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    Home » Sides

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Published: Jul 28, 2022 · Modified: Jun 21, 2023 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · Leave a Comment

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    A bowl of cilantro lime rice with a plate of four tacos.
    A small bowl of rice with fresh cilantro and a plate of four tacos.
    A bowl of cilantro lime rice with a plate of four tacos.

    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.

    A bowl of rice with fresh cilantro and a plate of tacos in the back.

    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.

    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.

    If you enjoy flavored rice also check out my jasmine coconut rice or Blackstone fried rice.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Tips for making this Rice
    • Instructions
    • What to Serve with this Rice
    • Different Ways to Make It
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • 📋Recipe

    Ingredients

    Also, consider using a chicken or vegetable stock to boil the rice in rather than water. While not necessary, it does offer more flavor.

    All the ingredients layer out. Chicken stock, olive oil, cilantro, rice, cumin, lime, salt and garlic.

    Fresh Cilantro and Lime: There is no substitute. Freshly squeezed limes and cilantro will give you the best flavor. Concentrate or dried will not turn out the same.

    Chicken Stock: While just water can also be used, chicken stock just adds a bit more flavor to this rice. Consider also using vegetable stock.

    Basmati or Jasmine: These are the two preferred rices to use with this dish. Long grain white rice will not turn out the same.

    See recipe card for full ingredients and quantities.

    Tips for making this Rice

    1. Toast the rice first. This step isn't necessary but it does make a difference and is really simple. Toasting the rice will help bring out the flavors and enhances the cook of the rice.
    2. Use fresh ingredients.

    Instructions

    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.

    A small pot on the stove with rice, cumin and salt.

    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.

    A small pot on the stove with boiling chicken broth inside.

    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.

    A bowl with cilantro lime rice and a plate of sweet potato tacos in the back.

    What to Serve with this Rice

    What goes with cilantro lime rice? All kinds of things!

    • Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
    • Shredded Chicken Tacos
    • Mango Pineapple Salsa
    • Enchiladas
    • Burrito Bowls
    • Grilled Fish
    • Shrimp
    • 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.

    Different Ways to Make It

    • 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:

    • A white bowl with green salsa with limes and chips in the back.
      Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
    • A bowl with diced mangos, pineapples and blue corn tortilla chips on a wooden board.
      Mango Pineapple Salsa
    • A plate with four tacos filled with rice, sweet potatoes, and black beans.
      Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
    • A bowl full of a chicken chili topped with white cheddar cheese.
      Creamy White Chicken Chili in a Crock Pot

    Did you make it? If you loved this recipe or any others on Dirt & Dough, please leave a 5-🌟 in the recipe card below. Let me know how it went by leaving a comment below the recipe card. I love hearing from you!

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    📋Recipe

    A small bowl with a pile of rice and fresh cilantro.

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Author: Kristin
    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. 
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 94 kcal

    Equipment

    • Citrus Press

    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

    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 give even more of that fresh lime taste, add some lime zest into the broth.
    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 1020mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 147IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below.

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