Easy Lemon Cilantro Rice

Brighten up your table with this quick and flavorful Easy Lemon Cilantro Rice, a vibrant side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfectly cooked long-grain white rice is infused with zesty lemon juice, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of garlic for a refreshing twist on a classic staple. A touch of olive oil and lemon zest add a silky finish, while salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly. Whether paired with grilled chicken, fish, or a vegetarian main course, this citrusy rice is sure to elevate any meal. Plus, its simplicity and minimal prep make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy this light, gluten-free dish as a wholesome complement to your favorite entrees!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Stir in the rinsed rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid.

Step 4

Cook the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 5

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the grains settle and finishes the cooking process.

Step 6

While the rice is resting, finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and zest the lemon to yield about 1 teaspoon of zest.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon cilantro mixture. Make sure to mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm as a light, flavorful side dish for chicken, fish, or vegetarian entrees.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	736.6 grams (736.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	401

Total Fat 14.70g	19%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1200mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 60.40g	22%
Dietary Fiber 1.60g	6%
Total Sugars 1.00g
Protein 5.80g	12%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 64mg	5%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 142mg	3%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 5.8%

Carbs: 60.8%