Name: Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Get ready to fall in love with the kind of side dish that steals the show: Cilantro Lime Rice! Imagine fluffy, fragrant grains of rice tossed with fresh lime juice and an irresistibly generous amount of vibrant cilantro—perfection on your fork. Whether you pair it with your favorite Mexican-inspired main or enjoy it as the star of a veggie bowl, this Cilantro Lime Rice bursts with zesty flavor and bright, herbaceous notes. Best of all, it’s as easy as it is delicious, making it an absolute must-have for weeknights, festive gatherings, or meal prep alike.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cilantro Lime Rice so magical is honestly how few ingredients you need, and yet, every one of them packs a punch. Each component contributes something memorable—aroma, flavor, or a pop of color—making this dish a must in your recipe repertoire.

Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy and separate when cooked, it’s the perfect canvas to soak up the citrusy, herby flavors.
Water: Simple, but essential in getting just the right tenderness for your rice.
Olive Oil: Adds a silky finish to the rice and ensures each grain is delightfully soft.
Salt: Balances the acidity of the lime and makes every flavor pop.
Fresh Lime Juice: Brings zesty brightness, rounding out the earthy and herbal tones.
Lime Zest: Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma, making your rice smell absolutely irresistible.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Unmatched for its bold, green color and signature fresh, almost peppery flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Step 1: Combine and Simmer

Grab a medium saucepan and combine the long-grain white rice, water, olive oil, and a good teaspoon of salt. Bring everything up to a lively boil on high heat. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, pop a lid on, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is perfectly tender and the water has all disappeared into plump, steamy grains.

Step 2: Rest and Fluff

Once the rice is cooked, take the saucepan off the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes. This little pause lets the steam finish its magic, ensuring every grain is just right. Then, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork—this will keep it light and airy (nobody wants gummy rice!).

Step 3: Add the Zesty Goodness

With your rice all fluffy and warm, it’s time to infuse maximum flavor! Drizzle in the fresh lime juice, sprinkle in the zingy lime zest, and fold in that copious fresh cilantro. Stir until everything is beautifully combined, and watch as your kitchen fills with unbeatable, mouthwatering aromas.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Give it a quick taste—you can always add an extra hit of lime juice, more salt, or even a little extra cilantro to make it perfect for your palate. Serve your Cilantro Lime Rice warm, and get ready for everyone to rave about it!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a couple of lime wedges on top is more than just for looks—it amps up the freshness and color right before serving. You could even add a bit of sliced green onion or a pinch of chili flakes if you want to turn up the vibrancy and visual appeal even more.

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Rice is made for all your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex spreads. Set it beside spicy fajitas, tuck it into burrito bowls, spoon it next to saucy enchiladas, or pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s equally fantastic as a cooling counterpart to anything smoky or spicy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress, try using Cilantro Lime Rice as a flavorful base for a grain bowl layered with black beans, roasted veggies, and fresh salsa. Serve it in hollowed bell peppers for a colorful, edible vessel, or roll it up in wraps for a super-tasty, portable lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Cilantro Lime Rice, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, perfect for quick lunches or speedy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze extra rice! Place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeeze out any air, and label it with the date. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before you plan to use it.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your rice again, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or squeeze of lime to restore its moisture, then fluff it up with a fork. Reheat just until steaming hot, and it’ll be as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more water and a longer simmer time. The nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with lime and cilantro, but the final texture will be a bit chewier.

Do I have to use fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is highly recommended since it brings a bright, natural zing you just can’t get from bottled. If it’s all you have, bottled will work in a pinch, but you might want to add a bit of zest for freshness.

What’s the best way to chop cilantro?

Rinse the cilantro well, pat it dry, and then run a sharp knife through the leaves (and stems—they’re tasty too!). For the most flavor and a prettier look, wait until just before mixing it into your Cilantro Lime Rice.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Absolutely! You can skip the olive oil if you prefer, though your rice might be slightly less silky. A little oil, however, does help keep the grains separate and adds richness.

How much lime and cilantro should I use if I want it extra bold?

For a seriously punchy Cilantro Lime Rice, double the lime juice and double the cilantro! Start with the recipe as written, taste, then add more to suit your love of zesty and herby flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s reliably delicious, endlessly versatile, and sure to brighten any meal, Cilantro Lime Rice checks every box. I hope you’ll try it soon and make it your own—it’s one of those recipes you’ll end up making on repeat!

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice that pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired dishes or as a standalone side. This dish is a zesty and herbaceous twist on classic rice, with the bright flavors of lime and cilantro adding a refreshing kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Additional Flavorings:

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Finish the Dish: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.