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This fresh and zesty cilantro lime rice is so easy to make and rivals what you get at Chipotle! You only need a handful of ingredients to make it and it pairs perfectly with Mexican main dishes.
Looking for another flavorful rice recipe? Try my Black Beans and Rice!
Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple ingredients and easy to make – You only need 4 ingredients (5 if you use broth) to make the cilantro rice and you probably already have half of them!
Meal prep – Rice is a great side dish to meal prep and use throughout the week. You can also easily double the recipe if you’re making it for a party or potluck. It’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Better than Chipotle – Don’t get me wrong, Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice is good, but this homemade version is even better. Plus, it’s more affordable and you don’t have have to wait in line to get it.
Ingredient Notes
Rice – My go-to rice is jasmine rice, but you can also use long grain white rice or basmati rice.
Garlic powder – Garlic powder is both convenient and a time saver. If you prefer to use fresh garlic use 1-2 cloves minced or grated.
Water or broth – You can make this rice recipe with either water or broth. I like to use low sodium chicken broth, but either way the rice will be flavorful and delicious.
Cilantro – If you aren’t using the cilantro the day you use it, chop off the ends and remove the twist tie or rubber band. Store the bunch of cilantro in a glass of water (like a bouquet of flowers) and cover it loosely with a plastic bag.
Limes – You’ll use both the zest and juice of the lime. I like to buy a few limes in case I end up with one that doesn’t have much juice.
Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse the rice with cold water before cooking it. Rinsing the rice removes some of the starch so that you’ll end up with a fluffier, lighter, less sticky rice.
- Don’t forget the salt. Salt enhances the flavors. I always use kosher salt for cooking and baking.
- Add the salt to the water/broth just like you would when you cook pasta. This way the rice gets infused with the salty water.
- If you choose to use fresh garlic, saute it in a teaspoon of olive oil before adding the rice and broth to the saucepan.
- Let the cooked rice steam in the saucepan off the heat for 5-10 minutes before stirring in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice.
- The rice can also be made in a rice cooker. Cook it as you normally would with the addition of the garlic powder. Once it’s cooked, fluff it with a fork then stir in the cilantro, lime zest and juice.
Serving Suggestions
Cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish to pair with Mexican or southwest meals. Some of my favorites are Cilantro Lime Shrimp, Carne Asada, Chicken Fajitas, and Beef Barbacoa.
You can also use the rice as the base for these rice bowls. Honey Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls, Chicken Tinga Bowls, and Southwest Steak Bowls.
Storage and Reheating
Storage – The rice will keep in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It’s great to meal prep on a Sunday and use for different meals throughout the week.
Reheating – Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan. I like to refresh the rice by adding a squeeze of lime juice to it.
Freezing – Once the rice has cooled it can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
A few of my favorite vegetable side dishes are Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower, Herb Roasted Potatoes.
Pasta and whole grains are an excellent side dish as well. Try this Orzo with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, Baked Parmesan Risotto and Mexican Quinoa Salad.
Did you make this cilantro lime rice? I’d love if you’d leave a recipe rating and review below.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice or long-grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water or low sodium broth
- 1 lime, zest and juice (2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water then add it to a large saucepan along with the salt, garlic powder, and water or broth. Stir and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice steam for 5-10 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice and stir everything together. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
