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Cilantro Lime Rice is an easy and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with so many Mexican foods! It’s made with a short list of ingredients that make it perfect for weeknight meals. Better than Chipotle’s!
Rice is a staple ingredient in many Mexican households. It’s the one side dish that can be served with anything and enriches the flavors instead of overpowering them. While most people typically choose authentic Mexican rice made with a red tomato broth, sometimes you may prefer something lighter, refreshing, or different.
That’s exactly where this Cilantro Lime Rice comes in. It’s light, refreshing, and easily goes with everything. The zesty lime and aromatic cilantro mix creates a savory taste that’ll make the whole family crave this dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
- Rice: Long-grain white rice gives you a fluffy and light texture. Make sure to rinse it under water to remove any extra starch.
- Broth: Using chicken or vegetable broth gives the rice even more flavor. If you don’t have any, water will work too.
- Oil: Olive, avocado, or your favorite vegetable oil works great for frying rice. You could also use butter for that delicious buttery flavor!
- Cilantro: A staple Mexican herb that adds brightness and freshness.
- Lime: Adding lime zest and lime juice gives a tangy citric flavor.
- Seasonings: I use kosher salt and garlic cloves to add a savory taste.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse and toast: Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear, then saute it in hot oil until the rice begins to lightly brown and gets toasted.
- Add garlic, broth, and salt: Saute garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then, pour in broth, salt, and stir to combine.
- Cook: Bring the rice to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked through and all the water has been absorbed. Then uncover and remove the pan from the heat.
- Add cilantro and lime: Add cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice to cooked rice. Gently fluff it to incorporate the ingredients and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ways to pair your Cilantro Lime Rice? Here are some good options:
Storage
To store, place the leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Mexican Recipes
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups broth (or water)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the rice turns from transparent to white in color.
- Add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and the salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Gently stir in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste and season with more salt if necessary.
Notes
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth are both great options.
- Storage: Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy to make! It came out so delicious next time I will double the recipe.
This came out PERFECT! So easy and yummy too! It’s 97° outside right now, but this rice went along with the Carnitas! So Amazing!!! Thank you for always sharing! You always give me ideas for what to cook! 🥰
Better than the restaurant, it came out so tasty! I made it with chicken chimichurri and roasted zucchini.
This recipe has become a family staple over the last year, everyone loves it! A few months ago I stretched this for a group of 40 for dinner, it couldn’t have been easier!
That’s amazing! Thanks for letting me know, Meg. Cooking for a big group can be a challenge!
I love the sound of all of your recipes I can’t wait to make them but unfortunately I don’t have a stove right now is there a way that you can tell me how to make these recipes using just a microwave, toaster oven or an air fryer maybe ?
Hi Anna! We have several recipes for air fryer and some salads or salsas that dont require a stove if you wanted to check those out!
I’m 86 I need simple recipes, one for breakfast, lunch and snack. I like chicken and beef!
Thanks for helping everyone I just think it’s really cool. Kenneth Johnston Waskom Texas