Cilantro Lime Rice (Print)

Fragrant rice infused with fresh cilantro, lime, and butter, perfect alongside Mexican and grilled dishes.

# 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 extra unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

# Steps:

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

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means dinner isn't some distant goal.
  • The bright lime and cilantro transform simple rice into something that tastes intentional and restaurant-worthy.
  • It pairs with nearly everything—grilled meats, tacos, bowls—so it becomes your secret weapon side dish.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—it's the difference between fluffy grains and starchy glue.
  • Add the lime juice after cooking, not before, so the acidity doesn't interfere with how the rice absorbs water.
  • If you use vegetable broth instead of water, you'll get even deeper flavor with almost no extra effort.
03 -
  • Toast the uncooked rice in butter for 1 minute before adding water—it adds a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the lime brightness.
  • Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for one of the cups to layer in more savory depth with no extra effort.
  • Zest your lime before juicing it, or you'll struggle to get zest from a juiced lime.
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