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- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 lime (zest and juice) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt to taste Each ingredient plays an important part in this dish. The long-grain white rice gives a light and fluffy texture. Vegetable broth adds rich flavor, making the rice taste better than just plain water. Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal note. Lime juice and zest offer a burst of tanginess that lifts the dish. Olive oil helps keep the rice moist and adds smoothness. Garlic and onion powders enhance the depth of flavor, while salt pulls everything together. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a vegan dish, stick with vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth or water. Brown rice works well for a healthier choice, but it takes longer to cook. You can replace cilantro with parsley if you dislike its taste. If you want a spicy kick, add jalapeños or chili powder. For a creamier version, try adding a spoonful of coconut milk. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! 1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water. This helps get rid of extra starch. Rinse until the water runs clear. 2. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of vegetable broth over medium heat. You can also use water if you prefer. 3. Once the broth is boiling, add the rinsed rice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix all the ingredients. 4. Cover the saucepan and turn the heat down to low. Let the rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. You want all the liquid to soak in, leaving the rice tender. 5. When the rice is done, remove the saucepan from heat. Keep it covered for 5 minutes. This helps the rice to steam and become fluffy. 6. Fluff the rice with a fork. Add the zest and juice of 1 lime and 1 bunch of finely chopped cilantro. Stir gently to mix in all the flavors. 7. Taste and add more salt if you need to. Rinsing the rice is key for good texture. If you skip this step, your rice can become sticky. Always rinse until the water is clear. When cooking, use a tight-fitting lid. This keeps steam in and helps the rice cook evenly. Keep an eye on the heat. Too high, and the rice can burn. Letting the rice rest is very important. This step allows the grains to firm up. Fluffing with a fork separates the grains. You want each bite to be light and airy. If you skip resting, the rice may clump together. Enjoy your flavorful side dish with any meal! Check the Full Recipe for more details. To make your cilantro lime rice pop, try adding some extra ingredients. You can mix in black beans for protein and texture. Chopped bell peppers can add crunch and color. If you like heat, diced jalapeños will spice things up. For a touch of sweetness, throw in some corn. Each ingredient adds a new layer of flavor. One big mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent gummy rice. Another error is overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on the timer and avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. This step lets the rice firm up and makes it fluffy. To achieve fluffy rice, I always recommend using the right water-to-rice ratio. For long-grain white rice, two cups of water for every cup of rice works well. After cooking, let the rice sit covered for about five minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. This simple trick makes all the difference! For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice section. {{image_2}} Adding black beans makes this rice dish heartier. Black beans bring protein and fiber. To make this, mix one cup of cooked black beans into the rice before adding cilantro and lime. The beans add a nice texture and enhance the flavor. This twist is great for a filling meal. You can also top it with avocado or salsa for more taste. If you want a healthier option, try using brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Cook it the same way as white rice, but note it may take longer to cook. Quinoa is another great choice. It cooks faster than brown rice and is packed with protein. Just rinse it well before cooking. This change keeps the dish flavorful while boosting its health benefits. For a kick, add jalapeños to your cilantro lime rice. Start by dicing one or two jalapeños based on your heat preference. Sauté them in olive oil for a few minutes before adding the rice and broth. This step infuses the dish with spice and flavor. Remember to adjust the salt to balance the heat. Spicy rice pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone dish. For a full recipe, check out the Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. After making your Cilantro Lime Rice, you may have some left. To store it, let the rice cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the rice fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When you're ready to eat the rice again, reheating is key. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add the rice to a pan with a little water. Heat over low heat, stirring often until warm. To freeze Cilantro Lime Rice, first cool it completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to press out any air to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. This rice can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you'll enjoy its fresh flavor again. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! The best rice for Cilantro Lime Rice is long-grain white rice. It cooks light and fluffy. Basmati or jasmine rice works well too. These types have a lovely aroma and texture. They soak up flavors from the broth and lime. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients in the recipe are already plant-based. This allows everyone to enjoy the zesty flavor. To serve more people, simply double or triple the ingredients. Keep the same cooking time, but check for doneness. You can also cook in batches if your pot is small. This way, you ensure each grain cooks perfectly. Cilantro Lime Rice pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken, fish, or tacos. You can also use it as a base for a burrito bowl. Add black beans, corn, and avocado for a tasty meal. Cilantro Lime Rice likely has roots in Mexican cuisine. It has become popular in many restaurants today. Its bright and fresh flavor makes it a favorite side dish. The combination of cilantro and lime is classic in many Latin dishes. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. Cilantro lime rice is simple but full of flavor. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and flavor tips. I shared ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, the right rice is key for the best dish. With a few swaps, you can meet your dietary needs. Enjoy making this tasty side, and don't hesitate to get creative!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this zesty cilantro lime rice recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features fragrant cilantro, fresh lime juice, and perfectly fluffy rice simmered in vegetable broth. It's a delicious side that pairs well with any cuisine. Discover how to make this flavorful rice step-by-step and impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and make your dining experience unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 lime (zest and juice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

    In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat.

      Add the rinsed rice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to the boiling broth. Stir briefly to combine.

        Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

          Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

            Fluff the rice with a fork and then add the lime zest and juice, along with the chopped cilantro. Gently stir to combine all the flavors.

              Adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4