Elevate any meal with this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. Light, fluffy rice packed with zesty lime and lots of flavor!
This Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a bright, fresh touch to any meal. Fluffy rice is tossed with freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant combination of citrusy and herbaceous flavors. It’s the perfect accompaniment to tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, seafood, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
This dish is ready in just 30 minutes and perfectly complements all your favorite Mexican meals. I love serving it with my Southwestern Burrito Bowl Bake, Crazy Delicious Beef Barbacoa, and Chili Lime Chicken Tacos.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Cilantro Rice
- Great for leftovers as it tastes just as good the next day.
- Keeps meal prep stress-free with simple ingredients.
- It only takes 30 minutes to make this rice.
Recipe Ingredients
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is key to the recipe’s vibrant taste. Chop the leaves and tender stems, leaving the tougher stems for another use.
Water or Broth – Water works perfectly, but for more flavor, try using chicken or veggie broth for a richer taste.
Lime – Fresh lime juice is essential for the bright, zesty flavor of Cilantro Lime Rice. Add it after the rice is cooked for the best results.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Vegetable Broth – Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Add Vegetables – Incorporate cooked corn kernels or diced bell peppers to add color and subtle sweetness to the rice.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Step 1: Place rice in a mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 1 minute.
Step 2: Meanwhile, place a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Heat oil or butter.
Step 3: Shake rice to remove as much moisture as possible. Pour into the hot pan and spread into an even layer. Toast for about a minute and a half, stir, spread evenly, then toast for an additional minute and a half. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Pour in water, broth, chiles, cilantro and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce, cover, and simmer for 13–15 minutes or until the rice is cooked throughout. Remove from heat, add the juice of 2 limes and zest of one, cover, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Ways to Serve This Flavorful Rice
Tacos or Burrito Bowls – A perfect base for tacos or customizable burrito bowls. Pair it with options like black or pinto beans, fajita veggies, sofritas, guacamole, and your favorite salsa or pico de gallo.
Grilled Meats or Fish – Perfect as a side for grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish.
Mexican-Inspired Meals – Serve with Mexican Black Beans, Instant Pot Carnitas, Best Green Chicken Enchiladas, Instant Pot Salsa Chicken, or burritos for a flavorful and versatile pairing.
Side for Enchiladas or Fajitas – Complements the rich and bold flavors of enchiladas or fajitas.
Expert Tips
Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice – Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. Rinsing is essential to remove excess starch from the rice for a light and fluffy texture.
Fluff the Rice Gently – Use a fork to fluff the rice after cooking to separate the grains without making them mushy. Avoid stirring too much, which can break the grains.
FAQs
Arborio, Valencia, or Calrose rice are great medium-grain choices. If you prefer, long-grain rice options like Basmati rice or Jasmine rice are also excellent alternatives.
Yes! Toast the uncooked rice first as instructed, then transfer it to the rice cooker. Cook with chicken broth, and add the remaining ingredients after the rice is done.
Storage Information
STORE cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to retain the best moisture. For longer storage, place the rice in portioned containers and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen rice in the refrigerator overnight. REHEAT by adding a splash of water, covering with a lid, and using the microwave or warming on the stovetop to re-steam the rice.
More Delicious Rice Recipes to Try
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cup white rice
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1/4 cup yellow onion - finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro - chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- 2 limes
Instructions
- Place rice in a mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 1 minute.
- Meanwhile, place a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Heat oil or butter.
- Shake rice to remove as much moisture as possible. Pour into the hot pan and spread into an even layer. Toast for about a minute and a half, stir, spread evenly, then toast for an additional minute and a half. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in water, broth, chiles, cilantro and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce, cover, and simmer for 13–15 minutes or until the rice is cooked throughout. Remove from heat, add the juice of 2 limes and zest of one, cover, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To me this rice really makes a burrito shine. I love the brightness the lime adds!
Cilantro Lime Rice can be paired with so many entrees! We love it with Cafe Rio Chicken, but have made it for a side for many other meals.
We use this rice all the time! We make it for burritos & salads or just as a side with some chicken. The flavor is subtle & delicious!
This is one of my go-to side dishes now! The flavor of this rice pairs well with so many dishes!
This rice is the best! We love making at home cafe rio style food & this is always a must & favorite! Love the hint of lime & it’s refreshing flavor.