Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Rinse the rice

Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear (about 1–2 minutes). Drain well. This removes excess surface starch so the rice cooks fluffy.

Toast the rice

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and the drained rice. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until some grains turn lightly opaque and have a faint nutty aroma. This step improves texture and flavor.

Add liquid and simmer

Add the water, chicken or vegetable broth, and salt to the saucepan. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil, uncovered. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Rest the rice

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice steam and rest for 10 minutes to finish cooking and firm up the grains.

Prepare cilantro-lime mixture

While the rice rests, combine the fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems), lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin (if using), black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a blender, food processor, or use a fine chop and mix method. Blend or pulse until mostly smooth but still slightly textured (a coarse chimichurri-like consistency). Taste and adjust lime or salt as needed.

Fluff and combine

Remove the lid from the rice and fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains. While still warm, add the cilantro-lime mixture to the rice. Use a spatula or fork to fold the mixture through the rice until evenly distributed, taking care not to mash the grains. If the rice seems dry, add up to 1 tablespoon more lime juice or 1–2 teaspoons of warm water to reach desired moistness.

Finish and garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or black pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle sliced scallions/green onions on top if using. Serve warm alongside fajitas, tacos, or other main dishes from the Fajita Fiesta section.