Liven Up Your Weeknights with this Easy, Flavorful Cilantro Rice
Coriander-Infused Grain Cookup
Craving a change in your weekly rice game? Look no further! This simple Cilantro Rice recipe will transform your dinner table, making it a hit as a side for our Green Chile Chicken Skillet and other favorite dishes like enchiladas or burrito bowls. Adjust the jalapeño according to your preferred spice level – pepper-lovers, add more!
Ready to impress? Learn how to make Cilantro Rice. This dish promises to show you all rice isn't created equal.
Editor's Note: This recipe was brought to you by Renu Dhar; the headnote was written by Kimberly Holland.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for spice level)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Salt, to taste
Optional:
- Diced jalapeño peppers for added heat
Directions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes with the lid still on, and then fluff with a fork.
- Stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt. Garnish with additional cilantro and jalapeño peppers if desired.
- Enjoy this flavorful rice as a base for burrito bowls or as a side dish for enchiladas!
Tips:
- Fresh cilantro delivers the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced peppers to match your preferred spiciness level.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of chicken or vegetable broth to the rice while it cooks.
- Southern Living presents a delightful Cilantro Rice recipe that serves as an exciting addition to your weekly side dishes.
- This recipe, perfect for weeknights, transforms simple rice into a zesty marvel, complementing dishes like Green Chile Chicken Skillet and enchiladas.
- You'll need 2 cups of long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati) for this recipe, which guarantees an unforgettable flavor experience.
- Experiment with the heat level by adding minced jalapeño peppers to the dish or omitting cayenne pepper if preferred.
- Discover the flavors of food and recipes as you learn to make Cilantro Rice, a dish that showcases the diversity of rice beyond the ordinary.
- Find more inspiration for rice side dishes from Southern Living, plus a myriad of appetizers and Mexican food recipes to complete your meal.
- With this flavorful Cilantro Rice recipe ready, get ready to impress your family and friends, turning everyday meals into extraordinary ones.
