Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
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This is the only cilantro lime rice recipe you’ll ever need. It always turns out light, fluffy, and packed with a fresh, vibrant flavor – perfect for everything from grilled meat to burrito bowls. If you love a dish that’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and will instantly brighten up your dinner table, this one’s for you.
Aside from my favorite rice pilaf, this is the only other rice recipe that I always just want to eat straight from the pot. Yes, it’s that delicious – fluffy white rice with just the right balance of bright lime and fragrant cilantro. I love the bright flecks of green from the chopped cilantro, too!
When I’m entertaining, I like to add a topping of chopped jalapeños and some lime wedges, which make the cilantro lime rice look even more gorgeous on the party spread. Whether it’s a weekday family meal, a backyard barbecue, or a festive gathering, this refreshing side never fails to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy rice dish: Just cook the rice, mix in the cilantro and lime, and serve.
- Simple ingredients: This recipe requires only 6 ingredients – rice, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and water – pantry staples you probably already have at home.
- Bright and fresh flavor: Cilantro and lime are a match made in heaven! Their combination makes this rice anything but boring.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs well with just about anything – from your favorite beef, chicken pork, and seafood dishes to Mexican eats like tacos and burrito bowls.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to make this recipe your own.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week with different meals.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is my favorite way to enjoy good ‘ol white rice. It’s a breeze to make and every bite is bursting with citrusy goodness. 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time is all you need to bring this fresh, vibrant rice dish to life!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Long-grain white rice: Basmati rice is my top choice for this recipe but you can use any long-grain or extra-long-grain variety that you like.
- Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled versions may taste slightly bitter and lack the same brightness.
- Water
- Salt
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the rice its signature fresh, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant green color.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the rice grains stay separate.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making cilantro lime rice is as easy as one, two, three – prep the rice, cook it, and mix in the cilantro and lime juice. It comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days or whenever you need a delicious side dish quick.
Step 1: Prep
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear. Shake it off and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the rice
Fill a small sauce pot with water, rice, oil and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking uncovered until most of the water is absorbed into the rice and it is cooked through. Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the cilantro and lime
Mix in the cilantro and lime juice just before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as desired.
Substitutions
This cilantro lime rice is as basic as it gets, and is very adaptable to your preferences. Substitute ingredients with what you love or have on hand. Here are my recommendations!
- Long-grain white rice: Use brown rice if that’s what’s available, but it will require more water and a longer cooking time. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it will give the rice a slightly different tang.
- Water: Use a light broth like chicken or vegetable broth instead of water if you want to add more flavor.
- Cilantro: Substitute with parsley for a milder flavor. You can also try fresh basil or green onions for a different twist.
- Olive oil: Replace with avocado oil or butter.
Expert Tips
- Control the saltiness: If using broth instead of water, adjust the salt since some broths are already salty.
- Make it creamy: If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, stir in a little butter or a drizzle of coconut milk to the mix.
- Add mix-ins: Toss in chopped green onions or a handful of diced tomatoes for extra freshness or diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. A sprinkle of crumbled cheese and a topping of toasted nuts are ideal, too!
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Fluff, don’t stir: Once the rice is cooked, use a fork to fluff it instead of stirring, which can make it mushy.
- Keep it warm: Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel after cooking to trap steam and keep the rice warm without overcooking it. This is especially helpful when you’re serving the rice at a gathering!
How to Store This Recipe
Cilantro lime rice is best served the day that it’s made, but leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat with water or broth, stirring frequently. Stir in extra lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro before serving for a fresher flavor. Thaw frozen rice in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
There are endless ways to enjoy this versatile rice dish! Serve it alongside your favorite protein mains – we love it with grilled meat, air fryer pork chops, parmesan crusted chicken, and bacon-wrapped filet mignon.
It’s perfect for burrito bowls with black beans, avocado, homemade salsa, and sour cream, or as a base for taco night with slow cooker salsa chicken. We add a bit to our chicken quesadillas, too!
More Easy Side Dishes To Try
- Slow cooker mashed potatoes
- Broccoli casserole
- Roasted potatoes
- Slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup
- Frozen roasted green beans
If you make this cilantro lime rice, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
The Best Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice long-grain
- 2 tablespoons lime juice approximately 1 lime
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear. Shake it off and set aside.
- Fill a small sauce pot with water, rice, oil and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking uncovered until most of the water is absorbed into the rice and it is cooked through.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as desired.
Video
Notes
- If using broth instead of water, adjust the salt since some broths are already salty.
- If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, stir in a little butter or a drizzle of coconut milk to the mix.
- Toss in chopped green onions or a handful of diced tomatoes for extra freshness or diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. A sprinkle of crumbled cheese and a topping of toasted nuts are ideal, too!
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Once the rice is cooked, use a fork to fluff it instead of stirring, which can make it mushy.
- Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel after cooking to trap steam and keep the rice warm without overcooking it.
