Lemon Cilantro Brown Rice – Healthier Steps

Are you looking for a side dish that is healthy with vibrant flavors with a hint of zest? Lemon cilantro brown rice is the perfect choice. Add this delicious dish to your vegan repertoire!

Why Choose Brown Rice?

Brown rice retains the bran and germ that is stripped from white rice. Whole grain brown rice, is richer in fiber, vitamins and minerals including selenium and magnesium. It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with cilantro and lemon.

Ingredients

Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric gives the rice a beautiful golden color with a mild earthy flavor.

Cilantro: Its fresh unique herby flavor, combines well with zesty lemon. Cilantro is also known for its detoxifying properties.

Lemon Juice: is packed with Vitamin C which boosts the immune system and enhance absorption of iron.

Brown Rice: is higher in fiber than white rice, stabilizes blood glucose levels and supports digestion.

How To Prepare Cilantro Brown Rice?

Prepare the Base:

• Heat coconut oil (or water) in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices and Rice:

• Mix in the turmeric and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
• Add the rinsed brown rice and stir well to coat it with the spice mixture.

Cook the Rice:

• Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Season the Rice:

• Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat.
• Stir in the lemon juice, sea salt, sesame oil (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if desired).

Add Cilantro:

• Gently fold in the chopped cilantro.

Serve:

• Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, garnish with additional cilantro, and serve warm.

How To Serve Cilantro Brown Rice

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

1. As a side dish: It pairs well with black beans, and roasted veggies.
2. In bowls: use it as a base for veggie bowls and layer it with vegetables.
3. With wraps: stuff it into tortilla wraps or burritos along with beans and veggies.

Other Brown Rice Recipes To Prepare

1. Turmeric Coconut Rice
2. Jamaican Rice and Peas
3. Garlic Rice

Summary

Lemon cilantro brown rice is not just a side dish, its a celebration of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you are looking to include more healthy options on the dinner table or impress your guests at the next gathering! This recipe will definitely be a hit.

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• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or 1/4 cup water for oil-free option
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup 185g long-grain brown rice, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups 600g water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
• 1/4 cup 4g chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

• Prepare the Base:

• Heat coconut oil (or water) in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

• Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Add Spices and Rice:

• Mix in the turmeric and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.

• Add the rinsed brown rice and stir well to coat it with the spice mixture.

• Cook the Rice:

• Pour in the water and bring to a boil.

• Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

• Season the Rice:

• Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat.

• Stir in the lemon juice, sea salt, sesame oil (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if desired).

• Add Cilantro:

• Gently fold in the chopped cilantro.

• Serve:

• Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, garnish with additional cilantro, and serve warm.

Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 583mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg