Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Make Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Rice
Aromatics & Finish
Method
Rice
- 1
Rinse and toast
Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs clear (about 1–2 minutes). Drain thoroughly. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil and butter until the butter melts. Add the drained rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until some grains become opaque and slightly toasted.
- 2
Simmer
Add 2 1/2 cups water and 1 tsp kosher salt to the rice. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 3
Rest
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest, undisturbed, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
Aromatics & Finish
- 4
Prepare cilantro-lime mixture
While the rice is resting, combine cilantro leaves, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until cilantro is finely chopped but still bright green and slightly saucy (about 4–6 pulses). Scrape down the sides once to ensure even texture. Taste and adjust lime or salt if needed.
- 5
Fluff and mix
Remove the lid from the resting rice. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and break up any clumps. Pour the cilantro-lime mixture over the rice and fold gently with a spatula or fork until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or pepper if desired.
- 6
Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. For best flavor, serve warm. Garnish optionally with extra chopped cilantro and a lime wedge.