Low Sodium Cilantro Rice
Brighten up your table with this vibrant Low Sodium Cilantro Rice, a heart-healthy twist on the beloved classic side dish. Infused with zesty lime juice, aromatic minced garlic, and fresh cilantro, this recipe delivers bold flavors without relying on added salt. Perfectly steamed long-grain white rice is lightly toasted for extra depth, then tossed with a tangy cilantro-lime mixture enhanced by ground coriander and a hint of black pepper. Prepared in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish makes an excellent companion to grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based entrees. Whether you're watching your sodium intake or simply craving a fresh and wholesome side, Cilantro Rice is your go-to recipe for flavor-packed goodness.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming too sticky.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir for 2-3 minutes, coating the rice with oil and lightly toasting it.
Pour in the water, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the water and is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam further.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, onion powder, ground coriander, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Fluff the steamed rice with a fork, then pour the lime-cilantro mixture over the rice.
Gently fold the rice to evenly distribute the cilantro sauce throughout the rice.
Taste and adjust the flavor if necessary, though remember this is a low sodium dish, so adding extra salt is not recommended.
Serve warm as a side dish to complement your favorite entrees.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.3 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 188 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 662 mg | 14% | |
*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.
