Cilantro Lime Rice

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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!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice recipe

Servings:

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!

Notes

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.

Nutrition