Authentic Mexican Lime Rice
Experience the true essence of Mexico with this Authentic Mexican Lime Rice recipe, a delightful twist on the traditional rice dish often overshadowed by its tomato-flavored counterpart. This fragrant, fluffy white rice is infused with a zesty hint of lime and the aromatic flavors of onion and garlic, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Cooked to perfection using the absorption method, this dish brings out the subtle richness of the ingredients while showcasing the vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico. Whether served alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for your favorite stews, this lime rice is sure to elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth or water
2 1/2 cups (heated until steaming)
salt
to taste (adjust based on broth salinity)
vegetable oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
white rice
1 1/2 cups (preferably medium-grain, uncooked)
white onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and finely chopped)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons (roughly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the chicken broth or water until steaming hot.
2
Add salt according to the type of broth used: about 3/4 teaspoon if using salted broth or 1 1/2 teaspoons if using unsalted broth or water. Stir well and keep warm.
3
In a medium (3-quart) saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the vegetable or olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
4
Add the uncooked white rice and chopped onion to the hot oil, stirring regularly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the rice grains change from translucent to a milky-white hue, ensuring they do not brown.
5
Introduce the finely chopped garlic and stir for a few seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
6
Pour in the warm broth or water along with the fresh lime juice. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring any grains stuck to the side of the pan are scraped down into the liquid.
7
Cover the saucepan with the lid and reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, with minimal steam escaping.
8
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
9
After resting, uncover the rice and taste a grain. If it is still slightly hard, re-cover and return to low heat for about 5 minutes. If all the liquid is absorbed and rice is dry, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of water before reheating.
10
Once the rice is perfectly tender and fluffy, sprinkle the roughly chopped parsley over the top. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and stop further cooking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Lime Rice?
It is a fragrant, fluffy white rice dish infused with a zesty hint of lime and the aromatic flavors of onion and garlic, cooked using the absorption method.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, by using water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this dish becomes vegetarian.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 8 ingredients: chicken broth or water, salt, oil, white rice, white onion, garlic, lime juice, and parsley.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 cups of uncooked white rice, preferably medium-grain.
What kind of broth should I use?
You can use chicken broth for added flavor or water for a simpler profile.
How much salt should I add if using salted broth?
If using salted broth, add about 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much salt should I add if using water or unsalted broth?
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt if using water or unsalted broth.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat the chicken broth or water until it is steaming hot.
What kind of oil can be used for sautéing?
You can use either vegetable oil or olive oil.
How long should I cook the rice and onion in oil?
Sauté the rice and onion for 4-5 minutes until the rice changes from translucent to a milky-white hue.
Should the rice brown during the initial sautéing phase?
No, you should ensure the rice grains do not brown during the initial 4-5 minutes of cooking.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the finely chopped garlic after the rice and onion have sautéed for several minutes, just before adding the liquids.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What is the total cooking time for the rice?
The rice cooks covered for 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute resting period.
What heat setting should be used to cook the rice?
Use the lowest possible heat setting once the saucepan is covered.
Is it okay to stir the rice while it is simmering?
No, the rice should cook undisturbed for 15 minutes with the lid on to keep the steam inside.
How long should the rice rest after cooking?
It should rest covered for an additional 5 minutes after being removed from the heat.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after resting?
If the rice is still slightly hard, re-cover it and return it to low heat for about 5 minutes.
What if the rice is hard and all the liquid has been absorbed?
Sprinkle the rice with 2 tablespoons of water before returning it to the heat for 5 minutes.
How do I fluff the rice properly?
Gently fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and stop further cooking.
What garnish is used for this Mexican Lime Rice?
The dish is garnished with 3 tablespoons of roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe specifies freshly squeezed lime juice for the most authentic flavor.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A medium (3-quart) saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is recommended.
Why do I need to scrape the sides of the pan?
Scraping the sides ensures all rice grains are submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly.
What makes the rice aromatic?
The combination of sautéed white onion, garlic, and fresh lime juice provides its aromatic profile.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It serves as a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for stews.
Why is the broth heated before adding it to the rice?
Using steaming hot broth helps maintain the temperature in the pot for more consistent cooking.
What texture should the rice have?
The finished rice should be tender, dry, and fluffy.
What is the traditional alternative to this dish?
This dish is a twist on traditional Mexican rice, which is often tomato-flavored.