Easy Lemon Cilantro Rice
Brighten up your table with this quick and flavorful Easy Lemon Cilantro Rice, a vibrant side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfectly cooked long-grain white rice is infused with zesty lemon juice, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of garlic for a refreshing twist on a classic staple. A touch of olive oil and lemon zest add a silky finish, while salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly. Whether paired with grilled chicken, fish, or a vegetarian main course, this citrusy rice is sure to elevate any meal. Plus, its simplicity and minimal prep make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy this light, gluten-free dish as a wholesome complement to your favorite entrees!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
Stir in the rinsed rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid.
Cook the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often to prevent steam from escaping.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the grains settle and finishes the cooking process.
While the rice is resting, finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and zest the lemon to yield about 1 teaspoon of zest.
In a small bowl, mix the fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon cilantro mixture. Make sure to mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice, if desired.
Serve warm as a light, flavorful side dish for chicken, fish, or vegetarian entrees.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
401 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.7 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1200 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 142 mg | 3% | |
*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.
