Cilantro Serrano Chile Rice

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Cilantro Serrano Chile Rice, a fragrant and zesty recipe that's perfect for pairing with grilled meats, tacos, or your favorite bold flavors. Long-grain rice is toasted to golden perfection before simmering to fluffy, tender consistency. Sautéed serrano chiles infuse the dish with a touch of heat, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten every bite with irresistible freshness. This easy, 30-minute recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and lime for a bold and aromatic twist on classic rice. Perfect for a quick family dinner or as a standout dish at your next gathering, this rice is guaranteed to steal the spotlight!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 serrano chiles, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat each grain with oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light golden color.

Step 4

Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the salt. Stir once and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6

While the rice cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped serrano chiles and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until they soften slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Once the rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 8

Gently fold in the sautéed serrano chiles, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish to complement grilled meats, tacos, or any flavorful main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1030.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	597.2

Total Fat 30.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2492.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 4.5g
Protein 11.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 238.1mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 1555.3mg	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: 44.2%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 48.1%