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 Cilantro Rice is perfect warm or cold, and makes a great picnic or potluck dish.
This recipe came 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.
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!
Serve this cilantro rice warm or cold.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to Mexican or Latin dishes, and is great for picnics or potlucks. Michelle got the recipe from Epicurious, but I got it from her, so I just call it, “Michelle’s Cilantro Rice”. I love to pair it with Slow-Cooker Green Chile Pork Colorado or Quick Chicken Tacos. For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
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Spicy Mexican Cilantro rice.
- 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Serve warm or chilled.
Andi says
I make my rice in a rice cooker, do you think I could make the sauce and add it to the uncooked rice and water then prepare the rice as usual. This sounds so delicious I want to try it!
Cynthia says
totally! I think you’d just need to sauté the onions, garlic and chiles separately and then add it to the rice when it’s done.
allie says
Cynthia, I am in the love cilantro camp and my mother is in the opposite camp. I would absolutely love this spicy rice dish. It’s jam packed with fresh flavor!
Cynthia says
Fortunately my whole family loves cilantro…but I know a lot of families that are divided!
cristina says
I need to make a trip out to the Huntington Gardens again. Such a beautiful and inspiring place to be! I’ve had cilantro rice on my radar to try for awhile now, and have yet to make it. You’ve reminded me to do so and may have to start with this great recipe! Thanks for sharing. 😉
Cynthia says
One of my favorite places to visit! You really need to see it if you haven’t been for a while!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This is beautiful! I love the fresh flavors, such a perfect and versatile side dish!
Cynthia says
Thank you! It’s one of my family’s favorite side dishes!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
If this even converts the cilantro haters out there it must be a winner! I am in the love cilantro club so know this is the perfect dish for me!