Looking for a bright, fresh side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, or burrito bowls? This cilantro lime rice is your answer! With fluffy grains, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro, it's a simple yet flavorful recipe that elevates any meal. Whether you're making Chipotle cilantro lime rice at home or need a quick instant pot cilantro lime rice, this guide covers all the tips for perfect results every time. Keep reading to learn why this dish is a must-try, the key ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.
Why You'll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice is a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prep. It's:
Quick & Easy - Ready in under 20 minutes!
Versatile - Pairs with Mexican, Asian, or grilled dishes.
Bursting with Freshness - Lime and cilantro add vibrant flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly - Stays fresh for days in the fridge.
Plus, it's a copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe that tastes even better than the original!
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Ingredients You'll Need
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati/jasmine)
- 1 ¾ cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder.
- For vegan cilantro lime rice: Use olive oil instead of butter.
- For cilantro lime cauliflower rice: Swap rice for riced cauliflower.
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best zesty flavor!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
1. Rinse the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
Why it matters: Skipping this step can make rice gummy.
2. Cook the Rice
Stovetop Method:
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter/oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in rinsed rice, then add 1 ¾ cups water/broth and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Add rice, water, and salt to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
Rice Cooker Method:
- Add all ingredients (except cilantro and lime) to the cooker.
- Press start and let it cook automatically.
3. Fluff & Season
- Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork.
- Gently mix in lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead?
A: Yes! Adjust liquid and cooking time per package instructions
Serving Suggestions
This cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly with:
🌮 Tacos, burritos, or fajitas
🍗 Grilled chicken or shrimp
🥑 Burrito bowls with black beans and avocado
🍛 Curries or stir-fries
For a full Chipotle experience, serve with copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice toppings like salsa and grilled veggies!
Expert Tips for Perfect Rice
- Toast the rice in butter/oil before cooking for extra nutty flavor.
- Don't skip the lime zest - it intensifies the citrusy taste.
- Adjust cilantro to taste - some prefer more, others less.
- Double the batch - it reheats well for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
Can I freeze cilantro lime rice?
Yes, but the texture may soften slightly. Thaw and fluff with a fork before reheating.
How do I fix mushy rice?
Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to dry it out.
Is this like Chipotle's rice?
Yes! This copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice tastes even fresher
More Rice Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - Faster, foolproof method.
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice - Low-carb alternative.
- Chipotle-Style Burrito Bowls - Full meal inspiration.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes-I'd love to see your creations!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe:
Viral TikTok Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan with lid For cooking the rice perfectly
- 1 Fine mesh strainer To rinse rice until water runs clear
- 1 Fork To fluff rice and mix in cilantro
- 1 Citrus juicer or reamer To extract fresh lime juice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice - Jasmine or basmati work best
- 1.75 cups Water - Or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Kosher or sea salt preferred
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice - From about 1-2 limes
- ⅓ cup Fresh cilantro - Chopped, packed measurement
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or butter - Optional, for extra richness
- 1 clove Garlic - Minced, optional
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup rice in fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. This removes excess starch for perfectly separate grains.
- Combine rinsed rice, 1.75 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt in medium saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce to lowest heat, cover, and simmer 18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork to create light, airy texture.
- Stir in 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice and ⅓ cup chopped cilantro. Add minced garlic if using. Taste and adjust lime/salt as needed.
- Serve immediately while warm, or keep covered until ready to serve. Perfect with tacos, burrito bowls, or any Mexican meal.
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