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Better Than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of fluffy cilantro lime rice topped with chopped green herbs and bright yellow lemon zest.
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Make fluffy, zesty cilantro lime rice that rivals your favorite restaurant version. This easy stovetop recipe delivers bright flavor perfect for weeknight bowls or side dishes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This step helps prevent sticky rice.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting time.
  6. Remove the lid. Add the butter or oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest to the rice.
  7. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, mixing in the butter and lime juice until everything is evenly distributed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a rice cooker method, use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water (1 cup rice to 1 cup water) and cook according to your machine’s standard white rice setting. After cooking, fluff with butter, lime juice, cilantro, and zest.
  • To achieve the brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice, not bottled concentrate.
  • If you prefer a less intense lime flavor, start with 3 tablespoons of juice and add more to taste after fluffing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-fluffy-zesty-side/