Sandra Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is a masterclass in elevating a simple pantry staple. Known for her fresh and approachable cooking, Joanna Gaines transforms plain white rice into a vibrant side dish by infusing it with bright citrus notes and herbaceous flavor. The result is fluffy, tender grains that are tossed with rich butter, zesty lime, and chopped cilantro. It is a light, aromatic accompaniment that tastes far superior to restaurant versions and adds a burst of freshness to any meal.
Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
How To Make Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Boil the water: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and kosher salt to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the rice: Stir in the rice and butter. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Finish and fluff: Remove the pot from the heat. Just before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until evenly distributed.
Recipe Tips
- The Rinse Rule: You should always rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess surface starch, ensuring your grains come out fluffy and separate rather than clumpy and gummy.
- The Steam Rest: After the 20 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat but leave the lid on for another 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the moisture to redistribute evenly, resulting in perfectly uniform tenderness.
- Fresh vs. Bottled: You must use fresh lime juice for this recipe. Bottled lime juice lacks the bright, floral acidity of fresh citrus and can give the rice a metallic, artificial aftertaste.
- Zest First: Always zest your lime before you cut it in half to juice it. Trying to grate the skin of a squashed, juiced lime is frustrating and dangerous for your knuckles.
What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
This Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is the ultimate side dish for Tex-Mex nights, but its bright flavor profile pairs well with many proteins. It is the perfect bed for a spicy Chicken Enchilada or a bowl of Beef Chili, as the lime cuts through the heat. Serve it alongside Grilled Shrimp or Salmon for a light, summery dinner. It is also an essential component for building your own Burrito Bowls at home, adding a fresh, herbaceous layer to beans and salsa.
How To Store Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Rice can dry out, so it is best reheated with a teaspoon of water to steam it back to life.
- Freeze: Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 2g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving.
FAQs
Yes, but brown rice requires more water (usually 2.5 cups per 1 cup of rice) and a longer cooking time (about 40-45 minutes). Add the lime and cilantro only after the rice is fully cooked.
Mushy rice is usually caused by using too much water or stirring the rice while it is cooking. Stirring releases starch, which creates a gluey texture. Keep the lid on and do not touch it until the end.
Absolutely. Add the rice, water, salt, and butter to the rice cooker and run the standard white rice cycle. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice after the cycle is finished.
Try More Recipes:
- Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Description
Joanna Gaines Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe features fluffy long-grain rice infused with butter and finished with fresh lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro. It is a vibrant, zesty side dish perfect for Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil water and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in rice and butter.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro, lime juice, and zest.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You must fluff the rice with a fork rather than a spoon to separate the grains without mashing them into a paste.
- Adding the lime juice and cilantro at the very end is essential because cooking them would destroy their fresh flavor and turn the herbs brown.
- Using salted butter adds a richness that balances the high acidity of the lime juice, but you can use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
