Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is a zesty, bright and tasty copycat recipe to Chipotle's famous rice. The only difference is that we added so much more flavor and cooked it to fluffy perfection. This easy rice recipe is the perfect side dish to any Mexican food and it cooks in 20 minutes! So gather up your lime, cilantro, jalapenos and let's make the best cilantro lime rice recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 scallion minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 cup cilantro minced
- 1 jalapeño finely minced (optional)
- 1 scallion minced
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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To make the RiceL Use a 4 quart pot and place it over medium high heat until warmed.
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Add in the oil and sauté the scallions and garlic for just under 2 minutes until fragrant..
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Add the rice to the oil and sauté for anther minute, then add in the water and seasoning.
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Let the water come to a boil and as soon as it does, turn the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot and allow the rice to cook. The rice should be done in 20 minutes.
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When it’s ready, uncover the pot and add in the cilantro, lime zest and juice, scallions, olive oil and jalapeño if using. Mix them well into the rice, taste for seasoning and set it aside.
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Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
To make this recipe in the rice cooker, add the scallions, garlic, olive oil, rinsed rice and water/stock into the basket of your rice cooker. Cook according to the machine. When ready, add in the cilantro, lime, jalapeno and remaining ingredients. Toss well and it's ready.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Tips for the BEST Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Use long grain rice for a fluffier and textured dish. Basmati rice also work.
- Rinse the rice to remove any extra starch and have it super fluffy when cooked.
- Sauté the scallions and garlic first to infuse the oil before cooking. Skip this part if you're using a rice cooker.
- likewise sauté the rice for a nuttier taste and better texture before adding in the liquid.
- Stock or water can be used.
- Use lime zest! Zest contains concentrated oils so you'll end up with stronger aroma.
- Make sure to cook the rice always at the LOWEST heat setting once the liquid has to a boil.
- When ready, add in the flavorings right away, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, scallions and more olive oil.
- Use zest and juice of the lime for maximum flavor!
Variations of Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Use brown rice or black wild rice for a nuttier, healthier dish. Adjust cooking times and water/liquid amount to ensure it cooks properly. Water ratio: 1 cup rice : 2 ¼ cups water, cook time here is about 40-45 minutes and rest 10 minutes.
- Use cauliflower to make cauliflower cilantro lime rice. Follow the steps in this Dill Cauliflower Rice to make cauliflower rice from scratch. Sauté 5–7 minutes. Add lime and cilantro after cooking. And avoid overcooking it as it becomes watery.
- Try broccoli rice for a variation too.
- Add some black beans to the recipe. Once the recipe is ready, add in some rinsed canned black beans for extra protein and to make it a hearty side dish.
Storing Cilantro Lime Rice, Freezing and reheating
- Leftover of this dish can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the rice, make sure it has cooled for two hours after cooking. Then portion the rice into ziploc bags or sealed containers and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat leftover rice, you can microwave it with a teaspoon of water. Likewise you can add it to a post with a tablespoon of water, set the heat o low with the lid on and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes.
- If reheating the frozen one, you can thaw it first in the fridge for a few hours and reheat as above.
- When reheating, make sure you add in a bit of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to pop up the flavors even more.
What is the Best Type of Rice for Cilantro Lime Rice
- Long Grain White Rice (Best Choice). Long-grain white rice cooks fluffy and separate, which is essential for this dish. It has lower surface starch so you get less clumping, and a good texture after mixing.
- Basmati Rice. Also works well.
- Jasmine Rice. Can work, but slightly stickier.
- Short Grain or Sushi Rice. This is too sticky so by far NOT recommended.
Perfect Rice-to-Water Ratio
For stovetop cooking, our ultimate ratio is 1 cup rice : 1 1/2 cups liquid or water. ALWAYS. when you use too much water, you end up with mushy rice. Too little water, and you end up with undercooked rice.
Why Add Lime After Cooking?
Acid interferes with starch gelatinization. So if you adding all the lime juice during cooking, it can harden grains, create uneven texture and make rice slightly gummy.
Why is my cilantro lime rice mushy?
Mushy rice usually results from:
- Too much water
- Not rinsing rice
- Stirring while cooking
- Overcooking
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Not really. Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended. Bottled juice lacks brightness and can taste flat.
Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time?
Yes. Cook rice, cool completely, then mix lime and cilantro before serving for freshest flavor.
How long does cilantro lime rice last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze cilantro lime rice?
Yes. Freeze in portioned containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I keep rice fluffy?
- Rinse the rice before cooking
- Use correct water ratio
- Let rest covered
- Fluff with fork
- Don’t overmix after adding lime
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice
This recipe is perfect for Fajita Bowl, Salmon Bowl and any Sheet Pan Fajitas. Also makes a great side dish with our Grilled Trout, Grilled Shrimp, Ground Chicken Tacos, Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Add it to this Taco Salad, Crunchwrap Supreme, and don't forget a dollop of Mango Pico De Gallo, Authentic Guacamole Recipe or Homemade Salsa.