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Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

By What’s Baking

Fragrant jasmine rice infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro creates a vibrant, citrusy side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican or Asian-inspired meal.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of fluffy, bright white jasmine rice flecked with vibrant green cilantro leaves and tiny specks of lime zest, served in a rustic earthenware bowl. A wedge of lime rests on the edge of the bowl, with droplets of lime juice glistening on the rice's surface. The scene is captured in soft natural light, with scattered cilantro sprigs and halved limes surrounding the bowl on a textured wooden table. Steam gently rises from the perfectly cooked grains, suggesting warmth and freshness, while the contrast between the white rice and green herbs creates a striking visual appeal.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g jasmine rice (or basmati rice)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">480ml vegetable stock (or water)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 clove garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15g fresh cilantro, finely chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 limes (zest and juice)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">5g salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2g black pepper</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Oven-safe baking dish with lid</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh sieve or colander</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or zester</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This oven method ensures perfectly even cooking and prevents the bottom from scorching, which can happen on stovetops. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In an oven-safe baking dish with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, vegetable stock, 15ml (1 tablespoon) of olive oil, minced garlic, and half the lime zest. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Cover the dish tightly with its lid or aluminum foil if your dish doesn't have a lid. The tight seal creates a steaming environment that's crucial for perfectly cooked rice with distinct, separate grains. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Don't peek during baking as releasing steam can disrupt the cooking process! </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> While the rice bakes, prepare the finishing mixture. In a small bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, lime juice, remaining lime zest, chopped cilantro, salt and pepper. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Once the rice is cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and helps the grains firm up slightly for the perfect texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Uncover the rice carefully (watch out for steam!) and fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains. Pour the cilantro-lime mixture over the hot rice and fold it in gently with a fork. The heat from the freshly baked rice will help release the essential oils in the cilantro and lime zest, intensifying the flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired. The rice should be fluffy with each grain distinct, fragrant with lime and cilantro, but not wet or mushy. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 210 calories
🥑 Fat: 4 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 40 g
🍭 Sugar: 0 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 300 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why is baking rice better than cooking it on the stovetop?

Baking rice provides more even heat distribution, preventing the bottom from scorching as can happen on stovetops. The enclosed oven environment creates a consistent steaming effect, resulting in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with distinct grains and no mushy spots.

Can I substitute the jasmine rice with another variety?

Yes, basmati rice makes an excellent substitute for jasmine rice in this recipe. For brown rice, increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes and liquid by 60ml. Avoid sticky or sushi rice varieties as they'll produce a texture that doesn't complement the lime and cilantro flavours well.

How long does lime and cilantro infused rice keep in the refrigerator?

This fragrant rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and microwave covered, or steam briefly. For best flavour, consider adding a small squeeze of fresh lime juice after reheating.

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