Cilantro Rice

Cilantro rice is a colorful and flavorful Latin side dish. It pairs well with nearly every protein and is quick and easy to make. This recipe for Cilantro Rice comes to me from my friend, Michelle.

 A few families met one evening, many summers ago, at The Huntington Library and Gardens, for a evening concert and picnic. Since we were going to be listening to music from South America, we all brought something to fit that theme.

I can’t remember what I brought, since all I could do was eat Michelle’s “green rice”. One bite just knocked my socks off! The “green” is a cilantro sauce with some green chile. (This post was originally published on April 25th, 2016 and has been updated to contain nutritional information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)

I know there are a whole slew of you out there who abhor cilantro. I don’t think I’ve ever met a “cilantro neutral” person. Most either love or hate it. My sister-in-law is in the dislike camp, and when I served this cilantro rice at one family event, I warned her. She tried it, and declared that it was the only cilantro dish she’d ever tasted that she liked. Seriously, it even converts non-cilantro enthusiasts!

Is this rice spicy?

It seems as though it should be really spicy, but it’s actually more medium spicy. I know that’s subjective, but it’s only 2 small chiles for the whole recipe. But if you’re not a fan of spicy food, substitute jalapenos, which are much milder.

Serve this cilantro rice warm or cold.

This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to Mexican or Latin dishes, and is great for picnics or potlucks. Michelle got the recipe from Epicurious and she adapted it. And I got it from her, and I adapted it, so I just call it, “Michelle’s Cilantro Rice”. I love to pair it with Slow-Cooker Green Chile Pork or  Quick Chicken Tacos.

Can you make this cilantro rice vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Some of the items used in this post are available at my Amazon affiliate link with no additional cost to you.

 Can you make cilantro rice ahead of time?

There are two ways you can make this rice dish ahead of time. First you can prepare the whole recipe and when cooled slightly, cover and refrigerate. In fact the consensus in our house is that it’s actually better the second day. The second way is to make the cilantro sauce and refrigerate it. Then finish the dish the next day.

Here are the ingredients you need for this cilantro rice recipe:

• yellow onion
• garlic
• serrano chiles (or jalapenos for a milder version)
• long grain rice
• chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegan or vegetarian)

For the cilantro dressing, you’ll need:

• cilantro
• olive oil
• white wine vinegar
• cumin
• salt (this is my absolute favorite salt!)
• pepper

Spicy Mexican Cilantro rice.

How to make cilantro rice

Saute the onion, garlic and serrano chile.

Add rice, broth and cook until tender.

While the rice is cooking, make the cilantro dressing.

Puree all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. You can do this step ahead of time. Refrigerate cilantro dressing until ready to use.

Allow the cooked rice to cool completely, about 45 minutes before tossing it with the dressing.

Serve room temperature or chilled.

Have you made this cilantro rice recipe? Let me know in the comments!

Cilantro Rice

Cynthia

This cilantro rice is delicious either warm or cold and is perfect for pot lucks or picnics. Recipe from Epicurious. This recipe works equally well with brown or long-grain white rice. If you like more heat, increase the serrano chile. If you prefer milder flavors, substitute the serrano chile for canned, diced, mild green chiles.

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Latin

Servings 8

Calories 318 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon seeded serrano chiles
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 1/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian/vegan
• 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• black pepper
• Cilantro Dressing:
• 1 bunch cilantro stems removed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon minced seeded serrano chile

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat 1 Tablespoon oil over a medium heat. Add onions, 1 Tablespoon (or more), minced serrano chile, and sauté about 8 minutes. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté another minute or two.
• Add rice, broth and salt, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
• While rice is cooking, in a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, 1/2 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, 1 garlic clove, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon (or more) minced seeded serrano chile. Puree until smooth. Set aside.
• Transfer rice to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Toss with cilantro dressing and adjust seasoning salt and black pepper if needed.
• Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 572mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!