Cilantro-Lime Garlic Rice Medley
Elevate your meal with this Cilantro-Lime Garlic Rice Medley, inspired by Ree Drummond's flavorful recipe. This zesty side dish brings an invigorating combination of fresh lime juice, aromatic garlic, and onions to your table, making it a perfect companion for your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. With its vibrant flavors and fragrant herbs, this rice dish not only complements your main course but also makes any meal feel festive and special. Ideal for gatherings like Cinco de Mayo or cozy family dinners, this rice medley is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy a burst of freshness in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
large onion
1 (chopped)
long-grain rice
2 (cups)
kosher salt
1 (teaspoon)
chicken broth
4 (cups (low sodium) or vegetable broth (low sodium))
limes
3 (juice of (1/4 cup) and zest from 2 halved)
chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 (cup (for garnish, optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3
Once the onions are ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the long-grain rice. Cook on low for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the rice is well-coated and doesn't stick to the pan.
4
Pour in 2 cups of the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and half the zest from the 3 limes, stirring to combine.
5
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adding more broth if necessary.
6
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
7
Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle the remaining lime zest on top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cilantro-Lime Garlic Rice Medley?
It is a zesty, aromatic side dish made with long-grain rice, fresh lime juice, garlic, and onions, inspired by Ree Drummond's flavorful recipes.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, a large chopped onion, 2 cups of long-grain rice, kosher salt, 4 cups of broth, 3 limes, and fresh cilantro.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly if you choose low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of rice is recommended?
Long-grain white rice is recommended for this recipe to ensure a tender and fluffy texture.
How much garlic is used in the Cilantro-Lime Garlic Rice Medley?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
You should sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Why do I need to sauté the rice before adding liquid?
Stirring the rice in the oil for 2 minutes ensures the grains are well-coated, which helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle toasted flavor.
How much broth is required for 2 cups of rice?
The recipe requires 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
How much lime juice should be added?
You should use the juice of 3 limes, which equals approximately 1/4 cup.
When do I add the lime zest?
Half of the zest is added when you pour in the broth, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top as a garnish before serving.
How long should the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes until it is tender and fluffy.
What should I do after the rice finishes cooking?
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
Can I use this rice for Mexican dishes?
Absolutely; it is the perfect companion for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
How much cilantro is used for the garnish?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple stovetop techniques.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I add more broth if the rice is too dry?
Yes, you can stir in a little more broth during the simmering process if the rice hasn't softened yet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free; just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free to make the entire dish safe.
How many limes do I need in total?
You will need 3 limes for both the juice and the zest.
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than specified in this specific recipe.
What is the heat setting for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients like olive oil and vegetable broth, this dish is naturally low in or free of cholesterol.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Be careful not to let the garlic sit too long on high heat; sautéing with the onions for only 3-4 minutes on medium-high is key.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, this rice medley holds up well and can be reheated for several days.
What makes the rice 'fluffy'?
Allowing the rice to rest for 5 minutes after cooking and then fluffing it with a fork creates the best texture.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if fresh limes are unavailable.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, typically a yellow or white onion works best for sautéing.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe uses olive oil instead of butter, making it dairy-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made in advance and kept warm or reheated before serving.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.