Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is an easy to make side dish that is ready in under 30 minutes and taste just like Chipotles!
Serve it with tacos, burrito bowls or even black bean soup for a quick dinner.
I love going to Chipotle to fuel up on a healthy burrito bowl – their cilantro lime rice is probably my favorite part of the whole dish!
But have you ever wondered how they make it?
Why you'll love Cilantro Lime Rice
- Easy to Make: Cilantro lime rice is easy for anyone to make with just a few ingredients and simple steps. It's perfect for quick dinners.
- Fresh & Bright: Cilantro lime rice has a fresh, herby flavor from cilantro and a tangy kick from lime. Perfect to serve with spring and summer dishes.
- Versatile: It serves as a versatile base for a variety of dishes, from black bean burrito bowls to tacos to grilled greek chicken kabobs or seafood.
- Restaurant Quality: Making cilantro lime rice at home lets you enjoy the flavors of your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant without going out. It's a simple way to have tasty restaurant-style food right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- White Rice: Any long-grain white rice works for this recipe like jasmine or basmati rice. Just note that cooking times will vary depending on what rice you use.
- Cilantro: Cilantro gives the dish a fresh, herby flavor and the little green flecks add a pop of color to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: I recommend using chicken broth to cook the rice because it adds lots of flavor. But if you prefer, you can also use water or vegetable broth.
- Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is slightly sautéed in oil adding a rich and savory depth to the rice.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a zesty, tangy flavor to the rice.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil prevents the rice grains from sticking together during the cooking process, creating a fluffier rice. Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil.
How to make Cilantro Lime Rice
Step 1: Prepare the rice.
Rinse the rice in a mesh sieve under cold water to remove the excess starch from the outside of the grain. Rinsing the rice before cooking will prevent the cooked rice from being sticky.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic.
In a medium pot, that has a tight-fitting lid, sauté the garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the rice, salt, and water to the pot and stir it.
Step 3: Cook the rice.
Bring the water to a boil, cover with a lid, return the heat to low, and let it simmer until the rice has fully absorbed the water, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam for 10 more minutes, keeping the lid on the pot.
Step 4: Add the lime and cilantro.
Fluff the rice using a fork or wooden spoon. Add the lime juice and cilantro, and toss together. Add more salt to taste and serve. Use the lime zest if you want even more lime flavor!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice pairs well with various Asian and Mexican dishes, like black beans, salsa verde chicken, quick chicken tacos, chicken lettuce wraps, guacamole and shrimp fajitas.
Store
- To refrigerate: Store the rice in an airtight container and consume it within 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze: Put the rice in a container or bag that's safe for the freezer. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in a skillet or microwave.
More easy side dish recipes
- macaroni salad: Made with pasta, peas and tomatoes with a creamy base.
- creamy coleslaw: A lightened up creamy coleslaw perfect for barbecues.
- corn and red cabbage slaw: Light and refreshing for the summer.
- oil and vinegar potato salad: Perfect for outside parties and get-togethers.
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Cilantro Lime Rice
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (water or vegetable broth)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- juiced of one lime (use zest for more lime flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in a mesh sieve under cold water to remove the excess starch from the outside of the grain. Rinsing the rice before cooking will prevent the cooked rice from being sticky.
- Sauté garlic. In medium pot over medium heat, sauté the garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the rice, salt, and water to the pot and stir.
- Cook the rice. Bring the water to a boil, cover with a lid, return the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam for 10 more minutes, keeping the lid on the pot.
- Add lime and cilantro. Fluff the rice using a fork or wooden spoon. Add the lime juice and cilantro, and toss together. Add more salt to taste and serve.
NOTES
- To store leftovers: Store the rice in an airtight container and consume it within 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze: Transfer the rice to a freezer-safe container or bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the rice to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
I have to eat lower carb so experimented with riced cauliflower. Cut the broth back to 1/4 of recipe. Kept everything else the same. Flavor was very good. Will repeat, next time I may add cumin because it is good with garlic, lime and cilantro. Good recipe.
I have made several cilantro rice but this was the easiest and freshest tasting.