Is cilantro lime rice good for you?

Yes. Cilantro Lime Rice can be part of a balanced meal. It provides carbohydrates for energy while fresh cilantro and lime add vitamins and fresh flavor. Pair it with lean protein and vegetables for a satisfying dinner.

How do you make Copycat cilantro lime rice?

To make a copycat version, cook long grain white rice until tender. Then fluff it with a fork and mix in fresh lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a little garlic cooked in olive oil. The result tastes very similar to the popular restaurant version.

Do you put cilantro in rice before or after cooking?

Always stir the cilantro into the rice after it finishes cooking. This keeps the herb bright, fresh, and full of flavor.

What's the difference between Mexican rice and cilantro lime rice?

Mexican rice usually cooks with tomatoes, onions, and spices, giving it a rich orange color. Cilantro Lime Rice, on the other hand, stays white and gets its fresh taste from cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe | Amazing Easy Homemade Favorite

Name: Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe | Amazing Easy Homemade Favorite
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups water or broth; 1 lime, zested and juiced, about 2 tablespoons juice; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Description

This Cilantro Lime Rice combines fluffy long-grain white rice with garlic, fresh cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. It makes a bright, zesty side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 cups water or broth

1 lime, zested and juiced, about 2 tablespoons juice

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Stir in the rice and kosher salt, then toast briefly while stirring.

5. Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the liquid absorbs and the rice becomes tender.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the covered rice rest for 10 minutes.

8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

9. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

10. Serve the Cilantro Lime Rice warm.

Notes

Long-grain white rice, especially jasmine rice, gives the fluffiest texture.

Brown rice also works, but it needs more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Replace the water with chicken or vegetable broth for more savory flavor.

For a rice cooker method, cook the rice normally. Then stir in separately cooked garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest after cooking.

Letting the rice rest for 10 minutes helps create a light and fluffy texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a small splash of water.

Add an extra squeeze of lime juice after reheating to refresh the flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 206
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 299 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg