Cilantro Lime Rice
Who says rice has to be boring?
Cilantro Lime Rice is a game-changer that brings bold, fresh flavors to your plate with minimal effort.
Perfectly fluffy rice meets a punch of citrusy lime and fragrant cilantro, making it the ultimate side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, or just about anything that needs a little zing.
It’s easy, quick, and bursting with flavor—just the way we like it!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Rinse and prepare the rice: Begin by rinsing your rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps ensure every grain stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together during cooking.
Cook the rice: Add the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a medium pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then cover it with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently. Allow the rice to absorb the water fully, about 15 minutes. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes, keeping the lid on to lock in steam.
Prepare the lime dressing: While the rice cooks, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, a bit of olive oil, and salt in a small mixing bowl. You can also zest one lime for an added citrus punch.
Chop the cilantro: Finely chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Aim for a small dice so the flavors distribute evenly throughout the rice.
Combine and fluff: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Pour the lime dressing over the rice, then fold in the chopped cilantro. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the vibrant green and citrusy mixture.
Serve and garnish: Transfer the cilantro lime rice to a serving dish. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of freshness and color.
Pro Tips
- Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the fluffiest texture.
- Cook the rice with a little chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
- Add the lime juice after cooking to keep the rice light and zesty.
- Chop the cilantro finely to ensure it blends evenly without overwhelming the dish.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of zest from the lime to the dressing.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the fluffy texture.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Cilantro Lime Rice: The Perfect Bright and Zesty Side
Description
Transform plain rice into a flavorful masterpiece with zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and just a touch of olive oil. This quick and easy recipe is a must-have for taco nights, burrito bowls, or even as a light side for grilled meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and the remaining salt.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the lime mixture until well coated.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime zest if using. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For extra flavor, try cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water.
- Adjust the lime juice to taste if you prefer a milder citrus flavor.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
