Simply flavored Cilantro Lime Rice is one way to bring your usual rice into the next level. It’s a rice cooked with lime juice and lime zest with loads of fresh chopped Cilantro, freshness in every spoonful. Just like Chipotle but better is many ways because it is homemade.

Cilantro Lime Rice was made famous by Chipotle, a Mexican restaurant. When people hear about Cilnatro-Lime Rice, people often reference it to Chipotle, so I guess I have to say this was inspired by Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice then.

I love making flavored rice, the likes of Pesto Rice, Turmeric Rice or Tomato Rice. Flavored rice make the dish taste even better, and with only few additional steps and ingredients, I really think it’s worth making it. This Cilantro-Lime rice has a really nice fresh taste from the chopped fresh cilantro and a strong citrus flavor from lime zest and juice. This rice can be paired with anything, but I personally like it served with anything grilled or pan seared. I find that the flavor of the rice stands out better. For me, when you have a flavored ride this good, there’s no reason for you to cover it up with sauce, let it stand out on its own and you’ll appreciate the flavor better.

Can I use leftover rice  to make this?

Yes. Surprisingly, I actually find the texture better when I used left over rice to make this. My assumption was because the rice has become slightly dry already so adding lime juice in it doesn’t make the rice mushy as compared to when adding it right after cooking.  If using leftover rice, here is how you make this

• Transfer the rice in a microwave safe bowl. Cover and microwave for about 1 minute. Remove the cover and add lime zest, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Mix to distribute then cover and microwave again for 1-2 minutes or until the cilantro is wilted.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Lime Juice
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
• 1/3 cup chopped Cilantro (or 3 tbsp Cilantro Paste)
• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• 1 1/2 cup Water (Amount of water could vary depending on the type of rice, adjust as needed)
• Zest of two Lime

Stove-Top Instructions:

Wash and rinse the rice with cold water, removing as much water as possible. Transfer in a heated pan and cook for about 1 minute or until the water evaporates and the rice is dry. Add oil and cook for another 3 minutes while continuously stirring to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pan. Add water and lime zest, cover and continue cooking. Once cooked, leave for at least 30 minutes to allow the moisture to evaporate and to be absorb by the rice. Transfer in a large bowl, use a fork to break apart the rice then add chopped cilantro and lime juice. Stir until the cilantro is wilted. if the rice is not hot enough to make the cilantro wilt, microwave for 1 minute and then mix.

Rice Cooker Instructions:

Wash and rinse the rice with cold water, removing as much water as possible. Transfer in a heated pan and cook for about 1 minute or until the water evaporates and the rice is dry. Add oil and cook for another 3 minutes while continuously stirring to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pan. Transfer the rice in the rice cooker, add water and lime zest and continue cooking. Once cooked, leave for at least 30 minutes to allow the moisture to evaporate and to be absorb by the rice. Transfer in a large bowl, use a fork to break apart the rice then add chopped cilantro and lime juice. Stir until the cilantro is wilted. if the rice is not hot enough to make the cilantro wilt, microwave for 1 minute and then mix.

serves 2 -3

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information was calculated using Veryfitwell Recipe Calorie and Nutrition Calculator. For details about Nutritional Information in this website, please read the Disclaimer page.

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