Authentic Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Make this authentic Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe at home! Enjoy this flavorful, aromatic side dish with Spicy Adobo Chicken, Corn Salsa, in burritos, or make rice bowls.
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about that perfect, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious Cilantro Lime Rice they serve up at everyone’s favorite burrito joint, then you’re in for a treat today. I’ll show you how to recreate that mouthwatering goodness right in your own kitchen. So, if you’re ready to take your homemade Mexican-inspired meals to the next level or just looking for a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight, this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is for you. Let’s make the best copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice you’ve ever tasted!
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Rinse the Rice
Rinsing the rice first removes some of the starch and will ensure your rice turns out fluffy and not sticky.
Measure 2 cups of rice and put it into a pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the rice plus about 1 inch more. Stir, then let sit 1-2 minutes. Use a colander or fine mesh strainer to drain the starchy water off of the rice.
Cook the Rice
Add 4 cups of water to a large pot. Add the olive oil, salt, and bay leaf. Bring it to a boil.
Add the rice, stir, then return to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir during this cooking time.
Remove the pot from the heat and leave the lid on an additional 5 minutes.
Add the Cilantro and Lime
Remove the bay leaf from the rice. Put the cooked rice into a large bowl and fluff it with a fork.
Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice to the rice. Mix together well.
Other Optional Mix-Ins
If you like to experiment with flavors, here’s a list of additional ingredients I sometimes add to this rice recipe. Add any combination of these you like or try something totally different! If you come up with a delicious new flavor, please leave a comment and share!
- sauteed onions and/or garlic
- fresh minced garlic
- diced white onion
- diced red onion
- zest of a lime
- 1/2 tsp cumin
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
There are several ways to serve this Authentic Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Rice Bowls – Use this rice as a base and set up a rice bowl bar for dinner. Serve beans (black or red), salsa, shredded or diced meat (chicken, pork, beef, or taco meat), corn salsa, shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
- Burritos – Use this rice to make homemade burritos.
- Chili Over Rice – Instead of eating a bowl of chili, serve it over a bed of rice! It’s also a great way to have leftover chili.
- Side Dish – Enjoy rice as a side dish for Spicy Chicken Adobo, Pulled Pork, other Mexican meals or just about any kind of meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be used as a substitute for cilantro in Cilantro Lime Rice?
Parsley is the herb closest to cilantro to use as a substitution. You can also use Mexican oregano or Thai basil.
Should I add the cilantro before or after cooking?
Cilantro is a fresh herb served uncooked. Always add cilantro after cooking in this or any recipe.
Do you use the stems of Cilantro?
The stems of cilantro are full of flavor and edible. However, the thicker stems toward the bottom may be tougher. For best texture, trim off the thicker bottom stems, then chop up the rest with the leaves.
Authentic Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice uncooked
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp cilantro fresh, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
- Measure 2 cups of rice and put it into a pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the rice plus about 1 inch more.
- Stir, then let sit 1-2 minutes.
- Use a colander or fine mesh strainer to drain the starchy water off of the rice.
Cook the Rice
- Add 4 cups of water to a large pot. Add the olive oil, salt, and bay leaf. Heat over high heat until it boils.
- Add the rice, stir, then return to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Important: Do not lift the lid or stir during this cooking time.
- Remove the pot from the heat and leave the lid on an additional 5 minutes.
Add the Cilantro and Lime
- Remove the bay leaf from the rice.
- Put the cooked rice into a large bowl and fluff it with a fork. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice to the rice. Mix together well.
Nutrition
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