Savory Baked Cilantro Lime Rice
Discover the irresistible flavors of our Savory Baked Cilantro Lime Rice, a delightful side dish inspired by a beloved Tex-Mex favorite from a local restaurant in Utah. Infused with zesty lime and aromatic cilantro, this low-fat rice dish is perfect for any lunch or snack occasion. Its simplicity and vibrant taste make it a fantastic addition to your meal prep or a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Your taste buds will thank you as you enjoy this flavorful and wholesome dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike!
4
Servings
120
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked rice
2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Chicken broth
4 cups (Heated)
Limes
2 (Juiced and zested)
Fresh cilantro
1/8 - 1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the chicken broth until heated through but not boiling.
3
Squeeze the juice from the limes and stir in the lime zest, then add this mixture to the heated broth.
4
In a large baking dish, combine the rinsed rice with the lime-infused chicken broth, stirring well to ensure even distribution.
5
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to retain moisture during baking.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure to stir the rice halfway through the baking time to promote even cooking.
7
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and discard the foil/lid. Fluff the rice with a fork.
8
Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, mixing until uniform, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
0.25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Cilantro Lime Rice?
It is a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired side dish made by baking rice in lime-infused chicken broth and finishing it with fresh cilantro.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 120 calories per serving.
Is this rice recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is a low-fat dish containing only 0.25g of fat per serving.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The recipe requires uncooked rice, chicken broth, fresh limes (for juice and zest), and fresh cilantro.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the rice.
How long does the rice need to bake?
The rice should be baked for 20-30 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, for the best results, the 2 cups of uncooked rice should be rinsed and drained.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 4 cups of chicken broth, which should be heated before mixing with the rice.
How many limes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for the juice and zest of 2 limes.
When should I add the cilantro?
The chopped cilantro should be gently folded into the rice after it has finished baking and has been fluffed with a fork.
Should I cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to retain moisture during the baking process.
Should I stir the rice while it is in the oven?
Yes, be sure to stir the rice halfway through the baking time to promote even cooking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What can I serve with Cilantro Lime Rice?
It is an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or sautéed vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its simple preparation and vibrant flavors make it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1g of fiber.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While rice and limes are vegetarian, this specific recipe uses chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I use this recipe for a snack?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as suitable for both lunch and snacks.
How much fresh cilantro should I use?
You can use between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro depending on your taste preference.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a zesty, aromatic, and savory flavor profile inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine.
What should I do with the lime zest?
The lime zest should be stirred into the heated chicken broth along with the lime juice before adding it to the rice.
How do I ensure the rice is fluffy?
After removing the dish from the oven, discard the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork before adding the cilantro.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a favorite dish from a local restaurant in Utah.
Does this dish contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor and to provide the necessary zest, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Is the chicken broth boiled before adding to the rice?
The broth should be warmed until heated through but not necessarily brought to a full boil.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
According to the nutritional information provided, there is no cholesterol in this recipe.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
This simple recipe consists of only 4 primary ingredients.