Cilantro Lime Rice Delight (Printable)

Fragrant rice with fresh cilantro and lime lends bright, buttery flavor to any meal.

# What You Need:

→ 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 extra butter (optional, for finishing)

# How-To:

01 - Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, 1 tablespoon butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork, then gently stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
06 - For extra richness, fold in an additional tablespoon of butter if desired.
07 - Serve the rice warm alongside grilled or Mexican-inspired dishes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary rice into something bright and crave-worthy in just 30 minutes, no special skills required.
  • The lime and cilantro keep it fresh and light, making it pair beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to simple bean bowls.
02 -
  • The cilantro and lime go in after the rice is cooked, never before—heat kills their brightness and leaves you with a sad, dull green mess.
  • If your rice comes out mushy, you probably didn't rinse it well enough or you added too much water; next time, measure more carefully and make sure that water really runs clear.
03 -
  • If you want to use vegetable broth for extra flavor, substitute it for half the water and reduce the salt slightly—broth is already salty and you don't want to overdo it.
  • For a vegan version, good quality olive oil gives you richness that's actually different from butter but equally delicious; don't use cheap oil or it will taste thin.
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