Cilantro Lime Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright and zesty side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, especially Mexican cuisine. It’s easy to make, delicious, and full of fresh flavors. The combination of cilantro and lime brings a refreshing twist to plain rice, making it a favorite for many. Plus, it takes very little time to prepare!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
6. Serve warm as a side dish or with your favorite Mexican meals.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a side dish with tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken. It also makes a great base for a rice bowl topped with beans, vegetables, or protein of your choice. The fresh flavors complement spicy dishes very well.

How to Store Cilantro Lime Rice

To store Cilantro Lime Rice, let it cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

• Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch, which helps keep the rice fluffy.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of garlic or onion when cooking the rice.
• Adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste; some may prefer it more tangy!

Variation

You can make a cilantro lime brown rice by using brown rice instead of white. Just keep in mind that cooking time may be longer for brown rice, so adjust accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, while this recipe uses white rice, you can try using jasmine or basmati rice for a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, use about 1 tablespoon. Just remember that dried herbs are usually more concentrated.

Can I add other ingredients to this rice?
Absolutely! You can mix in black beans, corn, or even diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A bright and zesty side dish that pairs wonderfully with Mexican meals, featuring fresh cilantro and lime.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime Juice of 1 lime Adjust to taste for tanginess.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Notes

Best served warm as a side dish with tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.