Lime Cilantro Rice Recipe

Long grain white rice: This type of rice is ideal for achieving a fluffy texture.

Water: Essential for cooking the rice.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps prevent the rice from sticking.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Lime: Provides a zesty and refreshing citrus flavor.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the rice.

When preparing rice, it's crucial to rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which can make the rice gummy. Additionally, when you add the olive oil and salt to the boiling water, it not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the grains separate. After cooking, letting the rice sit covered for 5 minutes allows it to finish steaming, resulting in a fluffier texture. Finally, when mixing in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro, do so gently to avoid breaking the grains, ensuring a light and aromatic dish.

• long grain white rice - Substitute with basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and cooking time, making it a suitable alternative.

• long grain white rice - Substitute with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a slightly floral aroma and similar cooking properties.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor to the rice.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the lime and cilantro.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can replace salt in many recipes.

• lime, zested and juiced - Substitute with lemon, zested and juiced: Lemon provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.

• lime, zested and juiced - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and a slight fruitiness.

• fresh cilantro, chopped - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro.

• fresh cilantro, chopped - Substitute with mint: Mint provides a refreshing and aromatic alternative to cilantro.

• Allow the rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice mushy.
• Transfer the cooled lime cilantro rice into an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The lime and cilantro flavors will meld beautifully over time.
• For freezing, portion the rice into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Place each portion in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bags or containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the rice has been stored.
• Freeze the lime cilantro rice for up to 2 months. Beyond this, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.
• To reheat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.
• Reheat the rice in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or olive oil to a pan, add the rice, and stir over medium heat until warmed through.
• Refresh the flavors by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover lime cilantro rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to add moisture.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Fluff with a fork and enjoy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover lime cilantro rice.
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to heat the rice evenly.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Spread the leftover lime cilantro rice in an even layer in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth over the rice to keep it moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Fluff with a fork before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftover lime cilantro rice in a heatproof bowl that fits inside a steamer basket.
  2. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the steamer.
  3. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  4. Fluff with a fork and serve.

• Saucepan: Used to cook the rice by boiling water and simmering the rice until tender.

• Lid: Essential for covering the saucepan to allow the rice to steam and cook evenly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the rice and water accurately.

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the olive oil.

• Teaspoon: Used to measure the salt.

• Fine mesh strainer: Used to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

• Fork: Used to fluff the rice after it has cooked and rested.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked rice with lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

• Zester: Used to zest the lime.

• Juicer: Used to extract the juice from the lime.

• Chef's knife: Used to chop the fresh cilantro.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the cilantro.

Rinse the rice in advance: Rinse the rice earlier and let it drain to save time during cooking.

Use a rice cooker: A rice cooker can cook the rice perfectly without needing constant attention.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the cilantro and zest the lime while the rice is cooking.

Batch cook rice: Cook a larger batch of rice and store portions in the fridge for quick meals later.

Use pre-chopped cilantro: Save time by using pre-chopped cilantro available in stores.