Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

$- 1 cup jasmine rice - 2 cups water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 1 lime - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat Each serving has about 200 calories. It contains 44 grams of carbs, 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat. This dish offers a good mix of carbs for energy and some protein. For a tasty side, combine rice with fresh lime and cilantro. The zest adds bright flavor. The lime juice gives it a tangy kick. Cilantro adds freshness. You can even add red pepper flakes for some heat. This dish pairs great with many meals. You can find the full recipe above. First, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key. Rinsing removes extra starch. It keeps the rice from clumping or being gummy. Once done, add the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Your rice should be tender and the water should be absorbed. After that, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This helps the rice steam and become fluffy. Now, it's time to add flavor. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. This keeps it light. Next, mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the zest and juice of 1 lime. Don't forget to stir in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro. For extra flavor, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. After mixing, taste your rice. If you want more zing, add extra lime juice or salt. Adjust it to your liking. Your zesty cilantro lime rice is now ready to serve! It looks great in a bright bowl. Garnish it with extra cilantro and a lime wedge. Enjoy it alongside grilled veggies or your favorite protein for a complete meal. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To prevent gummy rice, always rinse jasmine rice first. This step removes extra starch. Rinse until the water runs clear. For optimal fluffiness, steam the rice after cooking. Let it sit, covered, for five more minutes. This helps the grains separate and become light. You can add more spices or herbs for extra flavor. Try cumin or paprika for warmth. Fresh parsley works well too. Adjust lime and salt to fit your taste. Some may like a bit more lime juice or salt. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. For a fresh look, serve rice in a colorful bowl. Garnish with cilantro leaves and a lime wedge. This makes the dish pop. Pair it with grilled veggies or your favorite protein for a full meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the rice fresh for up to three days. {{image_2}} You can take Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice to new levels. Adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers brings color and crunch. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This makes the dish more fun and nutritious. You can also use beans for a heartier meal. Black beans or pinto beans work well. They add protein and fiber, making this rice dish more filling. Experimenting with herbs can change the taste. Instead of cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil. Each herb brings a unique flavor. You can also switch up the citrus. Use lemon or orange juice for a different twist. Each citrus adds its own zing, which can brighten the rice even more. Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice pairs well with grilled meats. Chicken, beef, or fish make great choices. If you want a vegetarian option, serve it with grilled veggies or tofu. You can also use this rice as a base for burrito bowls. Just layer it with your favorite toppings like beans, cheese, and salsa. This makes for a fun and tasty meal! Store your zesty cilantro lime rice in an airtight container. This helps keep the rice fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to four days. After that, the flavor may fade, and the texture could change. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rice cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the rice's texture nice. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, add a splash of water. This keeps the rice moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat. Add more lime juice or fresh cilantro to boost flavor. This way, your rice stays zesty and fresh! Cooked cilantro lime rice lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing to keep it fresh. Yes, you can use brown rice. Just know that it takes longer to cook. Brown rice needs about 40 to 45 minutes. Adjust the water to about 2 1/2 cups for best results. You can serve this rice with many dishes. It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. You can also enjoy it with beans, grilled veggies, or tacos for a complete meal. Absolutely! You can make the rice a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it gently and add fresh lime juice and cilantro for flavor. Yes, this rice dish is gluten-free. All the ingredients are gluten-free, making it a great side for anyone with dietary needs. Enjoy this tasty, zesty side dish with confidence. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! This article detailed how to make Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. We covered main ingredients like jasmine rice, lime, and cilantro. I walked you through simple steps, tips for perfect texture, and storage methods. Adding veggies or spices can enhance flavor further. Keep this rice recipe handy; it pairs well with many dishes. Enjoy experimenting and sharing this fresh side with your meals!$

Elevate your meals with this easy and delicious Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Packed with fresh flavors from lime and cilantro, this dish is the perfect side for any meal. In just 30 minutes, you can create fluffy jasmine rice that's bursting with zest and paired perfectly with your favorite protein or veggies. Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and impress your family at dinner!

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Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, adding more lime juice or salt for flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the rice in a vibrant bowl and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a lime wedge on the side for a fresh look. Pair it with grilled vegetables or your favorite protein for a delightful meal.