Zesty Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Rice
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Rice, a delightful side dish that is the perfect companion for savory pulled pork burritos, tacos, or any Mexican-inspired meal. This homemade recipe captures the essence of your favorite Chipotle rice but allows you to tweak it to your own taste preferences. The bright burst of lime and the freshness of cilantro come together beautifully, making it not only a fantastic addition to a feast but also a delicious standalone dish. Ideal for meal prepping or serving at gatherings, this rice dish will elevate your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil or butter
1 teaspoon (melted)
fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons (chopped)
white basmati rice
2/3 cup (uncooked)
water
1 cup (cold)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
lime
1 (juiced)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat either vegetable oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted.
2
Add the white basmati rice to the saucepan and squeeze in the juice of 1 lime. Stir the rice and lime juice together for about 1 minute until evenly coated.
3
Next, add 1 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the rice mixture. Bring this to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once the water is boiling, immediately cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer undisturbed for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.
5
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
6
Finally, uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro, adjusting to taste. Serve warm with your favorite dishes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Rice?
It is a vibrant side dish featuring white basmati rice infused with fresh lime and cilantro, designed to mimic the flavor profile of the rice found at Chipotle restaurants.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of uncooked white basmati rice.
How much lime juice do I need?
You will need the juice of one whole lime, added to the rice before boiling.
When should I add the fresh cilantro?
The chopped fresh cilantro should be gently folded into the rice after it has finished cooking and steaming.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer undisturbed for about 25 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
What is the ratio of rice to water in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of white basmati rice to 1 cup of water.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter to be used to coat the rice.
Is it necessary to let the rice sit after cooking?
Yes, letting the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after removing it from the heat allows it to steam properly for a better texture.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Stir the rice occasionally while bringing it to a boil, then cover it with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low for the simmering process.
What dishes go well with cilantro lime rice?
It is a perfect companion for pulled pork burritos, tacos, or any Mexican-inspired meal.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Can I use cold water for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of cold water.
Do I need to chop the cilantro?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 2-quart heavy saucepan is recommended for this quantity of rice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this cilantro lime rice is ideal for meal prepping or serving at larger gatherings.
Should I sauté the rice before adding water?
Yes, you should stir the rice with the oil/butter and lime juice for about 1 minute before adding the water.
Is the cilantro cooked with the rice?
No, the cilantro is folded in at the very end to maintain its fresh flavor and bright color.
Can I adjust the amount of cilantro?
Yes, the instructions suggest folding in the chopped cilantro and adjusting the amount to your personal taste.
What temperature should the oil or butter be heated at?
The oil or butter should be heated over low heat until fully melted.
Should the saucepan be covered while boiling?
No, bring it to a boil uncovered or while stirring, and only cover it once you reduce the heat to a simmer.
What is the primary flavor profile of this rice?
The flavor profile is characterized by a bright burst of lime and the freshness of cilantro.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: vegetable oil or butter, fresh cilantro, white basmati rice, water, salt, and lime.
How do I make the rice fluffy?
Fluffing the rice with a fork after it has steamed for 5 minutes will ensure a light and airy texture.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled juice if fresh limes are unavailable.
What type of heat is used for simmering?
The rice should be simmered on low heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
Does this rice have any spice or heat?
No, this recipe is zesty and fresh rather than spicy, making it kid-friendly and versatile.
What preparation is needed for the lime?
The lime should be juiced before being added to the saucepan with the rice.
Is the rice washed before cooking?
The recipe does not explicitly require washing, but you may rinse the basmati rice if you prefer to remove excess starch.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group, maintaining the same ratios.
Is this a homemade version of restaurant rice?
Yes, it is specifically designed to capture the essence of Chipotle's cilantro lime rice.