cilantro white rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cilantro white rice recipe

I’ve been making this cilantro white rice recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

I like to serve it as a side dish for grilled meats or as a base for other recipes. The key to this recipe is using fresh cilantro, which gives it a bright and refreshing flavor.

I also like to use short-grain rice, which holds its shape well and has a slightly sticky texture. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special events.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because they get to help with the chopping of the cilantro. The health benefits of this recipe are numerous – the cilantro is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while the white rice provides sustained energy.

This recipe is also very versatile – you can add other ingredients such as diced vegetables or cooked meats to make it more substantial. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving.

I often make a large batch of this rice on the weekend and use it throughout the week in various dishes.

Cilantro White Rice Recipe

4.5 from 1182 votes

A fragrant and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of main courses. This cilantro white rice recipe is easy to prepare and adds a delightful touch to any meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Equipment

Medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This step removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
3Drain the rice well and set it aside.
4In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
5Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture.
8Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
9Add the water and salt, and stir well to combine.
10Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
11Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently.
12Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
13Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
14Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
15This allows the rice to steam and become even more tender.
16After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
17Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and mix well to distribute the cilantro evenly throughout the rice.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
19Serve the cilantro white rice hot as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Cooking pan or pot
Spatula or wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in the oil and spices until the rice is well coated and slightly toasted. This will give the rice a deeper flavor and a more complex texture. You can also add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

This cilantro white rice recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just a quick weeknight dinner.

You can easily scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can add other ingredients such as diced vegetables or cooked meats to make it more substantial.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro White Rice

What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

You can use either short-grain or regular long-grain rice for this recipe. Short-grain rice will give your rice a creamier texture and stickier consistency, while long-grain rice will be lighter and fluffier.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

While you can use dried cilantro as a substitute, the flavor will not be as vibrant or fresh-tasting as using fresh cilantro. If you’re short on time or can’t find fresh cilantro, go ahead and use dried – but know that the taste will be slightly different.

How do I store leftover cilantro white rice?

You can store leftover cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to add some extra water to prevent drying out.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to give your rice more flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly – just omit any animal-based ingredients if you’re serving vegetarians.

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