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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Cilantro Lime Asparagus and Rice

    Published: Mar 26, 2014 Modified: Apr 10, 2020 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe

    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.

    Side view of cilantro lime asparagus and rice garnished with cilantro and lime slices on a white plate.

    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.

    Close up shot of cilantro lime asparagus and rice with butterfly shrimp garnished with cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table.
    This side dish goes really well with any entree, especially these frozen prepared shrimp which baked in just 20 minutes in the oven!

    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.

    Close up shot of cilantro lime asparagus and rice garnished with cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table.

    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

    If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!

    And I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    📋 Recipe Card

    Close up shot of cilantro lime asparagus and rice garnished with cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table.

    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
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    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
     

    • 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)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Tools used for this recipe:

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

    Happy cooking!


     

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      Recipe Rating




    1. rose paden

      April 08, 2014 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      I really want to try the jumbo butterfly shrimp! Great recipe!

      Reply
    2. Miz Vickik

      April 08, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      The Asian style shrimp!!

      Reply
    3. Lesley F

      April 08, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      I would try the Asian Style Ginger Shrimp

      Reply
    4. Angela Ash

      April 08, 2014 at 9:18 am

      I'd like to try the Tempura Shrimp. I didn't realize there were so many flavors. Variety is great.

      Reply
    5. Nicole C.

      April 07, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      I would love to try the Shrimp Poppers.

      Reply
    6. Vohn's Vittles

      April 07, 2014 at 6:49 pm

      I love the sound of this asparagus recipe. It is about to come into season here. I usually pair it with lemon - can't wait to try it with lime! Thanks. x

      Reply
    7. Robin

      April 06, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      I would love to try the butterfly shrimp.

      Reply
    8. Diane Balch

      April 04, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      Terrific side dish for fish. Thanks for bringing it to foodie friday.

      Reply
    9. Merry

      April 04, 2014 at 11:10 am

      Some great dinner inspiration here! I'd like to try the asian style ginger shrimp.

      Reply
    10. Adelina Priddis

      April 04, 2014 at 8:59 am

      Thanks so much for sharing this on Foodie Friday! I was in need of more cilantro recipes 🙂 My families not big on seafood..I love it...but I think I could get them going with the Maryland Crab Cakes!

      Reply
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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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