Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle!)
User Reviews
5
Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle!)
Description
This cilantro lime rice uses basmati rice coated in melted salted butter and sugar before cooking in water with salt and a portion of lime juice. The gentle simmering until tender cooks the rice evenly and infuses slight citrus flavor throughout the grains.
After cooking, more lime juice is added along with fresh chopped cilantro, which contributes a fragrant, refreshing herbaceousness. The rice is fluffed to separate the grains and allowed to rest briefly to blend the flavors thoroughly.
The dish complements a variety of cuisines, adding brightness and an herbal touch to meals. Its balance of buttery richness, citrus tang, and fresh herbs creates a simple yet flavorful rice side.
Notes suggest variations, such as substituting dairy-free butter, using brown rice with adjusted cooking time, or replacing rice with cauliflower rice for grain-free options. Adding lime zest can intensify the citrus aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter salted
- 1 cup basmati rice uncooked long-grain white
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- lime divided, juice of 1 to 2 small limes
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low-medium heat melt the butter. Add the rice and sugar. Mix briefly to coat the rice with the butter and sugar. Add half the lime juice and stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt.
- Bring the rice to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer until the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the rice with the cilantro, the rest of the lime juice, and more salt if needed. Fluff rice with a fork. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To extract more juice, roll limes against the counter before juicing.
- Use dairy-free butter alternatives for a vegan version.
- Swap basmati white rice for brown rice to increase fiber; expect longer cooking times.
- For a grain-free alternative, pan-fry cauliflower rice with the butter and sugar, then add cilantro and lime juice without cooking it further.
- Add lime zest near the end to enhance lime flavor and aroma.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 19872 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 198.72kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 38.44g | 13% |
| Protein | 3.38g | 7% |
| Fat | 3.15g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.88g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 7.53mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 615.29mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 66.35mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.75g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 107.71IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3.38mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 16.7mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.37mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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