Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice
Experience the refreshing and vibrant flavors of Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice, a delicious side dish inspired by Cafe Rio. This dish features fluffy white rice cooked in savory chicken broth, infused with zesty lime juice, fresh garlic, and vibrant cilantro. Ideal for complementing your favorite burritos or serving as a standalone side, this rice dish elevates any meal with its bright taste and aroma. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this recipe will surely become a staple in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
1 cup (rinsed)
chicken broth
2 cups (used as cooking liquid)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
fresh cilantro
0.5 cup (shredded)
green enchilada sauce
0.5 can (14 ounces) (mixed in)
Instructions
1
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve a fluffier texture.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
5
Fluff the rice with a fork gently, then add the fresh shredded cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and half a can of green enchilada sauce.
6
Mix all ingredients together well with a fork until evenly distributed. Serve warm and enjoy the flavorful accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice?
It is a refreshing and vibrant side dish inspired by Cafe Rio, featuring fluffy white rice cooked in chicken broth and infused with lime, garlic, and cilantro.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white rice.
How do I ensure the rice is fluffy?
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch before cooking.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in 2 cups of savory chicken broth.
How long should the rice simmer?
It should simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Why should the rice sit covered after cooking?
Letting it sit covered for 5 minutes after removing from heat allows the rice to steam for a better texture.
What is the secret ingredient for extra flavor?
Half a can (about 7 ounces) of green enchilada sauce is added for extra flavor.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be minced before being added to the rice.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 0.5 cup of shredded fresh cilantro.
When do I add the cilantro and lime?
These are added after the rice has finished cooking and steaming, during the fluffing stage.
Is this recipe suitable for burritos?
Yes, it is ideal for complementing your favorite burritos or serving as a standalone side.
What cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners and gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: white rice, chicken broth, lime juice, garlic, salt, fresh cilantro, and green enchilada sauce.
What is the initial cooking step?
Combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth in a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
How do I mix the final ingredients?
Gently mix the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and enchilada sauce with a fork until evenly distributed.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to taste during the final mixing step.
Is this rice dish low in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a low protein side dish.
Can this be served warm?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the rice warm.
What size saucepan is needed?
A medium-sized saucepan is recommended for this amount of rice.
How is the cilantro prepared?
The fresh cilantro should be shredded before adding it to the rice.
Which restaurant style is this rice compared to?
It is described as a Cafe Rio style rice recipe.
Does the recipe use bottled or fresh lime juice?
The recipe specifies using freshly squeezed lime juice.
What is the texture of the finished rice?
The goal is to achieve a fluffy and tender texture.
How many cups of broth are used per cup of rice?
Two cups of chicken broth are used for every one cup of white rice.
What provides the zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of lime juice and fresh garlic.
Is this dish good for gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
What should I do if the water isn't clear when rinsing?
Continue rinsing under cold water until the starch is removed and the water runs clear.
How is the enchilada sauce measured?
Use half of a 14-ounce can of green enchilada sauce.