Gluten-Free Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients

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• 2 cups long-grain white rice Shop
• 4 cups water or gluten-free vegetable broth Shop
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.125 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1 Rinse the long-grain white rice under cool water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
2. 2 While the rice is cooking, prepare the cilantro-lime dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, 0.25 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly emulsified.
3. 3 Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steam, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the grains to fully absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy. Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
4. 4 Add the chopped fresh cilantro to the fluffed rice. Drizzle the prepared cilantro-lime dressing over the rice and cilantro. Gently toss everything together with a fork until the rice is evenly coated with the dressing and the cilantro is distributed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice for desired flavor.
5. 5 Serve the cilantro lime rice warm as a delicious side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as a base for burrito bowls. The vibrant flavors are best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Stir in the cilantro only after the rice has steamed and been fluffed, as step 4 does. In the hot pot, it wilts and darkens.
• Zest the lime before juicing it and add a little zest with the dressing for more lime flavor without extra sourness.
• Rice absorbs lime and salt as it sits. Taste just before serving and add an extra squeeze of lime if the flavor has faded.

Common questions