Imagine a side dish so aromatic and delicious that it transforms your entire meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This Garlic Cilantro Brown Rice isn't just another boring rice recipe - it's a flavor-packed culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! Combining the earthy richness of brown rice, the bold punch of fresh garlic, and the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro, this recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch and improve texture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice and water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the rice.
- Add the minced garlic to the rice and water mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Bring the rice to a full boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent steam.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow for proper steaming and fluffing.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam.
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro, keeping some leaves whole for garnish if desired.
- Fold the chopped cilantro into the warm rice, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Always rinse your brown rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when cooking to trap steam and ensure even, consistent cooking.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking - this helps maintain the perfect moisture level.
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow for optimal steaming and fluffing.
- Mince garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the rice.
- Add fresh cilantro at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- For extra richness, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Toast the rice in a bit of olive oil before adding water for a nuttier flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 58kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
