Who says brown rice has to be boring? I’ve always been a white rice girl, and no matter what anyone said, I just had to have my white rice. About six months ago, I bought brown rice (both jasmine and basmati) because I was in a healthy nutrition phase. However, I decided to finish up my white rice before starting on the healthier option, and here we are, more than six months later. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’ve enjoyed brown rice many times before and love it. But for some reason, I always reach for the white rice when I go to my pantry. Recently, I made a conscious decision to focus on wholesome, nutritious food, which led me to start using what I already had at home. And it did not disappoint! 🙂
If you’re looking for a flavorful yet nutritious side dish, this easy and healthy cilantro lime brown rice recipe is the perfect choice. Infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, this dish adds a vibrant touch to any meal. Whether paired with Teriyaki Chicken, Salmon, or Roasted Vegetables, cilantro lime brown rice is a wholesome and satisfying option.
Why You’ll Love This Easy and Healthy Brown Rice Recipe
Brown rice is a fantastic alternative to white rice, offering more fibre, nutrients, and a heartier texture. While some people find brown rice a bit plain, adding lime juice and cilantro elevates the flavour, making it fresh and exciting.
This recipe is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a big flavour. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need a healthy side dish that pairs with almost anything.
How to Make an Easy and Healthy Brown Rice Recipe
To start, you’ll need:
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice (soaked in cold water for 30 min)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1/2 medium lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Rinse the soaked brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant
- Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, and lime zest and pour in the water or broth, and add butter then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy.
Variations and Tips for this Delicious Brown Rice Recipe
- You can omit the butter and double up on the oil. However, the butter takes it to another level
- For a twist, you can add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or sprinkle in some cumin and paprika for a smoky touch.
- You can also serve the rice with black beans, corn, or avocado to turn this into a hearty vegetarian meal on its own.
It’s a versatile recipe that works well for casual family dinners, and as part of your weekly meal prep.
Try This Easy and Healthy Brown Rice Recipe Today!
This easy and healthy brown rice recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a nutritious yet flavorful side dish. Packed with fresh lime and cilantro, it’s a perfect way to add a healthy touch to your meals without compromising on taste.
Give this delicious brown rice recipe a try and let me know how you enjoy it! Hopefully, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
How To Make Easy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice soaked in cold water for 30 min
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 medium lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant
- Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and lime zest, pour in the water or broth, and add butter then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy.
