Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Rice

4 servings
Borrowing from the fresh flavors of <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019201-green-rice-arroz-verde">arroz verde</a> and reminiscent of Chipotle’s cilantro-lime rice, this simple dish is a low-effort, high-reward accompaniment to all good things, such as <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022317-jalapeno-grilled-pork-chops">pork chops</a> and <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021200-crispy-tofu-with-cashews-and-blistered-snap-peas">crispy tofu</a>. Though diced fresh onion could season the rice, onion powder is a savory bedrock with its concentration of umami, especially once bloomed in oil. This aromatic dish plays to the strengths of the cilantro plant: The stems cook with the rice, lending their peppery brightness, and the tender leaves confetti the dish for a final viridescent flourish.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 bunch cilantro

    stems and leaves separated, both finely chopped

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

    such as jasmine or basmati

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    plus more to taste, Diamond Crystal
  • 1 large jalapeño

    thinly sliced

  • Juice of 1/2 lime
    plus more to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, then stir in the onion powder and cilantro stems until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until oil-slicked, just a few seconds. 

  2. 2

    Add 1 1/2 cups water, raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and cook until all of the water is absorbed, 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, to steam for 10 more minutes.

  3. 3

    Fold in the salt, cilantro leaves, jalapeño and lime juice. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lime juice as desired.

Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Rice

35 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that comes together in just 35 minutes? This Cilantro Rice recipe delivers a burst of freshness and savory depth, making it the ideal accompaniment to any main, from hearty pork chops to crispy tofu. Inspired by the vibrant green of arroz verde and the familiar zest of Chipotle’s cilantro-lime rice, this dish is a low-effort, high-reward addition to your table.

Why This Cilantro Rice Works

This Cilantro Rice stands out by leveraging onion powder bloomed in oil for a foundational umami richness, a clever trick for deep savory notes without the fuss of dicing fresh onions. You'll love how the cilantro stems cook directly with the rice, infusing every grain with their peppery brightness, while the tender leaves are reserved for a final, fresh flourish, creating a visually stunning and aromatic side.

Imagine fluffy, aromatic long-grain white rice, each kernel infused with bright, herbaceous cilantro flavor and a subtle savory depth from the bloomed onion powder. The thinly sliced jalapeño adds a gentle, fresh warmth, perfectly balanced by a zesty squeeze of lime, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. This dish is a celebration of freshness and simple ingredients, transforming everyday rice into something special in a little over half an hour.

While fantastic on its own, Cilantro Rice is wonderfully adaptable. For a touch of heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the jalapeño. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely. A squeeze of orange juice could offer a sweeter citrus note if you're out of limes, or use a different long-grain rice like basmati for a slightly nuttier aroma.

This versatile Cilantro Rice makes an excellent partner for a wide array of dishes. Serve it warm as a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to rich flavors, or enjoy it alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired main courses for an authentic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions