Introduction
Creating a flavorful side dish isn’t always complicated. This easy recipe for cilantro lime rice combines simple ingredients to produce a vibrant and zesty accompaniment perfect for a variety of meals. The infusion of lime juice and fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch, making it an excellent choice for tacos, grilled chicken, or even as a base for a rice bowl.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
– 1¼ cups dry long-grain white rice
– 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
– 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
– ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is minimal, taking about 10 minutes to gather and measure out all of the ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking process takes approximately 20 minutes, resulting in a total time of around 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 4 servings of delicious cilantro lime rice, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Enjoy this delightful cilantro lime rice as a delicious addition to your next meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium-sized skillet, add 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the butter to melt completely, swirling it occasionally to ensure even melting.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, add 1¼ cups of dry long-grain white rice to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of lime juice, then add ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin. Pour in 2¼ cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add half of the finely chopped fresh cilantro (which is 2 tablespoons). Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Bring to Boil
Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow it to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 4: Add Remaining Cilantro
After the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro until evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish the rice with additional fresh cilantro and fresh lime wedges before serving. Enjoy your flavorful rice dish!
Notes
Note 1: Rice Type
For best results, use long-grain white rice as specified; other types of rice may require different cooking times or liquid ratios.
Note 2: Adjusting Flavor
Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro according to your taste preferences for a more zesty or herby flavor.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter
Start by placing salted butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown, as this could alter the flavor of the rice.
Toasting Rice
Once the butter has melted, add dry long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir the rice in the melted butter for a few minutes to add a toasty flavor, which enhances its nuttiness.
Adding Liquid Ingredients
Incorporate lime juice, kosher salt, ground cumin, and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with the rice, ensuring that the rice is well-coated and evenly mixed.
Bringing to a Boil
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial as it initiates the cooking process for the rice.
Covering and Reducing Heat
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. This helps in steaming the rice evenly and retaining moisture.
Resting the Rice
After cooking for 20 minutes, allow the rice to rest covered for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps to further fluff the rice by allowing trapped steam to redistribute.
Incorporating Fresh Herbs
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the remaining fresh cilantro. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
FAQ
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid, as brown rice generally takes longer to cook and requires more water.
Is it necessary to use low-sodium chicken broth?
While not required, using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or omit it altogether for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice ahead of time and reheat it when needed. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I enhance the flavor further?
You can add additional spices or sauté garlic and onions in the butter before adding the rice for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
This flavorful cilantro lime rice is a perfect side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Its zesty lime and fresh cilantro add brightness and freshness, making it an ideal accompaniment to dishes like grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or even a hearty chili. The balance of spices and the creaminess from the butter enhance the overall taste, promising to elevate any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice
Pair the rice with marinated and grilled chicken breast for a wholesome meal. The lime in both dishes will tie the flavors together beautifully.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Serve the rice alongside spicy shrimp tacos garnished with fresh avocado and a drizzle of lime crema for a refreshing and bright meal.
Vegetarian Bean Burritos
Use the cilantro lime rice as a filling for burritos with black beans, cheese, and avocado. Roll it all up in a tortilla for a satisfying vegetarian dish.
Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Serve the rice with fish tacos topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw. The rice will add a delightful flavor contrast to the spiced fish.
Thai Chicken Salad
Incorporate the cilantro lime rice as a base for a Thai chicken salad, adding crunchy vegetables and a sesame dressing to create a colorful and nutritious dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the rice with ground turkey, black beans, and cheese, and use it to stuff bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender for a comforting meal option.
