Easy and quick to prepare, this cilantro lime rice adds bright, fresh flavor to any meal. Serve it as a side with Mexican dishes, grilled meats, or use it for meal prep to create satisfying bowls all week long.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This is my go-to side when I want a fresh, tangy rice similar to the one at Chipotle — and it’s effortless to make at home.
The bright lime and herbaceous cilantro make it an ideal companion for tacos, bowls, grilled proteins, and sheet-pan meals. It also holds up well for weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
- Rice: Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best.
- Broth or water: Use chicken or vegetable broth for more flavor, or plain water if you prefer.
- Butter: Adds a rich finish; use salted or unsalted and adjust salt accordingly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and taste.
- Lime: Use both zest and juice for bright, zesty flavor.
- Cilantro: Finely chopped fresh cilantro for herbal freshness. Substitute parsley if you dislike cilantro.
- Kosher salt: To taste.
Best Rice To Use
Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati) highlights the cilantro and lime flavors best because the grains remain fluffy and separate. Brown or wild rice can be used, but follow package cooking times since they require longer and a different liquid ratio.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- Bring water or chicken stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, stir, cover, and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered; let it sit for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in butter, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt. Toss gently and serve immediately.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor — bottled juice lacks the same zing.
- Let the rice cool completely before storing if you plan to make it ahead; this helps preserve texture and freshness.
- For fluffier rice, measure the rice and liquid accurately and resist lifting the lid while it simmers.
How To Serve
This cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted proteins and Mexican-inspired dishes. It complements dishes like Peruvian-style chicken, shrimp, fish tacos, or a hearty taco bowl. Serve it alongside:
- Grilled shrimp or fish
- Blackened salmon or tilapia
- Cilantro lime chicken or steak
- Taco bowls and burrito bowls
Make Ahead and Storage
This rice is excellent for meal prep. Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water for a minute, or warm gently on the stovetop for larger portions.
Why You Will Love This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Quick and easy: A few extra minutes transforms plain rice into a lively side.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh lime and cilantro.
- One pot: Cooked and seasoned in the same pot for minimal cleanup.
More Rice Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
- Dirty Rice with Shrimp
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Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1.75 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large lime, 2 tablespoons juice & 1 teaspoon zest
- ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Bring water or chicken stock to a boil, add rice, stir, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
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Remove the pot from heat (keep it covered) and let it sit for 10 minutes.
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Fluff rice with a fork, add the butter, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt. Toss everything together and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Allow rice to cool completely before refrigerating if making ahead.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.