Zesty Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish

Fragrant rice sings with a zesty cilantro-lime infused rice recipe that dances across your palate with vibrant, fresh flavors.

Bright green herbs and tangy citrus notes elevate this simple side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Restaurants and home cooks alike adore this bright, refreshing accompaniment that complements everything from grilled meats to spicy tacos.

Each fluffy grain absorbs the bold, clean flavors of fresh cilantro and sharp lime juice.

The recipe takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight solution for adding excitement to your dinner plate.

This versatile rice brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how easily this dish comes together with just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice Ingredient Notes

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides the perfect fluffy texture and serves as the foundation of the dish, choose high-quality, uniform grains for best results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and helps balance the rice's natural taste, select pure, clean-tasting salt.
• Water: Creates the ideal cooking environment for rice, ensuring perfect moisture and tenderness.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and prevents rice from sticking, opt for extra-virgin for a more robust flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle earthy depth, select fresh and fragrant leaves for maximum flavor impact.
• Garlic: Brings a warm, pungent undertone that complements the other ingredients, choose firm, plump cloves.

• Lime Zest: Delivers a zesty, citrusy punch that lifts the entire dish, use fresh, vibrant limes with smooth, shiny skin.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness, select juicy, ripe limes.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal dimension with its distinctive flavor, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Equipment Checklist for Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice

• Medium pot: Essential for cooking rice evenly and controlling heat.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice and gently mixing in cilantro-lime sauce.
• Blender: Crucial for creating smooth, vibrant cilantro-lime mixture.
• Sharp knife: Needed for zesting lime and chopping cilantro.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for ingredient preparation.

Steps to Make Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice

Tropical Rice Symphony

• Oil Awakening Warm olive oil in a pot, creating a fragrant base that will transform ordinary rice into a zesty delight.
• Rice Dancing Gently toast rice with a pinch of salt, allowing each grain to absorb the rich, golden essence of the oil.
• Liquid Magic Pour water into the pot, introducing lime zest and a mysterious bay leaf that will infuse the rice with subtle complexity.
• Gentle Simmering Cover and let the rice cook peacefully, absorbing flavors and becoming tender and fluffy.
• Herbal Elixir While rice rests, blend fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, aromatic garlic, and remaining oil into a vibrant green sauce.
• Final Flourish Remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, and swirl in the bright cilantro-lime mixture, transforming the dish into a celebration of fresh, bold flavors.

Serve immediately and transport your taste buds to a sunny, tropical paradise.

Pro Tips for Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice

• Flavor Boost Trick: Toasting rice in oil before adding water releases nutty undertones and creates a more complex flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Swap: Replace cilantro with parsley or green onions for a different herbal twist that still adds brightness to the rice.
• Cooking Liquid Options: Substitute water with chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the overall depth and richness of the rice's taste.
• Spice Level Up: Add a minced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the cilantro-lime blend for a subtle kick of heat that complements the zesty lime notes.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra rice into a quick fried rice by sautéing with additional vegetables and an egg for a quick next-day meal that keeps the original flavors intact.

Plating Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice Ideas

• Tropical Taco Night Companion: Serve this zesty rice alongside spicy grilled fish tacos or shredded chicken for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a hearty rice bowl by topping the cilantro-lime rice with grilled shrimp, black beans, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
• Stuffed Pepper Delight: Use this aromatic rice as a delicious filling for bell peppers, mixed with ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles, then bake until the peppers are tender and golden.
• Cilantro-Lime Rice Salad: Transform the warm rice into a refreshing cold salad by chilling it, then mixing with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a perfect summer side dish.

Save or Store Your Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice

• Freshness First Storage: Keep rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over rice before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir gently midway through reheating for even warmth.
• Flavor-Packed Freezing: Portion rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Flatten for faster thawing and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best results.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare rice in larger batches during weekends. Use as a base for quick lunches, dinner bowls, or as a side dish. Mix with different proteins and vegetables for instant variety.

Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

A Mexican-inspired cilantro-lime infused rice delivers bold, zesty flavors perfect for complementing main dishes. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this side dish a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) long grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) lime zest
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Preparation: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, establishing a golden foundation for the rice while creating a fragrant base.
2. Toasting and Seasoning: Add rice and salt, gently stirring to develop a rich, nutty essence and prevent grain adhesion, ensuring each kernel is evenly coated.
3. Liquid Infusion: Introduce water along with lime zest and bay leaf, transforming the simple grains into a complex, aromatic canvas of flavor.
4. Cooking Technique: Bring liquid to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering the pot tightly to trap steam and ensure uniform cooking.
5. Resting and Absorption: Allow rice to simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes, absorbing liquid and becoming perfectly tender, then remove from heat and let rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to achieve optimal texture.
6. Sauce Creation: While rice rests, craft a vibrant cilantro-lime sauce by blending fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, remaining olive oil, and water until achieving a smooth, harmonious consistency.
7. Final Touches: Remove bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork to separate grains, and gently incorporate the cilantro-lime mixture, ensuring an even distribution of fresh, zesty flavors.
8. Serving: Present immediately to capture the rice’s peak temperature and flavor intensity, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast rice in oil before adding water to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir continuously during initial toasting stage to ensure even heat distribution and uniform texture.
• Rest for Perfect Texture: Allow rice to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to absorb remaining moisture and create fluffy consistency.
• Zesty Finishing Touch: Fold cilantro-lime sauce gently into rice just before serving to maintain bright, fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg