Place the asparagus in a microwaveable bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and leave an opening for steam to vent. Microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes. Set aside.
¾ pound fresh asparagus
Zest the lime and set aside.
1 lime
Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the lime juice, salt, and lime zest. Stir until combined.
3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt
Add the asparagus and stir until well-coated. Cook until hot, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the brown rice and cilantro and mix to combine. Cook until everything is hot.
3 cups cooked brown rice, ½ cup cilantro
Serve immediately.
Notes
For the cooked rice, an easy shortcut is to buy packets of rice that can be cooked in 90 seconds in the microwave.
If you have more time and want to save money, easily cook your own brown rice using this foolproof method:
Heat 6 cups of water to boiling.
Add 1 cup uncooked brown rice.
Return to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Drain the excess liquid, re-cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
You can juice the lime after zesting it and use that juice in this dish, however as a shortcut you can use bottled lime juice. (Fresh always has the brightest flavor but the bottled juice is a good substitute.)
Season with more salt if needed and if desired sprinkle in some pepper, too.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and/or lime wedges.