Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a fresh and zesty side dish made with long grain rice, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. It's quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes, and pairs perfectly with burrito bowls, tacos, and grilled meats.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Chipotle copycat rice, Chipotle lime rice recipe, Chipotle rice recipe, Cilantro and lime rice, Cilantro lime rice, Cilantro lime rice recipe, Cilantro rice, Cilantro rice recipe, Copycat Chipotle rice, Lime and cilantro rice, Recipe for cilantro lime rice from Chipotle, Rice with cilantro and lime

Servings:

Calories: 203kcal

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ teaspoons salt
1 cup long grain white rice rinsed and drained with cool water (Basmati rice was used)
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Optional garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

To a 2–3 quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, add the water, olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, stir in the long grain white rice, then immediately cover the saucepan with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
Cook the rice for 20 minutes without lifting the lid, as the steam is essential for proper cooking. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on, allowing the rice to rest for 5 more minutes so it can absorb any remaining water.
After the resting period, remove the lid and add the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and evenly mix in the cilantro and lime.
Transfer the finished cilantro lime rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and a lime wedge, if desired.

Notes

Basmati rice was used to develop this recipe, but jasmine rice also works well.
For added flavor, you can substitute unsalted butter for the olive oil.
Be sure to rinse and thoroughly dry your cilantro before using, as it’s often gritty from the way it’s grown.

Nutrition