This cilantro lime rice adds a bright and fresh taste to a variety of meals. Easy to make and will elevate just about any Mexican dish. It also makes a great base for your favorite rice bowls.
Whenever we make burritos, enchiladas or tacos the one thing I always make sure to add is a flavored rice of some kind. It is such a simple way to make a dish go from good to great!
This easy cilantro lime rice is full of so much fresh flavors and very simple to put prepare.
The key to this flavorful, perfectly cooked rice is to toast it before boiling. Toasting rice is a very simple processes and can add so much to the final taste.
Add a little oil to the hot pot and then toss the rice to coat. Allow it to brown before adding in the liquid. I strongly recommend this step.
This recipe is perfect to accompany just about any taco recipe, or to use as a base for a good rice bowl. Make your own Chipotle burrito bowl right at home.
We often pair it with these black bean sweet potato tacos, shredded chicken tacos, and enchiladas.
Lime and cilantro just go so well together and get used often in different salsas and sauces. My favorite salsas to make in the summer include a mango pineapple salsa and a fresh garden roasted tomatillo salsa.
Ingredients
The most important ingredients to this recipes is to use fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice. Dried or concentrates just don't turn out the same.
Also, consider using a chicken or vegetable stock to boil the rice in rather than water. While not necessary, it does offer more flavor.
Ingredients for cilantro lime rice:
- Long Grain White Rice: Basmati or Jasmine
- Olive Oil
- Cumin
- Salt
- Garlic
- Chicken Stock, can also use vegetable broth or water
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Lime Juice
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Important Note: The trick to making the best cilantro lime rice is to first toast the rice.
Toasting the rice helps bring out the flavors and enhances the cook of the rice. It also helps the water boil faster because the rice is already hot when the liquid is added.
Using either basmati or jasmine rice, first rinse in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear.
In a small pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow to warm up.
Dump in the rice, salt and cumin then toss to coat. Cook the rice, stiring often until it starts to turn golden brown. Incorporate the diced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Give the rice a good stir.
Once boiling, cover and reduce to low for 12 minutes.
Once rice is cooked all the way though, fluff with a fork and add in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Stir to completely incorporate, place the lid back on and allow to sit for another 5-10 minutes. This will give the cilantro and lime time to infuse into the rice.
Serve warm in a taco, as a side or in your favorite burrito bowl.
What goes with cilantro lime rice? All kinds of things! This rice would make a great addition to tacos, burritos or enchiladas. It can also be served with grilled fish, shrimp or chicken.
One great way to use this cilantro lime rice is in a burrito bowl similar to Chipotle. Use the rice as a base and add your favorite proteins, veggies, salsas and guacamole.
My favorite topping I like to serve with this rice is sweet potato black bean tacos. The two recipes pair together well to make a delicious and healthy dish.
Substitutions
- Make it Vegan or Vegetarian - Substitute the chicken stock for a vegetable stock or just plain water.
Variations
- Spicy - Add a dash or two of cayenne with the cumin to make it spicier.
- Lime Zest - To add even more of that fresh lime taste, add some lime zest into the broth before boiling.
Equipment
Small Pot: Use at least a 1.5 qt pot when making this rice.
Citrus Press: The best and easiest way to squeeze a fresh lime is with a citrus press. Every kitchen should have a good citrus press.
Storage
How long will cilantro lime rice last? When kept in an airtight container, this rice will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze? Yes! This rice can easily be frozen in a freezer safe container, or ziplock bag and stored for a month.
Other Recipes you May Like:
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Recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice Basmati or Jasmine, Rinsed in a fine mesh strainer
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth or water will also work
- ½ Cup Packed Cilantro leaves Chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice About 1 lime
Instructions
- Start off with a small pot over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and allow to warm up.
- Add rice and toss with salt and cumin. Make sure the rice is covered in the oil.
- Allow to cook, stirring often until it starts to toast and turn a nice golden brown.
- Add in minced fresh garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Carefully add the chicken stock and give everything a good stir.
- Bring the stock to a boil, cover then lower to low heat.
- Cook covered for 12 minutes.
- Once the rice is fully cooked fluff with a fork.
- Add the cilantro and fresh lime juice then toss to combine.
- Place the lid back on and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm on a taco, as a side or make your favorite burrito bowl.
Notes
- Make it Vegan or Vegetarian - Substitute the chicken stock for a vegetable stock or just plain water.
- Spicy - Add a dash or two of cayenne, with the cumin to make it spicier.
- Lime Zest - To give even more of that fresh lime taste, add some lime zest into the broth.
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