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Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

Cilantro Lime Rice
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This cilantro lime rice is a zesty, fresh, and fluffy side dish that tastes just like the kind from Chipotle. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, and so much more. This is your new go-to side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups water or broth
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp)
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice and salt to the saucepan. Stir for about one minute, until the grains look slightly translucent. This step gives the rice a nice nutty flavor.
  4. Simmer: Pour in the water or broth and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  5. Steam: Once the time is up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice steam for another 10 minutes. This is the secret to fluffy, separate grains.
  6. Fluff and finish: Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Gently fold everything together and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Tips & Tricks: The two most important steps are rinsing the rice to remove excess starch and letting it steam after cooking. This guarantees perfectly fluffy rice. For a richer flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Serving Suggestions: This rice is a perfect base for grain bowls or a side for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats.
  • Storage & Reheating: Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave with a splash of water and a damp paper towel over the top to keep it from drying out.

Find it online: https://new.projuktigeek.com/cilantro-lime-rice/

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