Cilantro Lime Rice is a classic. It is savory, zesty, a tangy, a touch spicy. It’s incredible and easily customizable! Rice might seem like an easy thing to make, but sometimes simple recipes can be the hardest things to master!
This cilantro-lime rice begins with only five ingredients and can be varied to compliment many different types of meals. Below the recipe I have variation ideas that you can use to your liking. Some of the variations include adding cumin or cinnamon. This recipe is simple and lends itself to many different forms.
The real key here is toasting the rice before you boil it and using some “No-Chicken Better than Bouillon.” The toasting of the rice gives it a wonderful nuttiness, and the bouillon cooks in there to give it a nice rich flavor. Then I lighten up that richness with some lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Rice is a great side dish to Mexican, Latin, Thai, Indian meals and so much more! I sometimes eat it by itself because I just enjoy it that much.
Below is the recipe, I have also included several variations on how you could play with this recipe and tailor it to your specific meal! It would go great with my Absolute Best Vegan Chili, Seared Bok Choy with Crispy Mushrooms, Pumpkin Enchiladas, or my Jackfruit Guisada.
I hope that you enjoy this recipe. To me, it is the rice of my dreams.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbs. olive oil (Or some other neutral oil)
- 1 cup of long grain rice
- 2 cups of water
- 1 1/2 tsp No-Chicken Better than Bouillon
- 1/2 lime juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
Method:
- Rinse your rice in a fine mesh strainer.
- Turn a medium saucepan on medium heat. Pour rice into the pan and dry toast. When it looks fairly dried-off, add about a tablespoon of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and continue toasting the rice.
- When the rice begins to get golden, add in the 2 cups of water and the bouillon seasoning. Stir in the bouillon seasoning until it is fully incorporated into the water.
- Bring the rice to a boil. When it is at a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low.
- Allow to simmer for 20 minutes until all of the water has been absorbed into the rice. Do not lift the lid! Don’t mess with it. The rice needs the moisture and steam that builds up with that closed lid.
- When rice has finished, add the juice of one lime, lime zest from half a lime, and the cilantro. Fluff and serve!
Fun additions to this rice:
- Cumin
- Finely chopped red onion (you could also use white, yellow, or green)
- Cinnamon (adventurous and delicious)
- Fresh garlic
- Black Pepper (simple and satisfying)
- Tumeric (add only 1 tsp.. too much turmeric can leave a chalky flavor and consistency in your mouth)
- Coconut Milk (you could cook this rice with coconut milk and water, just make sure you add some salt!)
- Soy Sauce (I would adjust the bouillon or be aware of it. Both of these ingredients are high-sodium!)
- Toasted Sesame Oil
- Annnnnnnd mannnny more!!! Get creative and have fun! That’s what cooking is all about!
I hope you enjoy this rice! Let me know in the comments below!