Cilantro Rice Recipe
Make Cilantro Rice Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Rice
Aromatics & fat
Cilantro mixture
Finish & garnish
Method
Rice
- 1
Rinse rice
Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear (about 30–60 seconds). Drain thoroughly. This removes excess surface starch so the rice cooks fluffy.
- 2
Sauté aromatics and toast rice
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and butter until hot and butter is melted. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the drained rice and cook, stirring constantly, 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the grains and coat with oil.
- 3
Simmer rice
Add the low-sodium chicken broth (or water) and 3/4 tsp salt to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
Cilantro mixture
- 4
Blend cilantro sauce
While the rice cooks or rests, combine the packed cilantro leaves and tender stems, lime juice, 2 tablespoons water, ground cumin, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth, scraping down sides as needed. The mixture should be fairly liquid — add an additional teaspoon or two of water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- 5
Finish & serve
- 6
Fold cilantro into rice
When the rice has finished steaming (after the 10-minute rest), remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Pour the cilantro mixture evenly over the rice and fold gently with the fork or a spatula until the rice is evenly colored and coated. Taste and add up to 1/4 tsp more salt or a squeeze of lime if needed.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Transfer cilantro rice to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the optional chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Serve warm as a side for grilled meats, tacos, or bowls.