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To make cilantro lime rice, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you want a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. If you don’t have fresh lime, lime juice from a bottle works too. For a milder flavor, use shallots instead of onion. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. For rice, I recommend brands like Jasmine or Basmati. For broth, look for low-sodium options to control salt levels. Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste. Fresh cilantro is key, so grab the freshest bunch you can find. First, rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy. Drain the rice well after rinsing. Next, finely chop 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Zest 1 lime and juice it, too. Finally, chop 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, stirring often until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for an additional minute while watching not to burn it. Now, add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Cook the rice for about 2 minutes. Stir it constantly to lightly toast the grains. Once the rice is ready, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water and add the lime zest. Bring the mixture to a boil. When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. After that, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh lime juice and the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your cilantro lime rice is now ready to serve! Enjoy it warm as a side dish or use it as a base for burrito bowls. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your cilantro lime rice taste amazing, use vegetable broth instead of water. This adds depth. Toasting the rice in olive oil helps bring out its nutty flavor. Don't skip the lime zest; it packs a lot of bright taste. Fresh cilantro is key, so chop it right before adding. For the best flavor, adjust salt and pepper to your liking. One mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes extra starch and keeps the rice fluffy. Another error is cooking the rice too long. Overcooked rice can become mushy. Make sure to cover the pot and let it sit after cooking. This step keeps the rice moist without getting soggy. Want to elevate your cilantro lime rice? Try adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder for warmth. You can also mix in black beans for protein. For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk. Using different citrus juices, like orange or lemon, can give a fresh twist. These small changes bring new life to this simple dish! For the full recipe, check out the complete details. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the flavor of cilantro lime rice. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This gives the rice a nice heat. If you love coconut, use coconut milk instead of vegetable broth. This adds a creamy texture and a sweet flavor. You can also mix in spices like cumin or paprika for a smoky touch. This recipe is simple to adjust for different diets. It is already vegan and gluten-free. To make it low-carb, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice. For added protein, mix in black beans or chickpeas. These add texture and make the dish more filling. Cilantro lime rice is very versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with tacos or grilled chicken. It also works well as a base for burrito bowls. Just add your favorite toppings like grilled veggies, avocado, or salsa. For a fresh salad, mix it with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime. There are many ways to enjoy this dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store your cilantro lime rice, first let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about four days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take the rice from the fridge. Place it in a pot or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it on low on the stove, stirring often. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between until hot. For freezing, portion the rice into smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. You can also use freezer bags for more space. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Cilantro lime rice will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, it tastes fresh and delicious, just like the full recipe! Cilantro lime rice is a bright and zesty side dish. It combines cooked rice with fresh cilantro and lime juice. The flavors are fresh and uplifting, making it a perfect match for many meals. To make cilantro lime rice from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until clear. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. 3. Sauté 1 small chopped onion until soft, then add 2 minced garlic cloves. 4. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 2 minutes. 5. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and add lime zest. 6. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. 7. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. 8. Fluff the rice, stir in 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. 9. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. For the detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use brown rice. It gives a nuttier flavor and is healthier. However, brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes. Cilantro lime rice pairs well with many dishes. Some great options include: - Grilled chicken or steak - Tacos and burritos - Black beans or pinto beans - Fish, like grilled salmon - Fajitas and enchiladas Cilantro lime rice lasts about 4-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. You can add many things to boost flavor, such as: - Diced jalapeños for heat - Chopped green onions for crunch - Corn for sweetness - Bell peppers for color - Avocado for creaminess Feel free to experiment with these to find your favorite twist! In this post, we explored cilantro lime rice from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, substitutions, and brands. You learned step-by-step instructions for making it, along with tips to enhance flavor. We discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Cilantro lime rice is simple and versatile. With the right ingredients and methods, you can make it your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. Your meals will shine with this tasty side dish.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this delicious Cilantro Lime Rice Delight! This simple recipe combines fragrant rice, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic for a flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with burrito bowls or your favorite proteins.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

    In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.

        Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly toast the rice.

          Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add lime zest. Bring the mixture to a boil.

            Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

              Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.

                Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite meals or as a base for burrito bowls.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 servings