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Fluffy Cilantro-Lime Rice (Cafe Rio Copycat)

Becky
Fluffy cilantro-lime rice (Cafe Rio copycat) is a simple, flavorful side dish made with delicious rice cooked with chicken broth, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime, creating a light and vibrant accompaniment to any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • medium to large saucepan to cook the rice
  • measuring cups and spoons to measure rice, broth, and seasonings accurately
  • microplane/zester for zesting the lime
  • chef's knife and cutting board to chop the limes and cilantro
  • zester or reamer (optional) to juice the limes efficiently
  • mixing spoon To combine the lime juice, zest, and cilantro into the rice.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (from two limes)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Place the rice in a cooking pot and rinse with water 1-2 times to remove extra starch, until the water is clear. Drain.
  • Add chicken broth and olive oil to the rice and bring to a boil on the stove. Cover the pot with a lid, turn the heat down to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes without stirring. 
  • While the rice is cooking, zest the lime. Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to gently scrape off the bright green outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. You should only need the zest from one lime to reach 1 teaspoon.
  • Slice and juice limes until you have 3 tablespoons of juice (probably 1-½ to 2 limes).
  • Chop the leaves and small stems of the cilantro until you have ½ cup.
  • Remove the rice from heat when the grains are tender and all liquid is absorbed.  Stir and fluff the rice.
  • Add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro to the rice and stir to combine. Add ½ teaspoon salt to taste if necessary. Serve immediately.

Notes

I like to use basmati rice for this dish, but if you use a rice with different cooking time just follow the directions for your specific rice, replacing the liquid with chicken broth. You can also use a rice cooker, replacing the water with chicken broth and following the rice cooker directions.
Any long-grain white rice will work well.  Basmati, jasmine, or American long-grain rice are good options.
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