Cilantro lime rice is so easy to make, the perfect side dish for burrito bowls, grilled meats, stir fries, and more, loaded with zesty lime and cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Looking for your next quick and easy side dish? Here it is! Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice. This is a recipe you're going to love for it's fresh flavor.
I've had a number of people ask me for this recently, so I'm sharing it here with you. It's a lot like Chipotle cilantro lime rice, which you may have enjoyed from the popular burrito chain.
It's loaded up with the fresh and zingy flavor combination of citrusy lime and vibrant cilantro, taking boring rice to a level of awesomeness you can enjoy any time you'd like.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
- Cilantro lime rice is very easy to make! If you can make rice and chop some herbs, you can make this with almost no effort.
- It's so quick! It only takes the time to cook the rice and boom, ready to serve.
- It's super versatile. Lime cilantro rice goes with so many dishes, not just Mexican cuisine.
Let's talk about how to make cilantro lime rice, shall we?
Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Water.
- Salt.
- Rice. I'm using extra long grain white rice for this recipe, but any rice will work.
- Fresh Lime. Use the lime juice and lime zest.
- Fresh Cilantro.
- Serrano. Optional, for spicy. Jalapeno is great for a milder kick.
- Vegetable Oil. I love extra virgin olive oil for this.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice - the Recipe Method
- Add the rice to salted boiled water, then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all of the liquid for perfect rice. Cook time can vary, depending on the rice you're using.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, serrano (if using), and olive oil. Use extra lime for big lime flavor.
Boom! Done! Your cilantro lime rice is ready to serve. So easy to make, isn't it? It's the perfect quick and easy side for so many dishes. Goes with just about anything!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- You can make cilantro lime rice with any cooked rice - brown rice, basmati rice, any white rice, even instant rice. Just cook the rice according to packaging directions, then stir in the additional ingredients.
- Try it with other oils, like chili oil for a spicy version, or a flavored oil.
- Consider stock instead of water for more flavorful rice. I enjoy chicken stock and everyone loves it.
- Garlic is a nice addition, as are chili flakes for an additional spicy kick.
Serving Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish or base for so many recipes. Serve it with anything off the grill, as a base for your curries, stews, burrito bowls, and more.
It is particularly ideal for Latin American or Asian cuisine.
Try it in salads, for Classic Stuffed Peppers, or with black beans.
Storage & Leftovers
Leftover cilantro lime rice will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Warm it up gently in the microwave for a minute or 2, or in a small pot on the stove top, to enjoy again.
You can also freeze it for 2-3 months, but freezing it can affect the texture, making it mushy.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this lime cilantro recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
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- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
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Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup extra long grain rice NOTE: Any rice will work for this recipe, but check the packaging for water/liquid amounts and cooking time
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 small serrano minced (optional, for spicy)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil I love extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the water with salt to taste to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice. Bring the rice to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all of the liquid. Do not stir while cooking. If the rice gets too dry, add a few tablespoons of extra water.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, serrano (if using), and oil.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe works with any cooked rice. Just cook according to packaging directions, then stir in the additional ingredients.
- Try it with other oils, like chili oil for a spicy version, or a flavored oil.
- Consider stock instead of water for more flavorful rice.
- Garlic is a nice addition, as are chili flakes.
Nutrition Information
Margarita says
Made this today for a change from Thanksgiving leftovers. I made your Fish Tacos to go with it, and they were both delicious. As always, thank you for sharing, you make my kitchen life a pleasure, and my family very well fed and happy! Margarita
Mike Hultquist says
Thank you so much for sharing, Margarita! I'm very happy you're enjoying my recipes. I do appreciate it.
Paul says
Hi Mike & Patty,
Loved this! Didn’t add any Chilli or salt as we had it with your Chili Colorado and we like the contrast of flavours.
Paul:-)
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Paul! Yes, a nice and simple recipe, perfect with the Chili Colorado! I love it.
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me i never had cilantro lime rice before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Ramya.