Cilantro Lime Asparagus and Rice

Chipotle Lime Asparagus is a perfect side dish for those busy evenings where you need a quick and easy meal. You will love this tender asparagus cooked in a butter-lime sauce and tossed with rice and cilantro.

If you are a busy mom like I am, you know how tough it can be to serve a meal that everyone in the family really enjoys. And it can be extra challenging on weekdays, when the afternoons and evenings are jam-packed with homework and activities!

Every once in a while, a meal just comes together and we are all able to sit and enjoy a few minutes eating as a family and catching up with each other. This side dish is a huge help in making that happen.

By midweek, everyone in my house is getting a little worn down, including (maybe even especially!) me. I must confess, I have been tempted on more than one occasion to just plunk down a big box of Cheerios for dinner.

After a really long day at work, and knowing I have the tasks of the evening still ahead, I want dinner to be easy to make and something I know everyone will like, and cereal fits the bill! (Note: I have not actually done that. Well...ahem...maybe once. But there was fruit involved too, I swear!)

Even though it is super-easy, I am pretty sure that cereal is not the best meal choice out there, so one of the ways that I avoid the Cheerios dinner is by being prepared with another option!

I like to have a backup plan already in mind with something simple and quick that I can just throw together when a more complex undertaking just isn't going to happen.

For another great asparagus dish, try this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus!

And if you have questions about asparagus, check out this guide with information on what does asparagus taste like, and more!

Like rice? Try my Crock Pot Enchilada Bake or Zucchini Walnut Fried Rice!

Looking for unique side dishes? You might like this Chipotle Lime Cole Slaw or these Jalapeno Garlic Basil Pickles!

Cilantro Lime Asparagus and Rice

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Cilantro Lime Asparagus and Rice

Recipe Author: Kristin

Tender asparagus cooked in a butter-lime sauce and tossed with rice and cilantro for a side dish that pairs perfectly with SeaPak Butterfly Shrimp or any entree!

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ ¾ pound fresh asparagus (cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces)
• ▢ 3 tablespoons butter (or substitute)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
• ▢ ½ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
• ▢ 3 cups cooked rice (your favorite)

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Instructions

 

• Blanch the asparagus (place in in a large pot of boiling water for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green. Then drain and run very cold water over the asparagus to stop it from cooking). Set aside.
  ¾ pound fresh asparagus
• Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
  3 tablespoons butter
• Add the lime juice, salt, and lime zest. Stir until combined.
  2 tablespoons lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon lime zest
• Add the asparagus and stir until well-coated. Cook until hot, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Combine the cilantro and rice in a large bowl.
  3 cups cooked rice, ½ cup cilantro
• Mix in the asparagus and lime juice mixture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 7.6mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2.1mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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Tools used for this recipe:

• saucepans
• mixing bowls
• mixing spoon
• measuring spoons and cups

Happy cooking!