**copycat** Costa Vida Green Rice Recipe

Welcome to my Costa Vida Green Rice recipe! If you’re a fan of the popular Costa Rican restaurant chain, Costa Vida, then you already know how delicious their green rice is. This recipe is a copycat version of their famous rice, and I guarantee it will taste just as good as the real thing.

As a chef, I love experimenting with different recipes and creating my own versions of classic dishes. And this green rice recipe is no exception. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The combination of green chilies, cilantro, and lime juice give this rice a tangy and refreshing taste that will perfectly complement any main dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and you’ll have a flavorful side dish ready in no time.

So, get ready to bring some Costa Vida magic into your kitchen and impress your family and friends with this delicious and irresistible green rice recipe. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you a fan of Costa Vida’s famous green rice? Do you wish you could enjoy it at home without having to leave your house? Well, you’re in luck because this copycat Costa Vida green rice recipe is the perfect solution for you!

What makes this recipe so special is that it’s an exact replica of Costa Vida’s green rice, which is known for its delicious blend of flavors and aromas. The combination of long-grain white rice, chicken broth, green chilies, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice creates a dish that is both savory and tangy.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also very versatile. You can pair it with your favorite protein, such as sweet pork or chicken, or use it as a base for a tasty Costa Rican black bean dip.

Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s a healthier alternative to the traditional rice recipes. The use of chicken broth instead of water adds an extra depth of flavor, while reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, the combination of cilantro and lime provides a dose of antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a perfect addition to your daily diet.

Overall, this copycat Costa Vida green rice recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and easy-to-make dishes. You’ll be amazed at how close it tastes to the original and how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe book. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to return to life with this delicious Costa Vida rice recipe.

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we need to make this copycat Costa Vida green rice recipe. You can easily find these ingredients at any grocery store near you. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

Long Grain White Rice – 2 cups
Chicken Broth – 2 cups
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Onion – 1 medium-sized, diced
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Green Chilies – 1 can (4 ounces), diced
Cilantro – 1/2 to 1 cup, chopped
Garlic Cloves – 2 to 3, minced
Lime Juice – 1 to 2 limes, freshly squeezed

Optional Ingredients:

Cilantro Lime Rice – 1 to 2 cups, cooked
Costa Rican Black Beans – 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
Green Rice Recipe – 1 to 2 cups, cooked
Basil Vinaigrette – for serving

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking to save time and ensure that your dish turns out perfect.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own copycat Costa Vida Green Rice at home.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Rice

Next, add 2 cups of white long-grain rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice in the butter and aromatics. Let the rice cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Add 3 cups of chicken broth to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Add the Flavor

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add 1 can of diced green chilies, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let the rice sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

After letting the rice sit for a few minutes, fluff it with a fork and serve it hot. This Costa Vida Green Rice is the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Substitutions and Variations

There are a few substitutions and variations you can make to this copycat Costa Vida green rice recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Firstly, if you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will still give you the same savory flavor, but without the meat.

If you prefer a spicier kick to your rice, you can add more green chilies or even jalapeños to the recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the green chilies altogether.

For those who don’t like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil. This will give the dish a different flavor profile, but it will still complement the lime and garlic flavors.

If you want to add more protein to your meal, you can serve this rice with grilled chicken, steak or shrimp. You can also add black beans to the rice itself for a Costa Rican twist.

Another variation is to make cilantro lime rice instead of green rice. To do this, simply omit the green chilies and add more cilantro and lime juice to the recipe. This variation is similar to the popular cilantro lime rice from Chipotle.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can serve this green rice with a side of Costa Rican black bean dip and basil vinaigrette. This is a classic Costa Rican dish that is often served as a side dish or appetizer.

No matter which variation you choose, this copycat Costa Vida green rice recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Serving and Pairing

This Costa Vida Green Rice Recipe is the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp. It also goes well with black beans, refried beans, or a savory corn dish.

For a complete Costa Vida experience, serve this rice with their signature sweet pork, a refreshing cilantro lime dressing, and a side of pico de gallo. You can also make a delicious rice bowl by topping the green rice with grilled chicken, black beans, roasted peppers, and guacamole.

To add some crunch to your meal, serve this rice with a simple salad dressed with a tangy basil vinaigrette. Or, serve it as a filling for vegetarian burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.

This green rice is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold. You can also use it as a base for a delicious Costa Rican black bean dip recipe. Simply mix some olive oil, lime juice, and fresh cilantro into the green rice and serve it alongside some tortilla chips.

No matter how you choose to serve this Costa Vida Green Rice Recipe, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny beaches of Costa Rica.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This Costa Vida Green Rice recipe is a perfect meal prep option as you can make it ahead of time and store it for later use. You can either store the rice in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.

To store the rice in the fridge, let it cool down completely and transfer it to an airtight container. The rice will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.

If you want to freeze the rice, allow it to cool down to room temperature and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some room for expansion. The rice will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to serve, thaw the rice overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

When reheating the rice, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice to help it steam and maintain its moisture. Stir the rice occasionally while reheating to distribute the heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat the rice as this can make it dry and unappetizing.

This Costa Vida Green Rice recipe is also a great side dish to serve with other Costa Rican-inspired dishes such as black bean dip or sweet pork. The rice can complement the flavors of these dishes and add a refreshing touch to your meal.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to achieve the perfect Costa Vida Green Rice, here are some tips that I recommend:

Firstly, always use fresh ingredients. The flavor of the green rice heavily relies on the freshness of the cilantro, garlic, and green chilies. Make sure to carefully select the ingredients and avoid using wilted or expired ones.

Secondly, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any dirt or excess starch that might affect the texture and taste of the rice.

Thirdly, when cooking the rice, use chicken broth instead of water. It adds a savory flavor that complements the cilantro and green chilies. Also, adding a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt to the rice before adding the broth will enhance the depth of flavor.

Fourthly, after adding the green chilies, garlic, and cilantro to the rice, let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the lime juice. This will allow the flavors to blend and infuse into the rice.

Fifthly, when adding the lime juice, do it gradually and taste the rice frequently. This will ensure that you achieve the perfect balance of acidity and flavor.

Sixthly, let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to let it absorb all the flavors. Fluff the rice with a fork to avoid clumping and uneven seasoning.

Lastly, if you are making this recipe for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. It is always better to have extra rice than not enough. Plus, this rice can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a big fan of Costa Vida or simply looking for a delicious and flavorful rice recipe, this copycat Costa Vida Green Rice Recipe is definitely worth a try. With its perfect blend of cilantro, green chilies, and lime juice, this rice dish will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Not only is this recipe easy to make with just a few ingredients, but it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences. You can add some protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal or switch up the spices to make it more or less spicy.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and get cooking this amazing Costa Vida Green Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to settle for plain white rice again. Enjoy!