Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice Delight
Elevate your meal with this refreshing Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice Delight, inspired by the beloved Cafe Rio recipe. This dish combines fluffy rice with aromatic cilantro, zesty lime, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions, making it a perfect side for any Mexican-inspired meal. Bursting with flavor and vibrant in color, this rice is not only easy to prepare, but it also serves as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or beans. Ideal for sharing, this recipe yields 8-10 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
cilantro
1/3 bunch (roughly chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
water or chicken broth
2 cups (liquid base)
bouillon cubes or instant bouillon
2 cubes or 2 tsp (optional if using stock)
lime
1 (zested and juiced)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil, cooking until it begins to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
3
In a blender, combine 2 cups of water (or chicken broth), bouillon cubes (if using), chopped cilantro, lime zest, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the blended mixture into the skillet with the rice and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6
Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the lime juice to add brightness to the dish.
7
Serve warm as a delightful side with Cafe Rio pork, beans, or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice Delight?
It is a refreshing side dish inspired by Cafe Rio, featuring fluffy rice flavored with cilantro, lime, and sautéed onions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What is the inspiration for this rice dish?
The dish is inspired by the popular cilantro-lime rice found at Cafe Rio.
What are the primary flavor components?
The main flavors come from fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and aromatic sautéed onions.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the chopped onions for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
Should the rice be cooked or uncooked when added to the skillet?
The rice should be uncooked when added to the skillet to be sautéed in oil.
How long do I cook the dry rice in the oil?
Sauté the rice for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
What goes into the blender for this recipe?
You blend 2 cups of liquid, bouillon cubes, chopped cilantro, lime zest, and salt until smooth.
What liquid base can I use for the rice?
You can use either 2 cups of water or 2 cups of chicken broth.
How many bouillon cubes are required?
The recipe calls for 2 bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons of instant bouillon.
Is the bouillon necessary if I use chicken broth?
The bouillon is optional if you are already using chicken stock as your liquid base.
What is the ratio of liquid to rice in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of liquid for 1 cup of uncooked rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
When should I add the lime juice?
Stir in the lime juice after the rice has finished simmering and has been fluffed with a fork.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, provided you use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What is the protein category for this dish?
This recipe is categorized as a Low Protein dish.
What amount of cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/3 bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped.
How do I prepare the lime?
The lime should be both zested for the blended mixture and juiced to be added at the end.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil.
How much salt should be added?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
What should I do after the rice absorbs the liquid?
Remove the rice from the heat and fluff it with a fork before adding the lime juice.
What are some suggested pairings for this rice?
It pairs perfectly with Cafe Rio pork, beans, tacos, or grilled meats.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy side dish perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use 1/2 of an onion, chopped.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe recommends serving the rice warm as a side dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cilantro rice, lime rice, mexican side dish, and cafe rio inspired.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, nutritional values such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided in this specific recipe data.
What is the desired texture of the rice?
The rice should be tender, fluffy, and have absorbed all the liquid.
Why is the cilantro blended instead of stirred in?
Blending the cilantro with the liquid ensures the flavor and vibrant color are distributed evenly throughout the rice.