Cilantro Lime Rice

A garlic and herb white rice with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright herbaceous rice side or base.

This recipe for cilantro lime rice is packed with flavor and is the perfect side dish for any Mexican or Latin-inspired meal. The fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and fragrant garlic and shallot create a delicious combination of flavors. The rice itself is perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The Italian seasoning adds a unique touch that complements the other flavors perfectly. This rice is sure to impress your guests and will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Servings

3-4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 diced shallot
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon table salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

In a saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

Prepping the Flavor Add-ins:

While the rice is cooking, dice the shallot, chop the cilantro, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lime. Keep them ready to stir into the cooked rice.

Finishing Touches:

After the rice has finished cooking, remove it from heat and give it a gentle stir to fluff it up.
Let the rice rest for a few minutes to slightly cool and to let any remaining steam escape.
Mix in the prepared shallot, cilantro, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the rice.

Tip: This rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken or shrimp. For a complete meal, consider adding black beans or grilled vegetables on the side.

Gather and prepare the ingredients.