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- 1 cup jasmine rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - Zest of 1 lime - 1 small red onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional toppings: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, crumbled feta cheese Cilantro lime rice bowls are fresh and easy to make. They use simple, healthy ingredients. I love the flavor of jasmine rice with lime and cilantro. Start with jasmine rice. It’s fragrant and has a soft texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste. Lime juice and zest give a tangy kick. For the veggies, use a small red onion and a bell pepper. The onion adds sweetness, and the pepper brings color. Canned black beans offer protein and fiber. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. You can add optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or feta cheese. These give extra flavor and texture. For the full recipe, check the complete guide. It has all the steps to make your bowl perfect. - Rinse rice until water is clear. This helps remove extra starch. - Boil vegetable broth and add rice. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. - Fluff the rice and add lime juice and cilantro. Mix well for flavor. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté diced red onion and bell pepper until soft. This takes about 5-7 minutes. - Stir in rinsed black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. - Start with a scoop of cilantro lime rice at the bottom. - Layer the sautéed veggies and black beans on top of the rice. - Top with sliced avocado and any optional toppings you enjoy. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. - Rinsing your rice is key. It removes extra starch. This helps keep your rice fluffy. - To avoid sticky rice, use the right water-to-rice ratio. One part rice needs two parts broth. - Adjust the lime flavor by adding more or less juice. Start with one tablespoon and taste. - For the best sauté, use medium heat. This lets the veggies cook evenly and stay crisp. - If you want alternatives for onion and pepper, try mushrooms or zucchini. They add great flavor too. - To save time, chop veggies ahead of time. You can even use pre-chopped veggies for ease. - Arrange your rice bowl for visual appeal. Layer each ingredient neatly to show off colors. - Use garnishes for freshness. A sprinkle of cilantro or lime wedges brightens the dish. - Serve in deep bowls. This creates a cozy vibe, perfect for sharing. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your cilantro lime rice bowl. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Just cook them with some spices before adding to the bowl. If you're vegetarian, try using tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavor well and are tasty. Feeling adventurous? Swap jasmine rice for quinoa or brown rice. Quinoa is packed with protein and has a nutty taste. Brown rice adds a chewy texture and is great for a hearty meal. For gluten-free options, these grains fit perfectly. Want to spice things up? Toss in some jalapeños for heat. They add a nice kick. If you prefer something sweet, mix in corn or diced mango. Both bring a fresh taste that complements the lime and cilantro well. Enjoy experimenting! Store your cilantro lime rice bowls in airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. This way, the rice and veggies stay fresh and tasty. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the rice bowls. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to keep them safe. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the bowls in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove until warm. Meal prep can make busy days easier. Cook a big batch of cilantro lime rice bowls on the weekend. Then, divide them into containers for the week. You can mix in proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for variety. Pair them with veggies like corn or spinach for a colorful meal. Store these bowls in the fridge for quick and healthy meals any day. To make the rice fluffy, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch. Then, cook the rice in boiling vegetable broth. Let it sit covered after cooking for five minutes. Finally, fluff it gently with a fork. This method keeps it light and airy. Yes, you can use different herbs. If you prefer, swap cilantro for parsley or basil. Each herb brings its own flavor. Experimenting with fresh herbs can create unique tastes in your rice bowl. Don't be afraid to try new combinations! Cilantro lime rice bowls pair well with many dishes. You can serve grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. Add a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. A simple green salad also makes a great side. The rice bowl is versatile and can match various cuisines. To customize the heat level, add jalapeños or diced chili peppers to your sautéed veggies. You can also mix in hot sauce or chili powder for extra spice. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the spicy additions. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan. The ingredients in the cilantro lime rice bowl are naturally plant-based. Use vegetable broth, and skip any dairy toppings like feta cheese. You can enjoy this flavorful meal without any animal products. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious cilantro lime rice bowl. You learned about the main ingredients, from jasmine rice to fresh avocado. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and assemble it perfectly. Tips on cooking rice and vegetables helped ensure a tasty outcome. Finally, we discussed variations and storage options for meal prep. Overall, this bowl offers great flavors and flexibility for any diet. Enjoy crafting your own version to delight your taste buds!

41. Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl

Elevate your meal with this delicious Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl that’s bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines fluffy jasmine rice cooked in vegetable broth, sautéed veggies, and creamy avocado, all topped with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s colorful, nutritious, and satisfying. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family or guests with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Zest of 1 lime

1 small red onion, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 ripe avocado, sliced

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, or crumbled feta cheese

Instructions
 

Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water. Continue until the water runs clear; this step is crucial for removing excess starch which ensures your rice turns out fluffy.

    In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a vigorous boil. Carefully add the rinsed rice, give it a gentle stir, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

      Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to sit, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then incorporate the lime juice, lime zest, and freshly chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

        While the rice is resting, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and the bell pepper is tender.

          Stir in the rinsed black beans and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, just until they are warmed through.

            To assemble your rice bowl, start by placing a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice at the base of the bowl. Layer the sautéed veggie and bean mixture on top of the rice.

              Finish your masterpiece by artfully arranging the sliced avocado over the top, and sprinkle with any of the optional toppings you like—such as halved cherry tomatoes, radishes, or crumbled feta cheese.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the rice bowl in deep bowls to create a cozy atmosphere. Arrange the toppings in an artistic manner, possibly as a vibrant color gradient, to enhance visual appeal. For an added touch of freshness, garnish with a sprinkle of additional cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.