Zesty Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf: A Flavorful Delight
Welcome to my recipe for a zesty Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf. I am confident you will love the unique combination of flavors and textures in this dish.
What makes this rice dish so special? Well, it’s all about the ingredients! The fresh cilantro, zesty lime zest, and tangy lime juice bring a burst of freshness to this recipe. The crunch of chopped peanuts adds a lovely contrast to the soft and tender long-grain white rice.
As an Israeli chef who has traveled extensively throughout Asia and the Middle East, I have gained a deep appreciation for rice dishes. Rice is a staple in many cuisines, and it serves as the perfect base for any meal.
This Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf is inspired by Asian rice dishes but with a twist. It’s not your typical peanut or lime rice. Instead, it’s a fusion of flavors that create a unique taste experience that will leave you coming back for more.
So, let’s get started on this recipe food adventure together! Whether you’re preparing this dish alongside Thai grilled beef, ginger peanut chicken or serving it as a side to roasted broccolini, you’ll soon discover why this Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf has become one of my favorites.
Bon appétit and enjoy your culinary journey with me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a bowl of steaming hot rice pilaf, coated in a zesty lime-peanut sauce, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Sounds heavenly, right? Well, this lime-peanut rice pilaf recipe is just that – heavenly.
What makes this rice dish stand out from the rest is the combination of tangy lime zest and juice with the nuttiness of chopped peanuts. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. And if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, then this recipe is right up your alley. It’s reminiscent of Thai grilled beef with a lime-peanut sauce – but in rice form!
But that’s not all – this recipe is also versatile. You can pair it with grilled chicken, salmon or tofu for a complete meal. Or simply mix in some roasted broccolini for an easy side dish. The possibilities are endless!
And let’s not forget about its ease of preparation. With simple ingredients like long grain white rice, onions, butter, fresh cilantro, and of course, lime zest and juice – this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and head to the kitchen to create this delectable lime-peanut rice pilaf recipe. Your taste buds (and family and friends) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients that you will need to make this delicious lime-peanut rice pilaf. You can easily find all these ingredients in any most grocery stores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
This recipe includes few basic ingredients like long-grain white rice, butter and olive oil along with a few flavorful ingredients like peanuts, onion and jalapeños. Fresh cilantro, lime zest and fresh lime juice add a pop of freshness to the dish that makes it really stand out. Make sure all your ingredients are measured precisely before starting the cooking process to avoid any mistakes while preparing the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to whip up this mouth-watering Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf Recipe. After gathering all the ingredients, follow these simple steps:
Preparing the Rice
- Begin by rinsing 2 cups of long-grain white rice multiple times until the water runs clear.
- Add the rice and 3 1/2 cups of water to a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Making the Peanut Mixture
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat.
- Add 1 cup finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Next, add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (divided) to the skillet and leave them to cook for around 3-4 minutes more, or until golden brown.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lime zest, followed by 3/4 cup of coconut milk, and stir everything together well until fully incorporated.
Combining the Ingredients
- When the rice is done cooking, remove it from heat and fluff it up with a fork.
- Pour your peanut mixture into your cooked rice along with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, stirring everything together well until evenly combined.
- Leave your rice pilaf over low heat for an extra minute or two to soak up all those delicious flavors before taking off heat.
There you have it! A flavorful, nutty Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf that will impress all your dinner guests!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about cooking is the ability to be creative and make a dish your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider while making this Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf recipe:
– Jasmine rice can be substituted for long-grain white rice if desired.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the onion and butter mixture while sautéing.
– For a vegan or gluten-free alternative, use a non-dairy butter substitute and ensure that your ingredients for the peanut sauce are free from gluten.
– Add some protein by incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp into the dish. For vegetarians, substitute chickpeas or tofu instead.
– Experiment with different types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, in place of chopped peanuts.
– To enhance the flavor profile, try adding fresh herbs such as mint or basil to the rice pilaf before serving.
– Mix up the topping by using chile-lime roasted broccoli in place of regular roasted broccolini.
Regardless of what you choose to substitute or change, just make sure to have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect version of this Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the serving and pairing section of the Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf recipe. Trust me, this recipe is versatile enough to be paired with a variety of dishes. Are you wondering how you can serve this exquisite rice pilaf? Well, it pairs well with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions.
To make a complete meal, I’d recommend pairing this flavorful Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf with succulent Thai Grilled Beef or Ginger Peanut Chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, then make it the star of your meal and serve it alongside Lemon Rice Salad or Coconut Lime Wild Rice. The possibilities are endless.
Not in the mood for a big meal? No problem! You can enjoy this rice dish as a standalone comfort food. It’s deliciously tasty, and you can garnish it with some cilantro or chopped peanuts to give it an extra crunch.
One of my favourite pairings for this dish is roasted broccolini drizzled with lime-peanut sauce. It brings out the flavours of the pilaf even more, taking your dining experience to another level.
