Fresh, fluffy, and zesty
This cilantro lime rice is my go-to side dish that instantly brightens up taco night, grilled shrimp, or just about anything you put on a plate. It is simple, fast, and guaranteed to become one of your kitchen staples.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Plain rice is fine. But cilantro lime rice is main character energy. Fresh, fluffy, and zesty, this cilantro lime rice is my go-to side dish that never disappoints. It’s ridiculously simple yet instantly transforms boring chicken or taco night into something crave-worthy. If you’ve been reaching for plain rice, this will change your ways.
Ever since I made this, it has been on repeat in my kitchen like a guilty pleasure playlist. Tacos, chicken, shrimp, you name it, this rice shows up and steals the spotlight every single time.
And talk about simple. No food processors. No complicated steps. No seventeen ingredients. You cook rice, you squeeze a lime, you toss in cilantro. Boom. Suddenly you are eating like you have your own Chipotle line cook hiding in your kitchen.
This has become my go-to side dish for just about everything. Sometimes I do not even wait for the main dish. I grab a fork and eat it straight out of the pot. No regrets.
How to make this recipe
Tools you’ll need for this recipe:
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Here is what you will need to make restaurant style cilantro lime rice at home:
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice to coat.
- Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for fifteen minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Taste and adjust with extra lime or salt if you want more punch.
Recipe Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect base for burrito bowls with beans, salsa, and avocado
- Sidekick for grilled shrimp or chicken
- Brightens up taco night instantly
- Honestly, it is good enough to eat by itself with a spoon
Recipe Tips
- Prep before cooking: Juice lime and chop cilantro while rice cooks so you are ready to toss everything together
- Rinse your rice: This keeps it fluffy, not sticky
- Want more zing? Add lime zest for an extra citrus punch
- Storage: Keeps three to four days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water or broth
Recipe Variations
- Use brown rice and increase cook time to about forty minutes
- Stir in minced jalapeño for heat
- Not a cilantro fan Try parsley or basil instead
Storage Recommendations
- Freeze for up to one month in portion sized containers
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to four days
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth
FAQ
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter plus more for finishing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime about 2 to 3 tablespoons
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear
- Stovetop method: Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice to coat. Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for fifteen minutes until liquid is absorbed
- Rice cooker method: Add rinsed rice, water or broth, salt, and olive oil or butter directly into the rice cooker. Cook on the white rice setting until finished
- Fluff with a fork
- Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Taste and adjust with extra lime or salt if you want more punch
Notes
- Always rinse rice for fluffy results
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor
- Add zest if you want more citrus punch
- Store three to four days in fridge. Reheat with splash of water or broth
- Freeze for up to one month
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“This rice is so good, I could eat it as the main dish. My family asks for it every taco night now.”
Did you make this recipe?
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This rice is so good, I could eat it as the main dish. My family asks for it every taco night now!
Me too! 🙂