Cilantro Rice

Transform your mealtime with this vibrant and aromatic Cilantro Rice recipe—a zesty, herbaceous side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal! Made with fluffy long-grain white rice, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this easy-to-make dish is the perfect complement to tacos, grilled meats, or even roasted vegetables. A touch of garlic and a light toasting of the rice bring an extra layer of depth to the flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tang. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, this recipe balances simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you're seeking a crowd-pleasing addition to your Mexican-inspired feast or a quick way to elevate your regular meals, this cilantro rice delivers both in taste and versatility.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 whole lime
• 1 whole garlic clove

Directions

Step 1

Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add 1 whole garlic clove and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed rice and 0.5 teaspoon of salt, cooking for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice, stirring frequently.

Step 5

Pour in 2 cups of water and raise the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the water.

Step 7

While the rice cooks, finely chop 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 8

Juice 1 lime and set aside the juice.

Step 9

After the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and leave it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to steam.

Step 10

Remove the garlic clove, then fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 11

Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice to the rice, mixing to distribute evenly.

Step 12

Serve the cilantro rice immediately as a delicious side dish to your favorite meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1007g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	423.3

Total Fat 16.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1251.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 1.2g
Protein 8.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 182.6mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 683.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.8%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 59.5%