Cilantro Lime Rice

Fluffy white rice, brightly flavored with freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice, is the perfect accompaniment to tacos, burritos, salads, and more.

This recipe is SO simple and so good. The flavors that fresh cilantro and slightly tart citrusy lime add to the rice make plain rice fresh and interesting, and pretty, too!

I love adding this cilantro lime rice to a Mexican meal. Its bright flavors are a perfect foil to what can be a cheesy and spicy meal. Add it to your burrito, or burrito bowl. It’s great as a side with tacos or chili. Try serving cilantro lime rice with taco chicken tenders.

Cilantro lime rice goes great with Instant Pot honey Sriracha chicken, too. Serve it with steamed broccoli and you have a totally delicious meal. 

If you enjoy the food at the restaurant Chipotle, this rice may sound familiar. It is a copycat of their delicious rice (do you know they also have brown rice now?). This version probably has much less sodium, oil and fat than their version though, and tastes just as great. It’s way more economical to make your own, too. 

About this cilantro lime rice

Any long grain white rice will work: jasmine, basmati, or regular long grain white rice. You can make it with brown rice, too. 

There are various methods for cooking rice: on the stovetop which is the method I use for this recipe, with a rice steamer, or in your Instant Pot. Use whichever method you’re most comfortable with.  

So whatever method you choose, get the rice cooking, and in the meantime, juice the lime and chop fresh cilantro. Don’t worry about throwing in a few stems as well, as long as they’re pretty finely chopped. Mix the lime juice and cilantro with olive oil in the serving bowl.

When the rice is finished cooking, spoon it into the serving bowl and mix with the lime/cilantro mixture. Isn’t that easy? If you want, garnish with more cilantro or lime zest. A sprinkle of coarsely ground black pepper would be good, too!

More Southwestern sides:

If you like this cilantro lime rice, you may want to try:

 

• Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
• Cauliflower rice
• Frijoles borrachos (Drunken beans)
• Instant Pot pinto beans or Slow cooker refried beans
• Instant Pot cilantro lime quinoa
• Roasted cauliflower with chili powder
• Oven roasted Southwestern sweet potatoes
• Pickled red onions

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Cilantro Lime Rice

Yield: 10 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Similar to the rice you love at Chipotle and so easy to make at home. The fresh taste of this cilantro lime rice is the perfect addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 teaspoons salt (according to preference)
• 6 teaspoons olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil, divided
• juice of 1 lime
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, add rice, water, 2 teaspoons of oil and salt. Boil on high until the water is just covering the rice.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover and continue to cook for 10-15 minutes or until rice is cooked. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, and remaining oil. Add rice when it has finished cooking and toss until mixed, fluffing rice with a fork as needed.

Notes

• Cook rice using whatever method you feel comfortable with.
• Substitute brown rice, cooking according to package directions.
• Sodium calculation is based on 2 teaspoons of salt added.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 427mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.

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