How to Make Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice (Mexican Food Recipe)

The fresh taste of cilantro will enliven your rice dish.

Cilantro lime rice is the perfect accompaniment to many Mexican dishes and makes a great side dish to serve alongside chips and salsa or nachos. Burritos filled with cilantro lime rice and beans are savory and nutritious, and cilantro lime rice goes well with many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, too. The basic recipe is simple, although there are minor variations from cook to cook.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter, margarine or olive oil
• 1 large lime
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeno pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the jasmine rice by adding 4 cups of water to 2 cups of rice and 1 tablespoon of butter, margarine or olive oil. You can prepare the rice in a rice cooker, in a pan on the stove or in an uncovered glass bowl in the microwave. If microwaving, cook for about 18 to 20 minutes and then check to see if all the water has been absorbed. Cook another minute or two if necessary, or, if there's only a little water left, just cover it and set it aside for a few minutes.

2. While the rice is cooking, chop the cilantro and add to a small mixing bowl. Use mostly leaves, not stems.

3. Use a grater to zest the entire surface of a large lime and add the zest to the cilantro.

4. Roll the zested lime on the counter to soften the pulp and help release the juice. Cut the lime in half and squeeze all of the juice into the cilantro and lime zest. Flatten the rinds on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut away the remaining pulp. Add this pulp to the mixture as well. Essentially, you want to use as much of the lime as possible.

5. Add the oil and salt to the cilantro and lime mixture and stir until everything is well blended.

6. When the rice is done, immediately pour the cilantro and lime mixture over the rice and use a spatula to make sure the rice is evenly coated. You can add the jalapeno at this point if you want that element of heat. Serve warm and refrigerate the leftovers.

References

• All Recipes; Lime Cilantro Rice; E. N. Seeber;
• C D Kitchen: Lime Cilantro Rice Recipe