Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice (Printable Version)

Fluffy rice enhanced with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright, flavorful side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and sauté, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly translucent.
03 - Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then 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 stand covered for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter (if using), lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
06 - Serve warm alongside tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It's ready in thirty minutes flat, which means you can have a restaurant-quality side on the table without the stress.
  • The brightness of lime and cilantro transforms plain rice into something that feels intentional and alive.
  • It pairs with almost anything—tacos, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables—and makes a simple meal feel complete.
02 -
  • Resist the urge to open the lid while the rice is cooking—even lifting it for a quick peek lets steam escape and can leave you with unevenly cooked rice.
  • Add the cilantro and lime after cooking, not before; heat breaks down their brightness and turns them bitter and dull.
  • If you want deeper flavor without extra ingredients, swap half the water for chicken or vegetable broth, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
03 -
  • Use a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid; a loose lid means steam escapes and your rice won't cook evenly.
  • Lime zest has more flavor than lime juice alone, so don't be shy with it—that's where the real lime personality comes from.
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