Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable)

Bright and fragrant rice flavored with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of butter for richness.

# Ingredient List:

→ Rice

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

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/3 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)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
05 - Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in finely chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until evenly combined.
06 - For added richness, fold in 1 tablespoon of extra unsalted butter while the rice is warm.
07 - Transfer the rice to serving dishes and serve warm as a side accompaniment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, leaving your hands free for whatever else is cooking.
  • The lime and cilantro hit like a little flavor surprise at the end—your guests always ask what you did differently.
  • It's genuinely hard to mess up, which means you can make it on autopilot and still have it taste fresh.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice, or you'll end up with a sticky, dense mess instead of individual grains that taste alive.
  • Add the cilantro and lime at the very end, not before—heat dulls cilantro's brightness and cooking lime juice makes it bitter somehow.
03 -
  • Fresh cilantro and lime juice are non-negotiable—this is where the magic lives, so don't shortcut it.
  • If your cilantro is wet from washing, pat it completely dry before chopping or it'll bruise and turn dark.
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