Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Rinse and measure

Rinse 1.5 cups long-grain white rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch and prevents clumping.

Toast rice (optional)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until some grains become slightly translucent and lightly toasted. This step adds a nuttier flavor and keeps grains separate.

Cook rice

Add 2 1/4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.

Steam off heat

After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice steam for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. This finishes cooking gently and yields fluffy rice.

Fluff

Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently to separate the grains.

Prepare cilantro and aromatics

While the rice is steaming (or beforehand), remove cilantro leaves from stems and roughly chop. Mince garlic and zest one lime to yield about 1 teaspoon zest.

Warm butter and garlic

In a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl, warm 1 tablespoon unsalted butter just until melted. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute to temper the garlic (do not brown). This mellows the raw garlic flavor.

Combine cilantro-lime mixture

In a medium bowl or small blender/food processor, combine the chopped cilantro (1 cup packed), 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, melted butter with garlic, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. If using a blender or food processor, pulse 3–4 times to chop and emulsify into a loose green sauce. If mixing by hand, stir thoroughly until evenly combined.

Season and taste

Taste the cilantro-lime mixture and add salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon if desired). Remember the rice already has some salt, so add sparingly and adjust after mixing with rice.

Fold into rice

Pour the cilantro-lime mixture over the fluffed rice. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture through the rice until evenly distributed. Work gently to avoid mashing grains. If the rice seems dry, add 1–2 teaspoons water or another teaspoon of lime juice and fold again.

Final adjustments and serve

Taste and adjust salt, lime, or cilantro as desired. Serve warm as a side for tacos, grilled meats, fish, or as a base for bowls.