Cilantro Lime Rice (Printer View)

Zesty rice infused with fresh cilantro and lime, enriched with buttery richness for vibrant flavor.

# Components:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (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)

# Method:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rice, 1 tablespoon 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 it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
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 the cilantro lime rice warm as a side dish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The flavor hits you immediately—bright, buttery, and fresh without any work beyond chopping cilantro and squeezing a lime.
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, making it perfect for those nights when you're cooking something else that deserves your attention.
  • This rice transforms ordinary grilled proteins and vegetables into something that tastes like you spent hours planning the meal.
02 -
  • Don't rinse out all the starch if you like your rice slightly creamy—just rinse until the water is mostly clear rather than perfectly transparent.
  • The 5-minute rest after cooking is not optional; it's when the rice sets properly and becomes less likely to fall apart when you fold in the toppings.
  • Fresh lime juice makes an enormous difference compared to bottled—the brightness tastes different, almost alive.
03 -
  • If your lime is hard and you can't get much juice, microwave it for 20 seconds first—the heat makes the fruit soften and release juice more easily.
  • Taste the rice before you finish it; if you think it needs more lime, you probably do, because the flavor should be noticeable without being sharp.
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