You can also experiment with different types of rice like Basmati Rice or Jasmine Rice, depending on what you have available in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to try various types of nuts in place of chopped peanuts such as almonds or cashews.
Now that you know how versatile this rice pilaf recipe is let your culinary imagination run wild and explore its endless pairing possibilities to create your perfect dining experience. Bon appétit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead and storing, this Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf recipe is a game-changer! You can store it in the fridge or freezer and reheating is a breeze.
If you plan on making this rice dish ahead of time, I recommend cooking the rice according to the recipe instructions, then store it in an airtight container once it has completely cooled down. You can store the rice in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When you’re ready to reheat the pilaf, microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes for a single serving or put it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes if heating more than one serving. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it first in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of these methods.
Although this rice dish is best served fresh with its crispy peanuts and zesty lime flavors, reheating shouldn’t be a problem as long as you take care not to overheat and dry out the rice. When storing freshly cooked Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf, do not mix it with any other ingredients like chopped cilantro, lime zest or peanut sauce; instead, add them only after reheating to ensure that they maintain their intended texture and flavor.
Overall, with proper storing techniques and careful reheating practices, this scrumptious pilaf recipe will taste almost as good as fresh every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
As the key to great food is in the details, here are a few tips to help you create a perfect Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf.
1. Rinse the Rice
Before cooking, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch that can make the rice sticky and clumpy.
2. Sautee the Onion
Sauteeing an onion in butter or oil before adding the rice gives it a savory base and adds depth of flavor to your dish.
3. Toast the Peanuts
Toasting peanuts releases their natural oils and enhances their flavor, making them even more delicious in this recipe. Before adding them to your pilaf, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
4. Use Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is key to creating the vibrant flavors in this dish. Bottled lime juice may work as a substitute, but fresh juice will provide the best flavor.
5. Don’t Overcook your Rice
Cooking time may vary depending on your stove or other factors, so be sure to check your rice frequently while cooking. Overcooked rice can become mushy while undercooked rice can be crunchy and tough.
By following these simple tips and recommendations, you can easily master this flavorful Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf recipe from Ehud’s kitchen with success!
FAQ
Before you embark on making the Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf, I want to answer some frequently asked questions to help make things easier for you in the kitchen. Here are some commonly asked questions about the recipe and the cooking process. From ingredient substitutions to cooking techniques, read on to get all your queries resolved before you begin cooking this delicious dish!
What makes rice pilaf different?
When it comes to cooking rice, the technique used can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. While plain rice is typically cooked in just boiling water, rice pilaf is prepared by first sautéing the grains with aromatic ingredients before simmering them in broth. This method brings out more distinct flavors and results in grains that are firmer and more individualized.
What does pilaf mean in rice?
Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish typically made with rice, or occasionally wheat, that is cooked in stock or broth with an assortment of spices, vegetables or meat. The preparation method ensures that the grains are tender and never stick together, resulting in a delicious and enjoyable taste experience.
What makes a pilaf?
Pilaf is a dish that can be found in various parts of the world, including India and the Caribbean. It typically consists of rice cooked with various ingredients such as meat, nuts, vegetables, or fruits. Interestingly, the word “pilaf” and its origin can be attributed to the Turks, who refer to plain rice as “sade pilav.” In this dish, achieving the perfect texture is crucial.
What pairs well with rice pilaf?
I’ve found that my pilaf recipe is the perfect complement to poultry, such as roast chicken or turkey. It’s also an excellent side dish to serve with a creamy soup or chowder, like my Cauliflower Potato Soup or Caramelized Broccoli Soup.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this lime-peanut rice pilaf recipe is a must-try. I hope that this recipe article has provided you with all the information and inspiration needed to start cooking.
The combination of lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped peanuts gives this dish a perfect balance of tanginess and nuttiness. You’ll love the flavor explosion in every bite of this Asian-inspired rice dish.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main course, this recipe is versatile and easily customizable. You can use jasmine rice or any long-grain white rice available in your kitchen. Plus, you can add or subtract some of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Finally, feel free to experiment with serving and pairing options. This recipe works wonders with Thai grilled beef and roasted broccolini. You can also try it with Middle Eastern ginger peanut chicken or even cilantro lime rice salad.
I highly recommend giving this lime-peanut rice pilaf recipe a try. Bon appétit!
Lime-Peanut Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 cup chopped peanuts, divided
- 3 3/4 cups vegetable stock or 3 3/4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan over medium heat melt butter and add oil.
- Saute the onion for 8 minutes.
- Add rice and stir to coat.
- Add 1/2 cup peanuts, stock, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Bring to a boil and stir to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of pot.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium low.
- Cool until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, around 20 minuts.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
- Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
- Transfer rice to serving bowl and sprinkle with remaining nuts.