Description
This Irresistible Mango Lime Rice is a quick and fresh side dish combining fragrant basmati rice with sweet ripe mango and zesty lime. Enhanced with cilantro and a touch of olive oil, this vibrant, tropical-inspired rice is perfect for a light lunch or to accompany grilled meats and seafood, delivering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup Basmati Rice (rinsed)
- 1.75 cups Water or Vegetable Broth (use broth for added flavor)
- to taste Salt
Fruit and Herbs
- 1 medium Ripe Mango (diced)
- 1 medium Lime (zest and juice)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (optional, chopped)
Additional Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon Olive or Coconut Oil (for richness)
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1.75 cups of water or vegetable broth. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
- Prepare Mango and Lime: While the rice cooks, peel and dice the ripe mango into small cubes. Zest the lime and then juice it, setting both aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate grains. Stir in the diced mango, lime zest, and lime juice. Add the olive or coconut oil, chopped cilantro if using, and season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt as needed. Mix gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the mango lime rice warm or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a vibrant base in vegetarian bowls.
Notes
- Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the rice.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and zest to taste for preferred tartness.
- Cilantro is optional but adds a fresh herbal note; omit if you dislike its flavor.
- To make this dish vegan and gluten-free, ensure the vegetable broth is free of animal products and gluten.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and served cold or reheated.
