Culantro Lime Rice is more than just a simple side dish; it’s an aromatic celebration of flavors that can elevate any meal. Originating from a fusion of Latin American and Asian culinary inspiration, this dish uses the robust flavors of culantro and the zesty tang of lime to infuse plain rice with rich, complex notes.

One of the primary herbs in this dish is culantro, a close relative of cilantro but with a more intense, slightly peppery flavor. This is not to be confused with cilantro—though they share a similar citrusy undertone, culantro has a more potent profile. It’s often used in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cooking, making it a multicultural ingredient that serves as the backbone of the dish.

The use of lime adds a citrusy dimension that brightens the hearty grains of rice. The combination of culantro and lime creates a flavor profile that is simultaneously earthy and refreshing, complex yet straightforward. Lime zest can also be added for an even deeper citrus aroma.

The texture of the rice is crucial. It needs to be cooked just right—fluffy and separate, not mushy or sticky—to serve as the perfect canvas for the bold flavors. The type of rice you use matters; basmati or jasmine rice is generally recommended because they are less starchy and cook up with a lighter, fluffier texture.

The dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of proteins—from grilled chicken to pan-seared fish—or stands alone as a satisfying vegetarian option. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to make it a more rounded dish.

What makes Culantro Lime Rice truly special is its adaptability. Depending on your preference, you can tweak the amount of culantro or lime to get the flavor balance just right for you. Some people even add other spices like cumin or a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Culantro Lime Rice is a symphony of flavors and textures. Its unique blend of ingredients elevates it from a mere side dish to something that can take center stage in a meal, offering a world of taste in every forkful.

What is culantro?

Culantro is an herb that is native to the Americas but is also cultivated in other parts of the world. It is sometimes confused with cilantro because of their similar names and somewhat similar flavors, but the two plants are different species. Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) has long, serrated leaves and is generally more robust in flavor compared to cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), which has smaller, lacy leaves.

Culantro is used extensively in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cuisines, among others. Its strong flavor stands up well to cooking, which is why it is often used in soups, stews, and marinades. Some common dishes that may feature culantro include Puerto Rican “sofrito,” a cooking base made from finely chopped aromatic ingredients, and various Vietnamese and Thai soups.

If you don’t have culantro but a recipe calls for it, you can usually substitute with cilantro, although the flavor will not be as intense. On the other hand, if a dish calls for cilantro but you only have culantro, use a smaller amount to avoid overwhelming the dish with its stronger flavor.

Culantro Lime Rice

5 from 1 vote

Cuisine: Caribbean, AsianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Originating from a fusion of Latin American and Asian culinary inspiration, this dish uses the robust flavors of culantro and the zesty tang of lime to infuse plain rice with rich, complex notes.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 basmati rice
3 cups 3 chicken broth
1 tablespoon 1 butter
1 tablespoon 1 lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 leaves 4 culantro, chopped
1 tablespoon 1 lime zest
salt to taste

Equipment

SaucepanBuy here
Mesh strainerBuy here
Chef’s knifeBuy here
Pairing knife

Directions

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 20 minutes.
Turn the heat off, and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Mix in the butter, chopped culantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot as a side dish with your choice of protein or vegetables.