Name: Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Olive Oil or Cooking Oil; 1/3 cup Onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt; 2 cups Jasmine Rice; 3 cups Water; 1 whole Lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons if your lime is not juicy); 1/3 cup Cilantro leaves, chopped

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Introduction

Cilantro lime rice is a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. This easy-to-make recipe combines fragrant jasmine rice with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty twist.

A metal pan filled with a single layer of white rice mixed with small green herb pieces and a few light brown bits, evenly spread across the pan. The rice grains look soft and fluffy with a slight shine, and the herbs add a splash of green color throughout. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, with a striped white and green cloth visible at the top left corner. A metal utensil handle is partially seen on the top right side of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil or cooking oil
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups jasmine rice
3 cups water
1 whole lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons if limes are less juicy)
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large sauté pan or pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften and becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, jasmine rice, and sea salt. Cook until the rice begins to look translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the water, cover the pot, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until the rice has absorbed all the water, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid stirring the rice while it cooks to prevent stickiness.
Step 4: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the rice in oil for a few minutes before adding water.
Use fresh lime juice for the brightest taste, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
Mix in some finely chopped green onions or add a pinch of cumin for a different twist.
For a vegan and gluten-free side, this recipe fits perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

How to Serve

A shiny silver pan filled with one layer of cooked white rice mixed with small bits of green herbs and tiny light brown toasted pieces, giving the rice a slightly textured look. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, with a green and white striped cloth partially visible to the upper left. The rice appears fluffy and evenly spread inside the pan, with some herbs scattered mainly throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice works best for its fragrance and texture, but you can substitute long-grain white rice. Cooking times may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro is key for flavor, but you can use dried cilantro in a pinch—use less as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley can add a mild, fresh note.