Amazing Green Rice Recipe
Amazing Green Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish featuring long-grain white rice sautéed with a fresh, herbaceous blend of cilantro, spinach, serrano pepper, shallot, and garlic. This simple yet aromatic recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (up to 2 1/2 cups for stickier rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon salt if using water)
Green Herb Mixture
- 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
- 3–4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped (substitute jalapeño pepper if desired)
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse the rice in a mesh colander to remove excess starch. Shake it a few times or blot dry with paper towels to avoid splattering when cooking.
- Prepare Green Herb Mixture: Using a food processor, pulse together the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
- Sauté the Rice: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté it for 3-5 minutes until it becomes lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Add Herb Mixture and Salt: Stir in the prepared green herb blend and salt, continuing to sauté for another 3-5 minutes to fully release the flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, cooking for approximately 15 minutes. Check the rice by fluffing with a fork; if it’s not tender or if more moisture is needed, add more liquid and cook longer.
- Finish and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork to evenly distribute the green herbs throughout.
- Serve: Serve the vibrant green rice as a side with chicken skewers, air-fried chicken, salmon, tacos, beans, or creamy corn dishes for a flavorful complement.
Notes
- Rinsing and drying the rice before sautéing prevents oil splatter and helps achieve a better texture.
- Adjust the amount of serrano or jalapeño pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- For stickier rice, add up to 2 1/2 cups of liquid instead of 2 cups.
- This recipe works well with either chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor and color.
- Fluffing the rice after cooking helps to distribute the herbs and separate the grains for a light texture.
Keywords: Green rice, cilantro rice, spinach rice, herb rice, Mexican rice, sautéed rice, green herb rice, cilantro spinach rice, side dish, easy rice recipe
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/amazing-green-rice-recipe/
