If you’ve ever enjoyed a burrito bowl at your favorite Mexican restaurant or ordered a side of fragrant, zesty rice at a taqueria, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with cilantro lime rice. With its bright, citrusy flavor and herbaceous aroma, this rice is anything but ordinary. It’s the perfect side dish for tacos, grilled meats, beans, seafood, and even hearty salads.
Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Rice
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Full of Fresh Flavor – The lime and cilantro create a vibrant, refreshing taste.
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Pairs with Everything – It complements spicy, savory, and grilled dishes alike.
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Simple Ingredients – You likely already have everything in your kitchen.
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Easy to Make – Just cook the rice and toss in a few flavor boosters.
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Customizable – Make it vegan, spicy, or even turn it into a meal on its own.
Ingredients List
Here’s the classic ingredient list for cilantro lime rice:
Main Ingredients:
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1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine recommended)
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2 cups water or broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Flavor Base:
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Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
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Zest of 1 lime
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½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
Timing and Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
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Resting Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, bring water (or broth), olive oil, and salt to a boil. Add rice, stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Step 3: Let It Rest
After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit—covered—for 5 minutes to steam and finish softening.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Fluff rice with a fork. Add lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to combine evenly.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste and add more salt, lime juice, or cilantro as needed.
Best Rice Types for Cilantro Lime Rice
1. Basmati Rice
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Light, aromatic, and fluffy.
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Perfect for Indian or fusion-style meals.
2. Jasmine Rice
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Slightly sticky with a natural fragrance.
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Works well for Thai or tropical-inspired dishes.
3. Long-Grain White Rice
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Classic and neutral.
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A go-to for Chipotle-style burrito bowls.
4. Brown Rice
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Nutty and chewy, but takes longer to cook.
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Healthier and high in fiber.
Flavor Enhancements and Add-Ins
1. Garlic
A small clove of minced garlic sautéed before adding the rice boosts aroma and flavor.
2. Scallions or Red Onion
Add finely chopped scallions or onion for mild pungency and crunch.
3. Jalapeños or Chili Flakes
For heat lovers, mix in finely chopped fresh chilies or red pepper flakes.
4. Coconut Milk
Replace half the water with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
5. Butter Instead of Oil
For a richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice
This rice is incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:
With Proteins
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Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak
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Roasted salmon or tilapia
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Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option
In Bowls and Wraps
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Burrito bowls with beans, avocado, and salsa
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Inside burritos, tacos, or quesadillas
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Layered in mason jar lunches
As a Side Dish
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With enchiladas or fajitas
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Alongside black beans or refried beans
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Paired with grilled vegetables or salads
Make It a Meal: Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls
Turn this side dish into a filling meal:
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked cilantro lime rice
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½ cup black beans
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½ avocado, sliced
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¼ cup corn kernels
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Salsa or pico de gallo
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Protein of choice (grilled tofu, chicken, shrimp)
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Fresh toppings like sour cream, cheese, or jalapeños
Just assemble in a bowl and enjoy a complete, balanced meal.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice for a Low-Carb Option
Prefer something lighter? Substitute cauliflower rice.
How to Make:
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Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor.
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Sauté with oil, lime juice, and cilantro for 5–7 minutes.
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Season and serve just like the original version.
Great for keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezing:
Freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water.
Reheating:
Microwave with a damp paper towel or steam in a skillet with a little water or broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too much lime juice – Can make the rice soggy and overly tart.
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Adding cilantro too early – Always stir in fresh herbs after cooking.
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Skipping the rinsing step – Leads to gummy, sticky rice.
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Overcooking rice – Mushy texture ruins the final dish.
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Not resting the rice – It needs a few minutes to finish absorbing steam.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Cup)
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Calories: 180
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 0g
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Sodium: 200mg
Note: Values vary based on added ingredients.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cilantro lime rice without cilantro?
Yes, try substituting fresh parsley or green onion for a different flavor.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh lime?
Use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but fresh is more aromatic.
Q3: Is this rice spicy?
Not at all—unless you add spicy ingredients like jalapeños or chili powder.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just maintain the rice-to-liquid ratio and cook in a large enough pot.
Q5: Is cilantro lime rice gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just ensure all added ingredients (like broth) are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cilantro lime rice is more than just a side dish—it’s a vibrant, flavorful component that brings life to any meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can transform plain rice into something worthy of the spotlight. Whether you’re making burrito bowls, building wraps, or just adding a burst of flavor to your dinner table, this recipe is sure to become a staple.
The best part? Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can customize it endlessly with your favorite herbs, spices, or even swap in other grains. Give it a try, and your meals will never be the same.