Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice in the pot ready to be served.

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5 from 1 vote

Cilantro-Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor—the perfect side to brighten up any meal!

Prep Time5

Cook Time13

Resting Time10

Total Time28

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Cilantro Lime Rice

Servings: servings, as a side

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $0.64

Equipment

Medium pot

Ingredients

Add First

1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup long grain white rice
1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add Later

1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
2 limes see note 1

US - Metric

Instructions

Combine “add first” ingredients to a medium nonstick pot over medium-high heat.
Wait until the water starts bubbling gently across the entire surface and you notice a slight foam forming on top. Once this happens, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 13–15 minutes without taking off the lid, touching, or stirring. Check to make sure that water should be fully absorbed into rice.
After checking, quickly place the lid back on and remove pot from the stove. Let it stand, covered, for 10–15 minutes. It’s important not to rush this step as the rice continues to cook in its own steam.
Zest and juice limes to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice. Remove lid and gently fluff rice with fork. Stir in “add later” ingredients. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Enjoy!

Notes

Note 1: This will require 1 very large juicy lime or 2 smaller ones. Zest the lime(s) with a zester; juice with a citrus juicer.

Tips: Avoid boiling rice on high heat; it traps excess steam, affecting texture during simmering. Keep heat at medium-high! Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure proper steam retention.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge, for up to 5 days.

Nutrition