Cilantro, lime juice, and garlic transform regular white rice into something irresistible! This easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a wonderful side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal, steak, chicken, or pork!
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Cilantro haters, this one is not for you – I’m not even going to try and convince you. HA. It is worth mentioning, though, that I (who doesn’t really love cilantro, either) can scarf down all the servings of this cilantro lime rice and be sad when it’s all gone.
This cilantro lime rice recipe is based on the rice that Chipotle serves. It isn’t as fancy as it might sound, and really only requires a few basic ingredients. But the end result is a little salty and a little zesty – it’s fantastic and seriously irresistible.
I’ve said many times that if I had to choose between rice and pasta, rice would win. I could (and have!) made a meal out of my Rice Pilaf, Spanish Rice, and this cilantro rice. I also often serve it with my Chile Relleno Casserole, which is perfect together!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cilantro lime rice recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Rice – I use long grain white rice. Basmati rice would also work nicely. Brown rice would work, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and probably double the cook time.
- Cilantro – Use fresh cilantro. No need to chop it up for this recipe, since you’re just going to throw it in the food processor (or blender.)
- Lime – You’ll need fresh lime juice and zest for best flavor.
- Garlic – I use 1 large clove of garlic, but if garlic is your life, feel free to add more.
- Bay leaf – Adds a bit of flavor and subtle aroma to the rice.
- Olive oil – Regular vegetable oil can be used, but olive oil will provide the best flavor.
- Salt – Don’t skip the salt! This rice dish needs it. My recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, but adjust to taste.
- Water – Naturally you’ll need liquid to cook the rice.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. You could give the rice some heat by adding in a small jalapeño.
- Love onion? Add in some chopped onion or scallions.
- Add in some beans. Add 1/2 cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained) to the cooked rice for some protein.
- Use chicken broth. Replace the water with chicken broth for even more flavor.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
This rice recipe is super easy to make and loaded with flavor.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Sauté the rice in oil. In a medium pot, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Mix in the uncooked rice and salt; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Add water and lime zest. Add in the water, lime zest, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
- Cook. Cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook until water is absorbed and rice is just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Make the cilantro-lime dressing. In the meantime, place cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and water in a food processor or blender; give it a few whirls until combined and smooth.
- Combine dressing and cooked rice. Remove bay leaf from rice; fluff with a fork. Fold in the cilantro-lime mixture until combined.
- Serve. Serve right away and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This rice is such a great filling for my (copycat) Chipotle Burrito, Chile Rellenos, chicken burrito bowl, or as a side for skillet steak, grilled chicken, or fish tacos. Or do what I do and just eat it on its own!
Proper Storage
- To store: Cool completely, then store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Add a splash of water (or broth) over the top to loosen any clumps of grains. Reheat the rice in the microwave, covered, using 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until rice is warmed through and soft again.
More Rice Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a medium pot, over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Mix in rice and salt; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Add in 1 & 1/2 cups of water, the lime zest, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook until water is absorbed and rice is just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, place cilantro, lime juice, garlic, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor or blender; give it a few whirls until combined and smooth.
- Remove bay leaf from rice; fluff with a fork. Fold in the cilantro-lime mixture until combined.
- Serve right away and enjoy!
Have you tried making this in the Instant Pot?
This recipe is easy and a huge hit every time I make it.
I added a can of green chilies and a can of black beans and chicken and served with fresh pineapple and it was great!!!
This is a perfect complement to your Chile Relleno Casserole dish, too instead of Spanish rice.