Name: Cilantro Lime Mexican Rice With Charred Corn Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 200 g (1 cup) long-grain white rice: rinsed to remove starch for fluffy texture.; 400 ml (1 ¾ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth: provides a savory base.; 250 g (1 cup) tomato sauce: adds color and acidity.; 1 medium onion, diced: for savory depth.; 2 garlic cloves, minced: for aromatic complexity.; 1 tsp ground cumin: a cornerstone spice in Mexican cuisine.; ½ tsp smoked paprika: adds smoky depth.; ¼ tsp chili powder (optional): for a touch of heat.; 2 tbsp vegetable oil: for sautéing.; 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter: adds richness.; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped: provides fresh flavor.; zest of 1 lime: for citrus aroma.; 2 tbsp lime juice: for tangy acidity.; ½ cup frozen corn kernels: roasted for smoky flavor.; 2 tbsp pepitas: adds crunch and nutty flavor.; 1 tsp olive oil: for roasting corn and pepitas.; Salt and pepper: to taste.

Description

This Cilantro Lime Mexican Rice is a flavorful side dish featuring fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro, topped with a smoky charred corn and pepita crumble. It’s easy to make and pairs well with various Mexican-inspired meals.

Ingredients

Scale

200 g (1 cup) long-grain white rice: rinsed to remove starch for fluffy texture.
400 ml (1 ¾ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth: provides a savory base.
250 g (1 cup) tomato sauce: adds color and acidity.
1 medium onion, diced: for savory depth.
2 garlic cloves, minced: for aromatic complexity.
1 tsp ground cumin: a cornerstone spice in Mexican cuisine.
½ tsp smoked paprika: adds smoky depth.
¼ tsp chili powder (optional): for a touch of heat.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: for sautéing.
30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter: adds richness.
¼ cup cilantro, chopped: provides fresh flavor.
zest of 1 lime: for citrus aroma.
2 tbsp lime juice: for tangy acidity.
½ cup frozen corn kernels: roasted for smoky flavor.
2 tbsp pepitas: adds crunch and nutty flavor.
1 tsp olive oil: for roasting corn and pepitas.
Salt and pepper: to taste.

Instructions

Rinse Rice: Rinse until water runs clear to remove starch.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic with cumin and paprika.
Toast Rice: Toast rice in the aromatic mixture for 2 minutes.
Simmer Rice: Simmer with tomato sauce and broth for 15-18 minutes.
Rest & Fluff: Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Make Butter: Combine butter, cilantro, lime zest, and juice.
Char Corn & Pepitas: Roast corn and pepitas until charred.
Combine & Finish: Fold in butter and top with crumble.

Notes

For optimal crunch, make the corn crumble just before serving. Adjust chili powder to your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: rice,mexican,cilantro,lime,corn,side dish,vegetarian,easy