Cilantro Serrano Chile Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Cilantro Serrano Chile Rice, a fragrant and zesty recipe that's perfect for pairing with grilled meats, tacos, or your favorite bold flavors. Long-grain rice is toasted to golden perfection before simmering to fluffy, tender consistency. Sautéed serrano chiles infuse the dish with a touch of heat, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten every bite with irresistible freshness. This easy, 30-minute recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and lime for a bold and aromatic twist on classic rice. Perfect for a quick family dinner or as a standout dish at your next gathering, this rice is guaranteed to steal the spotlight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 serrano chiles, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat each grain with oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light golden color.
Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the salt. Stir once and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
While the rice cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped serrano chiles and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until they soften slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
Gently fold in the sautéed serrano chiles, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish to complement grilled meats, tacos, or any flavorful main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
597 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.0 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2492 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 11.7 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1555 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
