Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice
Rice is a versatile and beloved staple in many cuisines, but sometimes you need a simple yet vibrant twist to take it to the next level. Enter cilantro-lime black bean rice—an aromatic and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of black beans with the zesty freshness of cilantro and lime.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice is so versatile and can be used in many different ways. How?
✔Build a Bowl: Turn this dish into a hearty and nutritious meal by layering it in a bowl with additional toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
✔Serve as a Side Dish: Cilantro-lime black bean rice makes a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served alongside tacos or enchiladas.
✔ Make it Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes to the rice and beans while sautéing them.
✔Brown Rice Option: For a healthier twist, substitute the white rice with brown rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
✔Standalone Side Dish: Cilantro-lime black bean rice can be served as a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Mexican-inspired feast.
✔Main Course: To turn this side dish into a filling main course, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. You can also top it with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for added creaminess.
✔Quinoa Substitute: For a twist, you can substitute quinoa for rice to create a cilantro-lime black bean quinoa dish.
You can make a big batch of it on the weekend and use it up all week in lunches and dinners.
This Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice refrigerates easily. Just reheat it and add your favorite add-ins.
Cilantro-lime black bean rice is a burst of flavor that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. With the freshness of cilantro, the zing of lime, and the heartiness of black beans, this dish is a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe offers a versatile and delicious option.
It’s super easy to make this Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice!
You don’t need any special kitchen equipment to make this Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice so there’s no excuse not to make it right now!
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
✔ Lime Press: Use a lime press to make freshly squeezed lime juice without the pulp and seeds!
✔ Herb Scissors: Herb Scissors make cutting herbs like cilantro into small pieces!
NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR COOKING ESSENTIALS, YOU ARE READY TO MAKE THIS EASY CILANTRO-LIME BLACK BEAN RICE!
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice
This Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice is an easy side dish that only takes about 10 minutes (if that!). Give Jasmine Rice a punch by adding freshly squeezed lime juice, black beans, and chopped cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained black beans, and finely chopped cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the prepared cilantro-lime mixture over the rice and black bean mixture. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold the dressing into the rice and beans, ensuring that every grain of rice is coated with the zesty flavors.
- Taste the cilantro-lime black bean rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preferences. Once seasoned to perfection, transfer the rice to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness.
Cilantro-lime black bean rice is a simple yet vibrant dish that adds a burst of flavor to your meals. With the earthiness of black beans, the freshness of cilantro and lime, and the aroma of garlic and cumin, this recipe elevates plain rice to a whole new level. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the main attraction, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.