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Easy Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice (Restaurant Style)

A mound of fluffy white cilantro lime rice topped generously with bright green lime zest and chopped cilantro.
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Make restaurant-style Cilantro Lime Rice that is fluffy, not sticky, with bright, zesty flavor. This quick side dish is perfect for burrito bowls or pairing with grilled chicken.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine rice recommended)
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This step helps prevent sticky rice.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  6. Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and lime zest.
  8. Pour the lime mixture over the warm rice and add the chopped fresh cilantro.
  9. Gently fold the lime and cilantro mixture into the rice until evenly distributed. Serve immediately as a great base for your next burrito bowl.

Notes

  • For a rice cooker method, use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water (2 cups rice to 2 cups water) and follow your cooker’s white rice setting. After cooking, proceed with step 5.
  • Use Jasmine rice for the best texture and aroma, which helps achieve that fluffy, restaurant-style result.
  • If you are looking for simple meal planning ideas, this rice pairs well with many main courses.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-easy-fluffy-side/