Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple way to add a burst of bright, fresh flavor to your meals. So easy and versatile, enjoy it as a base for grain bowls, serve with a stir fry or Mexican favorites (better than Chipotle!), or pile it high with pulled pork!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
I know there are some Chipotle superfans out there who might not take kindly to my claims that this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is better than Chipotle. But here’s the thing. It’s one of the easiest rice recipes – it’s just rice with cilantro and lime. So it is super simple to make and is sure to turn out delicious, no matter what. And when you make it yourself, you can adjust the flavors just the way you like it. Love cilantro? Add more. Want it extra tangy? Toss in lime zest along with the juice.
And the best part is that, unlike Chipotle, you know your rice will be fresh and moist. You’ll probably be enjoying it right right away, so while a little oil or butter enhances the flavor and texture, you don’t have to add a ton and risk it being greasy just to keep it from drying out.
Make Cilantro Lime Rice That Rivals Chipotle
Here’s why you’ll love this copycat recipe…
- Easy. There are really only two steps to make this recipe. First, cook your rice. Then add the cilantro, lime, and other flavorings. Mix and serve!
- Quick. If your Chipotle is as busy as most of the locations near me, you can probably make it in less time than it takes to drive there and wait in line.
- Flavorful. Every bite of this simple rice recipe is bursting with fresh lime and cilantro flavor.
- Gluten Free. Some people wonder if rice is gluten free. Yes, it is! And while some rice mixes add gluten-containing ingredients, when you flavor it yourself, you know there is no hidden gluten.
Recipe Ingredients
What can you add to white rice to make it taste better? We all know it can be pretty plain on its own. But with just a few additions, it can go from basic to spectacular with just a few simple additions. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need with some recipe notes and tips. Scroll to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions.
- White rice: Many people like to make cilantro lime rice with basmati or jasmine rice. But your basic long grain white rice will do just fine if that is what you have in your pantry. If you want a whole grain option, brown rice works great too! Want to use leftover cooked rice? Keep reading for how to do that.
- Water: Since you are adding other ingredients, cooking the rice just in plain water is all you need to do, but you can also choose to use chicken or vegetable broth for an extra flavor boost.
- Salt: If you are not using a salted broth, then a pinch of salt will help elevate the flavors.
- Cilantro: You definitely want to use fresh cilantro since it is a prominent flavor here. And if you are one of those people who doesn’t like it, feel free to use another fresh herb for a different but still tasty flavor profile.
- Lime juice: Fresh is best in this case, as bottled lime juice can be bitter. While you are at it, feel free to toss in the zest of the lime if you want some extra zing.
- Optional butter or olive oil: This can add richness to your rice, but you can also leave it out to keep the calorie count a bit lower.
Can I Make This with Leftover Rice?
If you made a big batch of rice or have extra from that takeout order, you can use it to make this cilantro lime rice recipe. It’s just important that you reheat it thoroughly. You can see how to do that below in the section about storing and reheating leftovers. Then, just pick up with the step where you add the cilantro and lime juice to the cooked rice.
- Rice Cooker – Yes, you can make the rice right on the stove without buying any extra appliances, but I like the ease of a simple one-touch rice cooker.
- Citrus Juicer – You’ll get every last bit of juice out of your limes with this handheld juicer that I use all the time in my kitchen.
- Herb Stripper – When you need a lot of fresh herbs, this little tool helps you quickly separate the leaves from the stems.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Here’s how to make cilantro lime rice that tastes even better than what you can get at Chipotle:
- Prepare the rice: Cook the rice on the stove per the package directions using water or broth, or use one of these methods for how to cook white rice if you want to make it in the microwave, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or rice cooker.
- Prep the other ingredients. Slice your lime in half and mince the cilantro.
- Combine Rice, Lime, and Cilantro: Stir together cooked rice, minced cilantro, and fresh lime juice. You can also stir in the butter or olive oil, if you are using it.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Rice
Note that rice should not be saved and reheated more than once. If you use leftover rice to start with, it’s best to toss the leftovers rather than store them!
- To Refrigerate: Place portions into shallow, airtight containers. Refrigerate immediately; rice shouldn’t be left out longer than one hour at room temperature. Toss it out after 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: Store in freezer containers and keep in the freezer for three to four months.
How to Reheat Leftover Rice
Cooked rice typically loses moisture in the refrigerator. As a result, before reheating the cilantro lime rice (or the leftover plain white rice you use to make it), you’ll want to add a tablespoon of cooking liquid per cup of cooked rice.
- Microwave: Put the rice in a microwave-safe container and sprinkle the liquid over the top. Cover with a water-dampened paper towel on top. Microwave it for 1 minute, and then carefully remove and stir it. Microwave in additional 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stove: Add the rice and liquid to a saucepan. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on the stove top on low for 3-5 minutes, a fork to break up any large clumps.
With either method, make sure it is steaming hot before you eat it.
Make it a Meal
If you want a little more fresh deliciousness than your basic white or brown rice when making grain bowls, use cilantro lime rice in Ground Beef Burrito Bowls or Chicken Burrito Bowl. It also complements something other than a burrito bowl, like Peruvian Pulled Pork Rice Bowls or a vegetarian option such as Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls. And this simple side dish is so versatile that you can enjoy it with many other dinner ideas. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Mexican meals. The cilantro and lime complement the flavors of everything from Mexican meals like Fish Stick Tacos or Chicken Enchiladas.
- Asian dishes. It’s also wonderful with Slow Cooker Kung Pao Cauliflower, Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken, or Sesame Maple Glazed Salmon.
- Fast and flavorful dinners. You can also try it alongside Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts, topped with Honey Lime Shrimp, or to balance the spicy fusion flavor of Chili Lime Cube Steaks.
More Easy Side Dishes
- Cheddar Cheese Quinoa
- Broccoli Cheddar Baked Potatoes
- Chili Lime Baked Sweet Potato Slices
- Persian Rice from Unicorns in the Kitchen
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (can also use basmati or jasmine rice), or 2 cups leftover cooked rice (omit the water)
- 1 1/2 cups water or chicken or vegetable broth (you may need more or less if you use another method for cooking the rice instead of on the stovetop. See Note.)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- up to 1 Tablespoon olive oil or butter , optional
Instructions
- If you starting with uncooked rice: Combine 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice and 1 1/2 cups water or chicken or vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer with the lid on. Cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat, keep the lid on, and let it sit for 10 minutes. (See Note for other cooking methods.)
- If you are starting with leftover cooked rice: Reheat the rice. Put the rice in a microwave-safe container and sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the top, cover with a dampened paper towel, then heat for 1-2 minutes on high power to warm it through. Or add the rice and tablespoon of water to a saucepan, cover the pan with a lid and cook on the stove top on low for 3-5 minutes, using a fork to break up any large clumps.
- Fluff the hot rice with a fork, then add 2 Tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, and up to 1 Tablespoon olive oil or butter, if using. Stir everything together until evenly distributed, then serve immediately.
Notes
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