Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Version)

Fragrant rice with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and buttery richness, great alongside grilled or Mexican dishes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - ⅓ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the runoff is clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, 1 tablespoon butter, and salt, stirring briefly.
03 - Lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let the rice rest, 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 - If desired, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for enhanced richness.
07 - Transfer to serving dishes and serve warm alongside grilled or Mexican preparations.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can make it while everything else on the table is still cooking.
  • The brightness of fresh lime and cilantro transforms plain rice into something that feels intentional and special.
  • It pairs with almost anything—grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a simple bean situation.
02 -
  • Don't add the lime juice until after the rice is cooked and resting—acid can interfere with the cooking process and make the rice gummy.
  • Fresh cilantro is not negotiable here; dried cilantro tastes like hay and will disappoint you.
  • If you're using vegetable broth instead of water, reduce the salt slightly since broth already carries salt of its own.
03 -
  • Make it ahead if you need to—cilantro lime rice keeps for three days in the fridge and reheats beautifully with a splash of water and a gentle stir over low heat.
  • Toast the rice in the butter for a minute or two before adding water if you want an extra layer of nutty depth.
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