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- 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 lime (juice and zest) - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil The base of this dish is long-grain white rice. It cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors well. For the cooking liquid, I use vegetable broth. It adds depth and richness to the rice. Fresh cilantro gives the dish its signature flavor. Lime juice and zest bring in a bright, zesty note. Olive oil adds a nice touch of richness to the mix. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic powder and onion powder are key for flavor. They enhance the taste without being overpowering. Salt and pepper round out the seasoning. Use them to fit your taste. - Peppers - Corn - Black beans You can add peppers for a crunchy texture. Corn adds sweetness and color. Black beans provide protein and make the dish heartier. These add-ins allow you to customize the rice to your liking. - Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water. This step helps remove excess starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well. - Dry the rice: After rinsing, let the rice sit for a moment to dry. This will help it toast better in the next step. - Toasting the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the rice turns slightly golden. This step adds depth to the flavor. - Adding broth and seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. - Simmering time: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. - Fluffing the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This makes it light and airy. - Mixing in lime and cilantro: Add the juice and zest from 1 lime, along with 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro. Mix gently until everything is combined. - Resting before serving: Cover the rice and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your vibrant, zesty cilantro lime rice! Using broth instead of water makes a big difference. Broth adds depth and richness to the rice. I always choose vegetable broth for this dish. It keeps the rice light and fresh. Adding lime zest brings a bright note to the rice. Zest gives you a more intense lime flavor. Just be sure to use a clean microplane or grater. This small step transforms a good dish into a great one. This recipe fits well for both vegan and vegetarian diets. The ingredients are plant-based and full of flavor. You can serve it with beans or veggies for added protein. For gluten-free needs, this rice is perfect. All ingredients are gluten-free, so enjoy without worry. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For the best results, use a medium saucepan with a lid. A heavy-bottomed pot helps cook the rice evenly. You can also use a non-stick pot to avoid sticking. If you have a rice cooker, use it! Just follow the same steps, but add everything to the cooker. Set it, and let it do the work. It’s a great time-saver and ensures fluffy rice every time. {{image_2}} You can spice up your cilantro lime rice in fun ways. First, try spicy cilantro lime rice. Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This gives it a nice kick that pairs well with tacos or grilled chicken. Next, consider coconut cilantro lime rice. Swap vegetable broth for coconut milk. This change adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, making it a great side for seafood dishes. Zesty cilantro lime rice shines in many meals. It works great as a base for bowl meals. Layer it with black beans, roasted veggies, and avocado for a delicious and filling dish. You can also serve it as a side dish. Pair it with grilled meats or tacos. The bright flavors complement rich or spicy foods perfectly. You can adjust this dish for different seasons. In spring and summer, add fresh veggies like corn or diced bell peppers. Their crunch and color make the dish pop. For fall and winter, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. These ingredients add warmth and heartiness, perfect for cooler days. To store leftovers of zesty cilantro lime rice, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and free from odors. Let the rice cool before sealing it. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. For best flavor, consume it within two days. If you want to freeze the rice, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Spread the rice out flat to freeze it quickly. This way, it also thaws faster. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. The best way to reheat the rice is in the microwave. Place it in a bowl and add a splash of water. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the rice moist. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just add a bit of water and heat on low, stirring gently. This method helps keep the flavor intact. Making Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice takes about 30 minutes in total. You will spend 5 minutes preparing and 25 minutes cooking. You rinse the rice first, then toast it. After that, you simmer it in broth for 15 to 18 minutes. This cooks the rice until it is tender and absorbs all the flavors. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the water amount and cooking time. Use 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth for 1 cup of brown rice. Cook it for about 40 to 45 minutes instead of 15 to 18 minutes. Check it often to see if it is tender. Cilantro Lime Rice pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. You can serve it with tacos or burritos for a fun twist. It also fits with beans, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy it as a side, and watch your meal come alive with flavor! In this article, we explored the essential ingredients for Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice, including rice, broth, and fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for enhancing flavor. You can also enjoy various serving suggestions and storage info to keep your rice fresh. Remember, this dish is versatile and can fit many diets. Whether you serve it as a side or a meal, your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking and enjoy your culinary creations.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

Elevate your meals with this zesty cilantro lime rice recipe! Bursting with flavor and easy to make, this dish combines long-grain rice with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of garlic for a delicious side that pairs perfectly with your favorite proteins. In just 30 minutes, you can create a vibrant addition to any dinner. Click through for the full recipe and bring a fresh twist to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 lime (juice and zest)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain.

    In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice becomes slightly golden.

      Pour in the vegetable broth, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

        Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

          Remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Add lime juice and zest, and the chopped cilantro, mixing gently until well combined.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

              Let the rice rest covered for an additional 5 minutes to absorb flavors before serving.

                Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the rice in a vibrant bowl with a sprig of cilantro on top and lime wedges on the side for a fresh, appealing look.