Description
A refreshing and flavorful cilantro lime rice made effortlessly in a rice cooker, perfect as a side dish to complement Mexican and other Latin-inspired meals. This recipe balances the zesty brightness of lime with the fresh aroma of cilantro, enhanced by a hint of garlic and optional chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking
- 1 cup jasmine rice or basmati rice
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the rice: Put the rice in a colander and wash it thoroughly, turning it with your hands under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Cook the rice: Transfer the washed rice to the rice cooker and add 1 cup of water. Close the lid and set the cooker to the normal cooking program. White rice typically takes 25-30 minutes to cook through in most rice cookers.
- Steam with lime zest: When the rice cooker switches to the warm setting, remove the lid and gently fold in the lime zest. Replace the lid and let the rice steam on warm for 10 minutes to allow the zest’s aroma to infuse fully.
- Mix in flavorings: Transfer the cooked rice to a bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, garlic powder, chili pepper flakes if using, and salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
Notes
- For brown rice, add 1 ¼ cups of water and increase cooking time according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
- Adjust chili flakes or omit them based on your spice preference.
- Using fresh lime zest and juice enhances the bright citrus flavor more than bottled lime juice.
- Rice cooker models vary; cooking times might need slight adjustments.
- This rice is delicious served alongside grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Rice Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
