* **Prep time:** 5 minutes
* **Cook time:** 45 minutes
* **Yield:** 4 servings
Ingredients
* Rice: 1 cup short-grain or long-grain brown rice (rinsed well)
* Cooking Liquid: 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth (for extra savory depth)
* The Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
* The Fresh Finish: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
* The Citrus: 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice + 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
1. **Toast the Rice & Garlic:** Heat a dry, non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed brown rice and minced garlic. Toast dry for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the rice grains smell slightly nutty. (This dry-toasting technique locks in flavor without needing oil).
2. **Simmer:** Carefully pour in the 2 cups of water or low-sodium broth. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
3. **Cook Low and Slow:** Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer undisturbed for 40 to 45 minutes (do not lift the lid!).
4. **Steam:** Remove the pan from the heat but leave the lid on. Let it sit and steam for an additional 10 minutes to absorb any residual moisture.
5. **Dress and Fluff:** Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest until completely combined.
🥗 Build Your El Pollo Loco Style Bowl
Layer your bowl with a base of this
**Cilantro Lime Rice**, top it with your warm **Oil-Free Black Beans**, and load it up with these fresh, WFPB-compliant toppings:
* **Fresh Pico de Gallo:** Diced tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
* **Fire-Roasted Corn:** Frozen corn kernels thawed and charred in a dry, hot cast-iron skillet.
* **Creamy Avocado:** A few slices of fresh avocado or a dollop of oil-free guacamole for those healthy whole-food fats.
* **Shredded Romaine Lettuce:** For a crisp, refreshing crunch.
RICE Nutrition
(Per Serving / Approx. 3/4 Cup Cooked)
* Calories: 162 kcal
* Total Fat: 1.4 g
* Saturated Fat: 0 g
* Sodium: 5 mg (if cooked with water)
* Total Carbohydrates: 34 g
* Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
* Sugars: 0 g
* Protein: 3.8 g