Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice tastes just like what you get at Chipotle, and it’s a snap to make.
Inspired by the popular rice served at Chipotle, this cilantro lime rice not only makes great burritos and burrito bowls, but it’s also a delicious side dish for chicken, fish, pork, or beef – and it goes well with any number of cuisines, from Mexican to Asian to Indian. It’s made with basmati rice – a long, slender-grained aromatic rice with a fluffy texture – using a pilaf technique, meaning the rice is first “toasted” in oil with sautéed onions and garlic before the liquid is added. This extra step only takes a few minutes and adds loads of rich, nutty flavor. Serve cilantro lime rice with tequila lime chicken, grilled jerk chicken, blackened tilapia, beef enchiladas, or butter chicken, to name just a few.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CILANTRO LIME RICE
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Do not brown; lower the heat if necessary.
Add the garlic and rice.
Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until toasty and fragrant.
Add 2½ cups water, along with the salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Taste the rice; if it is still a bit firm, add a few more tablespoons of water and cook a few minutes more.
Off the heat, add the lime juice, butter, and cilantro.
Mix and fluff the rice with a fork.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, and serve.
Cilantro Lime Rice
By Jennifer Segal
This cilantro lime rice tastes just like what you get at Chipotle, and it’s a snap to make.
Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes Total Time: 35 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
⅓ cup minced yellow onion, from 1 small onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1½ cups basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice, from 1 lime
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Do not brown; lower the heat if necessary.
Add the garlic and rice and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until toasty and fragrant.
Add 2½ cups water, along with the salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Taste the rice; if it is still a bit firm, add a few more tablespoons of water and cook a few minutes more.
Off the heat, add the lime juice, butter, and cilantro; then mix and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Per serving (4 servings)
Calories:349
Fat:10 g
Saturated fat:2 g
Carbohydrates:57 g
Sugar:1 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:5 g
Sodium:230 mg
Cholesterol:8 mg