Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable)

Fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and zesty lime—ready in 30 minutes for a vibrant side dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lime
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic if using and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir continuously to coat all grains evenly with oil.
04 - Pour in the water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is completely absorbed.
05 - Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice stand covered for 5 minutes to allow residual moisture to distribute.
06 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste the rice and adjust salt or lime juice as needed for optimal flavor. Serve warm as a side dish.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms plain rice into something vibrant and memorable without any fuss or complicated techniques.
  • The bright citrus cuts through rich dishes beautifully, making your whole meal feel lighter and more balanced.
  • You probably have most of these ingredients already hiding in your fridge and pantry right now.
02 -
  • Never skip rinsing the rice—I learned this the hard way by ending up with gluey clumps, and it completely changed how I approach this recipe.
  • Add the cilantro and lime after cooking, not before, because heat destroys their freshness and turns cilantro disappointingly dull.
  • The rice keeps absorbing liquid even after cooking, so taste it right away and don't season too heavily or your second helping might taste saltier than expected.
03 -
  • Buy limes that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when you squeeze them—these are juicier and more flavorful than hard, light ones.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully without any adjustments to timing or technique.
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