Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Page)

Bright cilantro and lime blend with fluffy rice and butter for a flavorful side dish option.

# What You Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., 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 unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

# Steps:

01 - Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in the rice, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
05 - Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest.
06 - For an enhanced rich texture, gently fold in the optional additional tablespoon of unsalted butter.
07 - Serve the cilantro lime rice warm alongside your preferred dishes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms plain rice into something bright and special in under 30 minutes, which feels like cheating at dinner.
  • One pot, minimal cleanup, and it pairs with almost anything from your grill or stovetop.
  • Fresh cilantro and lime juice mean you taste the life in every bite—no heavy sauces needed.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step—I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into a starchy, sticky mess that no amount of fluffing could save.
  • Add your cilantro and lime after cooking, not before, so the flavors stay fresh and bright instead of fading into the hot rice.
  • If your rice comes out too wet, you've either used too much water or didn't let it sit covered long enough; give it another minute or two off heat before worrying.
03 -
  • If you're in a hurry, you can zest your lime and juice it the night before, storing them separately in the fridge—the flavors won't fade.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the table, after plating, adds a final pop of brightness that feels almost luxurious.
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