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 quesadillas for a simply delicious meal!
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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.
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!
What Makes This Rice So Fluffy?
The secret is rinsing and resting. Rinsing removes excess starch so the grains stay separate, and letting the rice rest before fluffing allows it to absorb steam evenly for the best texture.
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.
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.
- 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.
Why Does Cilantro Lime Rice Sometimes Taste Bland?
It's usually about timing. Lime juice and cilantro should always be added after the rice finishes cooking. Adding them too early dulls the fresh, zesty flavor and can make the rice taste flat instead of bright.
What I Love Serving It With
Our favorite ideas on how to serve cilantro 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.
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Recipe Card
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Want more easy Mexican dinners? Try Chicken Tinga.
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Julia
A fluffy and flavorful rice that goes well with all Mexican dishes.