Cilantro, with its vibrant green color and distinct flavor profile, is a versatile herb commonly employed in cuisines worldwide. Its zesty, citrusy aroma, with hints of pepper and nuttiness, adds a refreshing touch to dishes ranging from Mexican to Thai to Indian. The culinary versatility of cilantro extends beyond its leaves, as its stems and seeds also offer unique flavor dimensions. Whether you're looking to elevate your everyday cooking or explore new culinary horizons, this article will guide you through the diverse world of cilantro recipes, providing inspiration and practical tips for using this extraordinary herb to create culinary magic.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP
This cilantro lime shrimp is a healthy, easy dinner recipe that takes just 10 minutes! Serve with rice, in tacos, or as a Mexican-style salad topping.
Provided by Sonja Overhiser
Categories Main Dish
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Thaw the shrimp (see the notes above).
- Mince the garlic.
- Pat the shrimp dry. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter or olive oil on medium high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs.
- Spritz with lime juice and stir in the lime zest and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152 calories, Sugar 0.2 g, Sodium 281.6 mg, Fat 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.2 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 23 g, Cholesterol 197.7 mg
GRILLED CAULIFLOWER WITH CILANTRO PESTO
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high.
- Add the cauliflower, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat the cauliflower. Transfer to a grill basket and grill, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower is charred in places and softened, about 10 minutes. (This can alternatively be done on an indoor grill pan.)
- Transfer the grilled cauliflower to the serving bowl with the Cilantro Pesto and toss to coat.
- Garnish with Cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
- Add the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, pepper flakes and garlic to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse together until the garlic is finely chopped. Next, add the cilantro and blend until smooth. Add the cashews and Cotija cheese and pulse until the mixture becomes a thick paste and is evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and set aside until the cauliflower is grilled.
FABULOUS CILANTRO PESTO
This is a delicious version of the classic with a little more zip! You can substitute the vinegar with lime juice, lemon juice or Italian salad dressing.
Provided by Gena Urias
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
- In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 2.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 54.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
CILANTRO RICE
I found this recipe on smartsource.dom and revised it. It is unbelievably good; it's packed with flavour. If you are a cilantro lover, this is something you can't miss.
Provided by Izzy Knight
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat.
- Add onion and cook 2 minutes.
- Add jalapeno and garlic, cook 2 to 3 minutes, until onion is soft and beginning to color.
- Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until grains turn translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and 1 can water and bring to a boil.
- Stir in chiles and salt.
- Cover, reduce heat to low and cook 15 to 17 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Stir in cilantro just before serving.
CILANTRO PESTO
This is a wonderful twist on pesto. Sometimes the basil version gets old and you want to impress everyone at the dinner table or potluck with a tasty new version.
Provided by DragonShoes
Categories Vegetable
Time 10m
Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine the cilantro, garlic and almonds in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Add the parmesan, oil and salt and puree to a smooth paste. Stir into hot pasta and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 253.9, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 5.5, Sodium 447.3, Carbohydrate 5, Fiber 2, Sugar 1, Protein 6.3
Tips for Cooking with Cilantro:
- Choose fresh cilantro: Look for cilantro bunches with bright green, crisp leaves. Avoid any wilted or yellowing leaves.
- Use cilantro stems: Don't just throw away the cilantro stems! They're packed with flavor and can be used in stocks, soups, and sauces.
- Chop cilantro just before using: Cilantro loses its flavor quickly, so it's best to chop it just before adding it to your dish.
- Add cilantro at the end of cooking: Cilantro is best added at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Store cilantro properly: Wrap cilantro in a damp paper towel and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion:
Cilantro is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its fresh, citrusy flavor can brighten up any dish, from salads to soups to curries. With its many health benefits, cilantro is a great addition to any healthy diet. So next time you're looking for a way to add some flavor to your meal, reach for cilantro!
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