Get ready to elevate your meal game with these 18 flavorful cilantro rice recipes! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a main course, this list has got you covered. Cilantro rice is a staple in many cuisines, from Mexican to Indian and beyond. With its fresh, citrusy flavor and versatility, it’s no wonder why this dish is a favorite among cooks of all levels.
From classic recipes like Lime Cilantro Rice with Black Beans to more adventurous options like Coconut Cilantro Rice with Pineapple, we’ve got a recipe for every taste and occasion. So go ahead, explore the world of cilantro rice, and discover your new favorite dish!
Lime Cilantro Rice with Black Beans
This flavorful side dish combines the brightness of lime juice and cilantro with the heartiness of black beans, perfect for accompanying your favorite Latin-inspired dishes. With its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors, this rice bowl is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked black beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked black beans, rice, water, lime juice, and salt to the saucepan.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Cilantro Rice
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s perfect as a side or main course. This recipe combines the pungency of garlic, richness of butter, and freshness of cilantro to create a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine it with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
3. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the garlic-cilantro mixture. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Cilantro Rice with Pineapple
Elevate your rice game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe, perfect for a light and tropical meal or as a side dish. The combination of coconut milk, cilantro, and pineapple creates a harmonious blend of creamy and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut milk
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine with water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
3. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in shredded coconut, chopped cilantro, pineapple chunks, and unsweetened coconut milk.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cilantro Rice with Jalapeños
Elevate your rice game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the freshness of cilantro, the heat of jalapeños, and the comfort of creamy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and combine with water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sliced jalapeños and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro, grated cheese (if using), and cooked jalapeños. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cilantro Lime Rice with Grilled Chicken
This recipe combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime with the smokiness of grilled chicken, making for a flavorful and refreshing meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
4. In a small bowl, mix together chopped cilantro and lime juice.
5. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in olive oil and cilantro-lime mixture.
6. Slice grilled chicken into strips and serve on top of the Cilantro Lime Rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mexican Cilantro Rice with Corn
This classic Mexican rice dish gets a boost from the sweetness of corn and the brightness of cilantro. Perfect for accompanying tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion and garlic.
5. Add the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the corn kernels and chopped cilantro.
8. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe combines the freshness of cilantro with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, creating a delicious and healthy side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 small red onion, peeled and sliced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
3. While the rice cooks, toss bell peppers and onion with olive oil, salt, and chopped cilantro on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and mix with roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Cilantro Rice Pilaf with Almonds
This flavorful pilaf combines the warmth of toasted almonds and the brightness of cilantro with the comfort of fluffy rice. Perfect as a side dish or main course, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the water or broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
7. Stir in chopped cilantro and toasted almonds. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Shrimp and Avocado
Elevate your meal with this flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the brightness of cilantro, the sweetness of avocado, and the tender bite of shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped cilantro and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well coated with the cilantro flavor.
5. Serve the shrimp on top of the cilantro rice, accompanied by diced avocado and a squeeze of lemon juice (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cilantro Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Satisfy your taste buds with these vibrant bell peppers filled with flavorful cilantro rice, a perfect blend of savory and spicy. This recipe is an excellent way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice with chopped cilantro, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling as full as possible.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to slightly caramelize the tops.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Mango Salsa
This flavorful dish combines the bright, citrusy taste of cilantro rice with the sweetness and tanginess of a fresh mango salsa. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal or as a side dish for your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients:
For the Cilantro Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using the water, olive oil, cilantro, and lime juice.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and honey. Stir well.
3. Serve cooked rice with Mango Salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Fried Plantains
This flavorful side dish combines the warmth of cilantro-infused rice with the crispy sweetness of fried plantains, perfect for accompanying your favorite Latin-inspired meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped cilantro and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir the cooked rice into the cilantro mixture and season with salt to taste.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve the Cilantro Rice alongside the Fried Plantains.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Chipotle Sauce
This flavorful rice dish combines the freshness of cilantro with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Perfect as a side or main course, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (use gloves when handling)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine with water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
3. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add minced chipotle pepper and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in chopped cilantro and remove from heat.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chipotle-cilantro mixture.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Grilled Salmon
This flavorful dish combines the freshness of cilantro with the richness of grilled salmon, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the 2 cups of water.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped cilantro, olive oil, and lime juice.
3. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cilantro mixture and season with salt to taste.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve grilled salmon on top of cilantro rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Spiced Chickpeas
This recipe combines the freshness of cilantro with the warm, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine, creating a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add cumin, coriander, and chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes or until spices are fragrant.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro.
5. Combine spiced chickpea mixture with the rice, mixing well to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Caramelized Onions
This flavorful rice dish combines the brightness of cilantro with the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, perfect for accompanying your favorite proteins or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until they caramelize and turn golden brown.
4. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro.
5. Add caramelized onions to the rice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Pulled Pork
Elevate your mealtime with this easy and aromatic recipe that combines the comfort of pulled pork with the freshness of cilantro-infused rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– 2 pounds pulled pork (cooked and shredded)
– Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the water, chopped cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in the pulled pork (and optional diced vegetables) until well combined.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cilantro Rice with Sweet Potato Cubes
This flavorful side dish combines the warmth of sweet potatoes with the brightness of cilantro, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite meals. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil and salt on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in chopped cilantro leaves.
5. Serve warm alongside roasted sweet potato cubes.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavorful world of cilantro rice recipes! With 18 delicious variations to choose from, you’ll never get bored with this staple side dish again. From classic lime and cilantro combinations to spicy jalapeño additions and tropical pineapple twists, there’s something for every meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or bold and adventurous, these recipes are sure to please. Get inspired to try new flavors and elevate your meals with this diverse collection of cilantro rice recipes.
Leave a Reply