Step 1: Rinse the rice. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, removing excess starch for a fluffier result.
Step 2: Cook the rice. In a medium heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups cold water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, stir once, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and cook for exactly 15 minutes.
Step 3: Let it steam. DO NOT lift the lid during the 15-minute cooking time. Once the time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for another 10 minutes. This steaming process allows the rice to fully absorb the remaining moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked and separate grains.
Step 4: Prepare the cilantro and lime. While the rice is resting, finely chop the fresh cilantro. Roll your limes on the counter, then slice them in half and squeeze out the fresh juice (aim for 1/4 cup).
Step 5: Fluff and combine. After the rice has rested for 10 minutes, uncover the pot. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains and release any trapped steam.
Step 6: Add the flavor. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over the fluffed rice. Add the chopped cilantro. Gently fold everything together with a fork until the cilantro and lime juice are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Taste and adjust for salt if necessary.
Step 7: Serve immediately. Your delicious, fluffy cilantro lime rice recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve with optional lime wedges.