When summer rolls around, I start dreaming of lazy afternoons spent outdoors, soaking up sunshine with friends, and enjoying meals that burst with fresh flavors. One dish that’s been a staple at my gatherings is citrus rice. This delightful dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even crispy vegetable skewers. The bright, zesty notes elevate any meal, making sure everyone at the table walks away with a satisfied smile.
What is Citrus Rice?
Citrus rice is a vibrant side dish made by infusing fluffy rice with the refreshing flavors of citrus fruits, particularly oranges and occasionally lemons or limes. The combination of citrus juice and zest, along with fresh vegetables, creates a dish that is not only delicious, but also visually appealing.
The Ingredients
To make a generous bowl of citrus rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional, to enhance the taste)
- 2 cups brown basmati rice, well-rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (using broth adds layers of flavor)
- 2 cups fresh-squeezed orange juice, plus zest
- 2 cups chopped celery with tender leaves
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons instant minced onions or a French onion seasoning mix
- 1 bunch thinly sliced scallions
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional, for a hint of warmth)
How to Make Citrus Rice
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s jump into making this dish. It’s a simple process that will leave your kitchen smelling delightful and your palate invigorated.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a fluffy texture. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer. It usually takes about 45 minutes for brown basmati rice to cook perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Citrus Dressing
Meanwhile, let’s prepare the citrus dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, zest, olive oil (or butter), and black pepper. If you’re adding ginger, mix it in now. This dressing will bring a burst of flavor right to your dish.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the rice is done cooking, take it off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After that, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Toss in the chopped celery, diced carrots, and instant minced onions. Give everything a good mix to ensure those crunchy veggies are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Dressing and Rice
Pour the citrus dressing over the rice and vegetables, mixing gently but thoroughly. The aroma of oranges and fresh veggies fills the air, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
Finally, fold in the sliced scallions and roasted cashews. The cashews add a delightful crunch, while the scallions provide a pop of color and fresh flavor. Look at that beautiful medley of colors and textures!
Notes
Here are some quick tips that will help you enhance your citrus rice experience:
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse brown basmati rice to remove excess starch.
- Broth Over Water: Using vegetable broth instead of water intensifies the flavor.
- Chill for Serving: This rice is even better when chilled for a few hours. Consider making it ahead.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what’s in season.
- Garnish Creatively: Add fresh herbs or extra citrus zest on top for an extra flavor boost.
Storage Tips
Citrus rice is perfect for make-ahead meals. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be enjoyed cold, or you can warm it up in the microwave. Use it within three days for the best flavor and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving citrus rice, the possibilities are endless. Here are my top five favorite pairings:
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: This juicy chicken complements the bright flavors of the rice perfectly. The citrus notes tie the meal together seamlessly.
2. Fish Tacos: The zest from the rice works harmoniously with grilled fish. Top them with guacamole and fresh salsa for an amazing summer meal.
3. Roasted Vegetable Skewers: These skewers add a smoky flavor contrast to the zesty rice. Load them with your favorite summer veggies for an enjoyable dish.
4. Shrimp Salad: Toss grilled shrimp over a bed of citrus rice for a light, refreshing meal. It’s easy to prepare and absolutely delish.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use citrus rice as a filling for bell peppers. Bake them in the oven for a cozy dish that warms the heart.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Citrus Rice?
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Here are five stellar substitutes that work well:
- Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative, swap out brown rice for quinoa. It cooks in about 15 minutes and adds a delightful texture.
- Lemon Juice: If oranges aren’t in season, lemon juice can replace orange juice for a tangier dish that still shines.
- Toasted Almonds: Instead of roasted cashews, use toasted almonds for a different nutty flavor. Both will add crunch.
- Cilantro: For a refreshing twist, replace scallions with chopped cilantro. It adds a vibrant color and herby aroma.
- Broccolini: Instead of carrots, chop in some tender broccolini for a more colorful dish. It’s nutritious and a fun addition.
Conclusion
Citrus rice has become a summer favorite of mine. It’s refreshing, colorful, and oh-so-easy to make. The blend of flavors makes it an incredible side dish that can brighten any meal. With endless possibilities for pairings and variations, this dish can adapt to whatever you have on hand or your mood. So fire up the grill, grab some friends, and whip up a batch of this zesty goodness. It’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Citrus Rice – Simple Easy Meals
When summer rolls around, I start dreaming of lazy afternoons spent outdoors, soaking up sunshine with friends, and enjoying meals that burst with fresh flavors. One dish that's been a staple at my gatherings is citrus rice. This delightful dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even crispy vegetable skewers. The bright, zesty notes elevate any meal, making sure everyone at the table walks away with a satisfied smile.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
-
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a fluffy texture. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer. It usually takes about 45 minutes for brown basmati rice to cook perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Citrus Dressing
-
Meanwhile, let’s prepare the citrus dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, zest, olive oil (or butter), and black pepper. If you’re adding ginger, mix it in now. This dressing will bring a burst of flavor right to your dish.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
-
Once the rice is done cooking, take it off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After that, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Toss in the chopped celery, diced carrots, and instant minced onions. Give everything a good mix to ensure those crunchy veggies are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Dressing and Rice
-
Pour the citrus dressing over the rice and vegetables, mixing gently but thoroughly. The aroma of oranges and fresh veggies fills the air, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
-
Finally, fold in the sliced scallions and roasted cashews. The cashews add a delightful crunch, while the scallions provide a pop of color and fresh flavor. Look at that beautiful medley of colors and textures!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 472kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.8g37%
- Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
- Sodium 647mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 59g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse brown basmati rice to remove excess starch.
- Broth Over Water: Using vegetable broth instead of water intensifies the flavor.
- Chill for Serving: This rice is even better when chilled for a few hours. Consider making it ahead.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what’s in season.
- Garnish Creatively: Add fresh herbs or extra citrus zest on top for an extra flavor boost.
