Description
Hello, lovely chefs! It’s Anna here, ready to sprinkle some flavor and sunshine into your kitchen with a delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household: Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. If you’re anything like me and looking for a quick, delicious solution to elevate your meals, then you’ve landed in the right spot! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or to impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Scale
We’re keeping it simple here, using ingredients you might already have in your pantry:
- 1 cup long grain jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Pinch red pepper flakes or 1/4 diced jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
Steps to Culinary Bliss
- Grab a medium saucepan and combine the rinsed jasmine rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Stir it up a little to get things mixed.
- Bring it to a lively boil over medium-high heat. This part is like magic—stand back and enjoy the bubbles!
- Once it’s bubbling away, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes—or check the package directions for your rice since not all rice is created equal!
- After 20 minutes, uncover your delicious creation and fluff the rice with a fork. Think of this as giving it a gentle hug!
- Next, fold in the minced garlic, chopped scallions, and lime zest—this is where the enchanting aromas will start to fill your kitchen!
- Allow the rice to cool for one minute (yes, patience is a virtue!). After that, stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, fresh lime juice, and vibrant cilantro. If you love a bit of heat, toss in those red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for that extra kick.
- Give it a final stir and season to taste—voilà! You now have a bowl of zesty goodness ready to wow everyone at your table.
Notes
- If you ever find yourself short on fresh cilantro, feel free to swap it out for parsley—though it won’t be quite as zesty!
- Don’t worry if your rice looks a little clumpy at first; a good fluffing will work wonders.
- Make this dish ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. It’s like a flavor explosion waiting to happen!