs and wedges for garnish
  • lime optional, sprigs and wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Add the garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the cumin, water, salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil.
  4. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
  5. Uncover the pot, then stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  6. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges if desired, then serve.

Notes

  • Long grain rice varieties like standard or Basmati work best to achieve fluffy texture.
  • The rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, suitable for meal prep.
  • Reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 153kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 2g (3%) Sodium 325mg (14%) Potassium 129mg (3%) Vitamin A 45IU (1%) Vitamin C 8.4mg (9%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 0.6mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 153 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 153kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 2g 3%
Sodium 325mg 14%
Potassium 129mg 3%
Vitamin A 45IU 1%
Vitamin C 8.4mg 9%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 0.6mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

28 reviews
Excellent

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