Orange Cilantro Rice
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and zesty Orange Cilantro Rice! Infused with the natural sweetness of freshly squeezed orange juice and a hint of citrusy orange zest, this dish offers an irresistible flavor profile that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly aromatic. The finely chopped cilantro adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous notes, perfectly balancing the tangy undertones. Crafted with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is an easy yet elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or your favorite vegetarian mains. Gluten-free and customizable with a dash of black pepper, this citrus-infused rice will quickly become your go-to for meals that need a pop of flavor and color. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, Orange Cilantro Rice is a must-try addition to your recipe repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, salt, and orange zest. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
While the rice is resting, finely chop the cilantro leaves and set them aside.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, drizzle in the olive oil, and fold in the chopped cilantro. If desired, sprinkle with black pepper for additional flavor.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm as a vibrant side dish or base for your main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.1 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1192 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.4 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.4 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 564 mg | 12% | |
*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.
