Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Sometimes you just need a quick, tasty side dish to complete your summertime meal, so let me introduce you to – cilantro lime rice! This recipe couldn’t be easier, and it’s perfect to have in your back pocket for quick, weeknight burrito bowls – just add beans, veggies, salsa, and guacamole. It also pairs nicely with whatever you’re grilling – serve it alongside grilled avocados or next to grilled veggie kabobs, maybe with a little chipotle sauce or cilantro lime dressing over the top. You get the idea. On to the recipe!

Making this cilantro lime rice recipe couldn’t be simpler. Beyond cooking the rice, there are only a few extra steps:

With its fresh, bright flavor, this green rice goes especially well with Asian and Mexican-inspired dishes. Serve it as a simple side dish with tacos or a protein of your choice or try stuffing it into peppers like these mini peppers or these poblanos! It would also be a great base for any of these bowl recipes:

Cilantro Lime Rice

I love serving this cilantro lime rice recipe as a fresh, bright side dish with Asian or Mexican food. Plus, it’s a great base for homemade burrito bowls!

Prep: 5min

Total: 25min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain jasmine rice (rinsed well and drained)
• 1½ cups water
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 small garlic clove (finely minced)
• 2 scallions (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1½ tablespoons lime juice
• ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
• pinch of red pepper flakes or ¼ diced jalapeño (optional)

Instruction:

1. Combine the rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes (or check the time listed on the package of your rice).
2. Uncover, fluff with a fork, then add the garlic, scallions, and lime zest and stir to combine. Let cool for 1 minute then add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, lime juice, cilantro, and red pepper flakes or jalapeño, if using. Stir to combine and season to taste.

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

I am a huge fan of the rice at Chipotle’s. Here is my copycat version, it tastes just like the real thing. Of course, I used less oil. Makes a wonderful side dish for chicken, beef or pork.

Total: 25min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 3 /4 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 3 /4 cup, calories 194 kcal, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 3.5 g, Sodium 280 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

Ingredients:

• 1 cup extra long grain rice or basmati rice
• 1/2 lime (juice of)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
• 3 tsp vegetable oil

Instruction:

1. In a small heavy pot, add rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt.
2. Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce to low and cover about 20 minutes.
3. Shut off flame and keep covered an additional 5 minute.
4. In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed.

Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice

How to make delicious and flavorful cilantro lime rice that tastes even better than your favorite restaurants! Stock or broth substituted for the water adds additional flavor. We love using chicken or vegetable stock. If you do use stock, take care to add salt to taste since the stock may already have some salt added.

Prep: 10min

Total: 35min

Yield: Makes about 5 1/4 cups rice

Serving Size: About 1/2 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize About 1/2 cup, calories 119, Fat 1.6g, Saturated Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 60.8mg, Carbohydrate 23.6mg, Fiber 0.6g, Sugar 0.5g, Protein 2.2g

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (280 grams) long grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) finely minced onion (1 small)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 medium cloves)
• 2 ¼ cups (530 ml) water, vegetable stock or chicken stock
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste, see notes
• 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup (30 grams) roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

Instruction:

1. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well in a fine-mesh sieve and set aside. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook up fluffy and light.
2. Heat a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, over medium heat. Add the oil or butter. When hot, add the rinsed rice and onion. Cook, stirring often, until the rice turns from translucent to a brighter white and the onion is soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring it around the pan until fragrant, but not browned, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the warm water or stock and stir, knocking any grains of rice that are stuck to the sides of the pan. Season with salt, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover with a lid. Cook, covered for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and leave alone (still covered) for 10 minutes. Uncover and test a grain of rice. If the rice is still a little hard, place the lid back onto the rice and place over low heat for another 5 minutes. If the rice looks too dry, scatter a tablespoon or two of extra water over the rice before placing back onto the heat.
5. When the rice is done, scatter the lime juice and cilantro on top. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and incorporate the lime juice and cilantro into the rice. Serve.

How to Make Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice

FAQ

Is cilantro lime rice good for you?

What type of rice does Chipotle use?

What can I add to white rice for flavor?

1. Alternative Cooking Liquid. For an effortless yet dramatic difference, infuse your rice with flavored cooking water or use more aromatic liquid like broth or juice. …
2. Cheese. …
3. Vegetables. …
4. Avocado. …
5. Herbs and Seasonings. …
6. Nopalitos or Cactus Pads.