basmati lime rice

Basmati Lime Rice

Basmati rice is rinsed and cooked with lime juice, zest, and seasonings to create a fragrant, fluffy side dish. The long-grain rice absorbs the citrus flavor during cooking, resulting in a bright, aromatic profile that complements a variety of main courses. Gentle simmering ensures each grain remains separate and tender while infusing subtle lime notes throughout.

After cooking, the rice is fluffed with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the lime flavor evenly. Optional additions like fresh herbs or a hint of butter enhance the aroma and texture. The technique emphasizes careful cooking and flavor layering to produce a light, citrus-infused rice dish.

Adding the juice and zest from a lime gives it a nice kick for using with black beans or in burritos.

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Rice
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • covered frying pan or skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 ½ cups water, boiling
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • ¾ tsp. salt
  • juice of 1 lime, about 2 Tbsp.
  • zest of 1 lime, about 1 tsp.

Instructions 

Prep

  • Wash the rice and drain. Repeat 2-3 times until water is clear.
  • Soak rice for 20 minutes then drain.
  • Put 1 ½ cups of water on to boil.

Cook

  • Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add 2 Tbsp. of oil to the pan.
  • Add drained rice and stir to coat rice and prevent sticking.
  • Pour 1 ½ cup hot water over the rice and bring it to a boil.
  • Cover the pan with a clear lid and reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 10 minutes with the lid on.
  • When you can’t see water boiling through the rice, it’s done.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes with the lid on.
  • Fluff the rice and add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to finish.
  • Optionally, add lime juice and zest instead of butter and parsley