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Cilantro lime rice is a great side dish for all of your favorite meals. The rice is versatile and delicious and you can serve it with almost anything.
Why You’l Love This Recipe!
This recipe for cilantro lime rice is very similar to the rice they serve at Chipotle. The addition of a little lime juice and cilantro gives this rice amazing flavor.
It is also great made with brown rice too. Just needs to cook a little longer.
What is Cilantro Lime Rice?
Cilantro lime rice is made with cooked rice, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. It has amazing flavor and really takes your rice to the next level!
Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
- Rice. Use either jasmine rice or basmati rice. You want a long grain rice.
- Water
- Cilantro
- Lime. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. You can also add in a little lime zest if you want even more lime flavor.
- Salt
How to Make Lime Cilantro Rice
It doesn’t get much easier! I think I could make this rice in my sleep I have made it so often.
- Bring water to boil in a saucepan on the stove top.
- Add rice.
- Add lid and simmer over medium low heat until rice is done.
- Fluff rice with fork.
- Add in juice of lime, salt and cilantro.
- Stir to incorporate and fluff with fork
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Add the rinsed rice, water and sat to the Instant Pot.
- Attach the lid and lock. Turn the valve to sealing.
- Cook white rice for 4-8 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release and then release remaining pressure.
- Open lid and allow rice to cool a bit before adding cilantro and lime juice. Fluff with fork and add additional salt if needed.
Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
- Add the rinsed rice, water and salt to rice cooker.
- Add water and cook according to manufacturer’s manual.
- When done, allow to cool a few minutes and then add the cilantro and lime juice.
- Fluff with a fork. Add salt according to taste.
How to Store Leftover Rice
You can store leftover rice in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Allow it to cool before putting it in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Cilantro Lime rice?
Rice freezes great. Make sure that it is cooled completely first and then place in a freezer friendly container or zippered plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from bag. It will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
How do you Reheat Rice?
I like to reheat my rice in the microwave using 30 second intervals and stirring in between. Continue until rice is heated through.
You can also reheat on the stovetop. Put the rice in a pan over medium heat, add a bit of water on top of the rice. Stir frequently to prevent it from burning on the bottom of the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice for cilantro lime rice?
You can use brown rice, it will just need to cook longer.
Do I need to rinse my rice first?
For the best results it is recommended you rinse the rice first to remove any starch on the rice. The starch can cause your cooked rice to be gummy.
Do I need to remove the cilantro leaves from the stems first?
I use the leaves and part of the stems. I don’t find it necessary to remove the leaves from the stems.
For other yummy rice recipes try these:
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Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tsp fresh cilantro
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Bring water to boil, add rice.
- Add lid and cook until done.
- Add in juice of lime, salt and cilantro.
- Stir to incorporate and fluff with fork.
Carrie says
I can’t do cilantro because it tastes like dish soap to me, but I substituted fresh parsley and it is wonderful.
Beth says
Tastes just like the rice at my favorite restaurant!
Daneen says
Your pictures are great! We make this all the time as well, sooo yummy!
Leigh Anne says
Thanks, so glad you love the rice too.
Debra says
Delicious! But I added a half cup of cilantro because 2 tsp is not enough’