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The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Sides

Cilantro Lime Rice

Oct 18, 2023 · Last updated: Jan 24, 2025 by Julia · 1 Comment · this post may contain affiliate links

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30 Minute Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice - Bursting with zesty lime and cilantro, this fluffy rice is a perfect side for Mexican or Asian dinners. Pair it with fish, chicken, steak, tacos, or burritos for a simply delicious meal!

30 Minute Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

This rice recipe is almost a mandatory accompaniment to any of our family’s Mexican food dinner nights.

Whether we’re making taco board, sweet potato tacos, meat tacos, or white bean chicken chili, a bowl of this fluffy rice is always on the table. 

The instructions for this rice cooking are very easy to follow and you’ll have a perfect side dish ready in less than 30 minutes! I also like to freeze it to have read ahead of time. 

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Ingredients

  • Rice - I'm using basmati rice (long grain) and cooking it using ''absorption method''. If you want to use another type of rice then the end result may not turn out as in the pictures.
  • Cilantro - for the key flavor, use fresh cilantro, or switch to parsley or basil if you prefer.
  • Lime - citrus brings a lively taste; you can use lime, lemon, or orange juice.
  • Garlic - garlic enhances the dish's flavor and makes it stand out. You can add ½ cup of finely diced onion to the mix too!

How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until it clears. Drain well before cooking.

Alternatively, soak the rice in a water bowl for up to 30 minutes to reduce starch.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and saute garlic until fragrant.

Add uncooked rinsed rice, season with salt and pepper, and toast for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in broth, reduce heat, add lime zest, and simmer with a lid for 20-25 minutes.

Remove from heat, add lime juice, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro, and serve as a side dish or with various meals.

Serve warm as a side dish, in Buddha bowls, tacos, burritos, with salmon or trout.

garlic cilantro lime rice.

How To Cook Cilantro Rice In Rice Cooker

  • Put rinsed rice, water (following the manufacturer's guidelines), salt, and optional oil into the cooker.
  • Close the lid, plug it in, and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Once done, mix in cilantro, black pepper, lime juice, and sauteed garlic. Adjust the salt to your taste and serve it at room temperature.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Cool the cooked rice, portion it into zip-top bags or airtight containers and freeze for 2-3 months.

Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a skillet or microwave when needed.

  • Leftover rice stays good for 3-4 days in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag in the fridge. You can easily reheat the rice following how to reheat rice guide.
  • Freeze cooked rice for up to three months in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
  • Reheat rice in a pot over medium heat with a teaspoon of water, stirring to prevent sticking, or use a microwave until hot.
  • Frozen rice can be added directly to hot dishes or thawed in the fridge overnight and reheated.

Serving Suggestions

Our favorite ideas on how to serve cilantro rice:

  • Shrimp, Chicken or Steak Fajitas
  • Street Tacos
  • Refried Beans Tostadas
  • Honey Ginger Chicken
  • Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
garlic cilantro lime rice.

Does This Taste Like Chipotle Cilantro Rice?

It's a Chipotle-inspired recipe, but the addition of garlic gives this rice an extra burst of flavor.

More Delicious Rice Recipes

  • Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
  • Sausage Dirty Rice
  • Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • BBQ Pork Fried Rice
  • Thai Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe Card

garlic cilantro lime rice.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Julia
Presenting you the new kind of rice - Cilantro Lime Rice, with zesty lime and cilantro flavors, tender, fluffy rice makes a great side dish for a Mexican or Asian Dinner party. Use it as a side dish for baked fish, chicken, meat, or with tacos and burritos. Simply delicious!
5 from 3 votes
Print SaveSaved! Pin
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 5 servings
Calories 151 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

  • 1 cup white basmati rice, uncooked, properly rinsed
  • 1-2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
  • 1 large lime, zested
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon black ground pepper, or use chili pepper mix for a little heat
  • ¼ cup cilantro, finely diced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water
  • olive oil for cooking

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook garlic.
  • Add rice, season with salt and pepper, and toast for 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in broth, reduce heat, add lime zest, and simmer with a lid for 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, add lime juice, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro, and serve as a side dish or with various meals.

NOTES

Instead of garlic powder, you can use 1 fresh garlic clove, minced, and paste-like. But every garlic is different and if yours is way too strong use less or go for garlic powder.  Personally, I don't like fresh garlic taste with a simple dish as rice but it's a personal preference.  
For Extra flavor I like to add in a little Vegeta seasoning. This is a universal all-purpose seasoning blend (usually yellow), made from vegetables, herbs, and spices. But if this is not available where you are located, I'd recommend dry vegetable or chicken bouillon cube (bio/organic preferred).
My favorite way to use this rice is in Buddha Bowls and as a side with Sweet Potato and  Kale Tacos and Vegan Meat Tacos

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NUTRITION

Calories: 151kcal
Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julia

    August 17, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    A fluffy and flavorful rice that goes well with all Mexican dishes.

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

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