Cilantro, sometimes referred to as coriander, is a nutrient-dense Mediterranean herb commonly used worldwide. Both its leaves and seeds can be used in cooking that's why it's a culinary favorite. This flavorful herb is packed with Vitamins A, C and K, calcium, iron, manganese and potassium. Benefits of eating cilantro regularly include increased antioxidants in the body, improved eye function, better skin, stronger bones and many more!
Not convinced yet? Try these 3 mouth-watering cilantro recipes and you'll surely want to eat healthier:
Classic Cilantro Fried Rice
What you need:
2 cups jasmine rice, cooked and chilled
2 cups cubed chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
5 tbsps. chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsps. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 green chilies, diced
4 tbsps. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. fish sauce
1 tbsp. white sugar
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Cook garlic until golden brown before adding chili peppers and chicken. When cooked through, pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce and white sugar. Stir until well-blended. Stir in cilantro, basil and green onions and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Serve immediately.
Tropical Cilantro Salad Dressing
What you need:
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic
3/4 tsp. minced ginger root
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tsps. balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Put jalapeno pepper, garlic and ginger root together in a blender and pulse until jalapeno and garlic are finely chopped. Add cilantro, honey, lime juice and balsamic vinegar and pulse until all ingredients are blended. Slowly add olive oil and turn the blender on for 6-8 seconds. Season with salt before serving over fresh vegetables.
Cheesy Grilled Cilantro Burger
What you need:
1/2 kg. ground beef
4 slices Monterey Jack Cheese
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 slices tomato
4 leaves lettuce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
8 slices toasted sourdough bread
Combine ground beef, barbecue sauce and garlic powder in a bowl. Divide into 4 and flatten into burger patties. Cook patties in a pre-heated grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side or to desired doneness. Place a slice of cheese on top of each pattie and wait until melted. Press cilantro onto melted cheese on top of each burger. Top with a tomato slice and a lettuce leaf and serve with toasted sourdough bread.
Cook any of these delicious cilantro recipes for a healthy and fulfilling meal!
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