Cilantro Lime Rice - Bursting with zesty lime and cilantro, this fluffy rice is a perfect side for Mexican or Asian dinners. Pair it with fish, chicken, meat, tacos, or burritos for a simply delicious meal!
This rice recipe is almost a mandatory accompaniment to any of our family’s Mexican food dinner nights. Whether we’re making Taco Dinner Board, Sweet Potato Tacos, Vegan Meat Tacos, or Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili, a bowl of this fluffy rice is always on the table.
The instructions for this rice cooking are very easy to follow and you’ll have a perfect side dish ready in less than 30 minutes! I also like to freeze it to have read ahead of time.
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Ingredients
- Rice - we are using basmati rice (long grain) and cooking it via the ''absorption method''. If you want to use another type of rice then the end result may not turn out as in the pictures.
- Cilantro - for the key flavor, use fresh cilantro, or switch to parsley or basil if you prefer.
- Lime - citrus brings a lively taste; you can use lime, lemon, or orange juice.
- Garlic - garlic enhances the dish's flavor and makes it stand out. You can add ½ cup of finely diced onion to the mix too!
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until it runs clear. Drain well before cooking. Alternatively, soak the rice in a bowl of water for up to 30 minutes to reduce starch.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and saute garlic until fragrant.
Add uncooked rinsed rice, season with salt and pepper, and toast for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in broth, reduce heat, add lime zest, and simmer with a lid for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from heat, add lime juice, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro, and serve as a side dish or with various meals.
Serve warm as a side dish, in Buddha bowls, tacos, burritos, with fish and etc.
How To Cook Cilantro Rice In Rice Cooker
- Put rinsed rice, water (following the manufacturer's guidelines), salt, and optional oil into the rice cooker.
- Close the lid, plug it in, and start cooking according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once done, mix in cilantro, black pepper, lime juice, and sauteed garlic. Adjust the salt to your taste and serve it hot or at room temperature.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Cool the cooked rice, then portion it into zip-top bags or airtight containers and freeze for 2-3 months. When needed, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Leftover rice stays good for 3-4 days in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag in the fridge.
- Freeze cooked rice for up to three months in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
- Reheat rice in a pot over medium heat with a teaspoon of water, stirring to prevent sticking, or use a microwave until hot.
- Frozen rice can be added directly to hot dishes or thawed in the fridge overnight and reheated.
Serving Suggestions
Our favorite ideas on how to serve cilantro rice:
Does This Taste Like Chipotle Cilantro Rice?
It's a Chipotle-inspired recipe, but the addition of garlic gives this rice an extra burst of flavor.
More Delicious Rice Recipes
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Recipe
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup white basmati rice, uncooked, properly rinsed
- 1-2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 large lime, zested
- 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black ground pepper, or use chili pepper mix for a little heat
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water
- olive oil for cooking
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook garlic.
- Add rice, season with salt and pepper, and toast for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in broth, reduce heat, add lime zest, and simmer with a lid for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add lime juice, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro, and serve as a side dish or with various meals.
NOTES
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Julia
A fluffy and flavorful rice that goes well with all Mexican dishes.