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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Aromatic Preparation: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, establishing a golden foundation for the rice while creating a fragrant base.
- 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.
- Liquid Infusion: Introduce water along with lime zest and bay leaf, transforming the simple grains into a complex, aromatic canvas of flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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