Spicy Cilantro Lime Rice

Course: Entree, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Hispanic

Keyword: cilantro-lime, grain bowls, rice, side dish, spicy

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings: servings as a side dish or 9 servings as a main course

Calories: 150kcal

Author: Marta Rivera

Spicy Cilantro Lime Rice has zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and kick of spice, which creates an addictive dish that complements a wide range of foods, from grilled meats and seafood to your favorite vegetarian favorites.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
1/4 medium white onion peeled and diced (about 3/4 cup or 95 grams)
4 cloves (2 tablespoons or 25 grams) garlic peeled and minced
1 small (1/4 cup or 50 grams) Serrano pepper minced (remove the seeds if you prefer a milder heat)
3 cups (645 grams) long grain white rice rinsed and drained 3 times or until the rinse water runs clear)
2 2/3 cups (700 milliliters) vegetable stock or water
1 teaspoon (6 grams) kosher salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large bay leaf
3 large limes zested (1 tablespoon or 4 grams) and juiced (1/3 cup or 80 milliliters)
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves only (about 1/2 cup or 20 grams)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed caldero or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Once the oil starts to ripple along the edges of the pot, add the onion, garlic, and Serrano pepper.
Sauté these aromatic veggies for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning the garlic.

Toast the Rice

Stir the rinsed and drained long-grain rice into the aromatics in the pot. Allow the rice to toast for 90 seconds.
Add the vegetable stock, lime juice, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot with the rice.
Allow the liquids to come to an aggressive boil, then stir the rice.

Steam the Rice

Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface of the rice so it is level in the pot.
Reduce the temperature to low.
Place a square piece of aluminum foil over the pot, then press the lid down so the foil is sandwiched between it and the pot.
Steam the rice for 20-25 minutes WITHOUT LIFTING THE LID TO PEEK.

Finish the Spicy Cilantro Lime Rice

After the cooking time has elapsed, add the chopped cilantro leaves and lime zest to the rice, then use a wide spoon or fork to fold them into the rice gently.
To serve spicy cilantro lime rice, spoon the finished rice into a serving bowl or platter or serve it straight from the pot.

Notes

Swaps and Substitutions:

Swap the Serrano pepper with jalapeño for less heat.
You can omit the Serrano pepper for a plain cilantro lime rice or increase to two peppers for a very spicy rice.
Replace the long-grain rice in this recipe with extra long-grain, jasmine, or basmati rice.
Use chicken, beef, or seafood stock instead of vegetable stock.

Tips and Techniques:

Rinsing the rice in cold water two or three times removes excess starch from the grains, which keeps it from becoming sticky.
Sandwiching the foil between the lid and the pot creates a better seal and steams the rice more efficiently.
Leave the rice covered for 20 minutes so you're using that steam effectively.
Adding the cilantro leaves and lime zest after steaming the rice imparts more of their flavors.
Top this recipe with grilled chicken or shrimp and add in fresh vegetables to provide color and texture.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Store leftover spicy cilantro lime rice once it has cooled to room temperature. Transfer the rice to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator, for up to five days.
To reheat leftover rice:
- For microwave reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover it loosely, and heat it for 90 seconds, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly.
- To reheat this rice on the stovetop, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to a pan, add the rice, and gently heat it over medium-low heat while stirring.

Freezer Instructions:

Allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature.
Transfer the rice to freezer-safe bags containers, spreading it in a thin layer to help it freeze evenly.
Store the frozen spicy cilantro lime rice for up to two months.
When you're ready to use it, thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave using the directions above.

Nutrition