Easy Recipe For Cilantro Lime Rice Just Is A Four Letter Word

on Apr 21, 2022, Updated Apr 03, 2023 If you love adding flavor to your rice, this recipe for cilantro lime rice is a must have in your cookbook. It’s amazing how a little garlic, lime juice, and cilantro can take plain white rice to new heights. Taco nights will never be the same once you add this savory and delicious side to the menu. Cilantro lime rice is great with fish tacos, in burrito bowls or on its own. This recipe uses white rice, but you can make it with jasmine rice or even brown rice if you want to.

Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients

All you need are a few basic ingredients to take your plain rice to flavor town. Sure, you could buy some prepared rice if you’re in a hurry. But this easy recipe is so simple, you can’t go wrong. Here’s what you need:

Olive Oil Long-grain rice (basmati rice), washed Minced garlic Water Salt, to taste Zest of one lime Fresh lime juice, to taste Fresh cilantro leaves

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice on the Stove Top

Gather your ingredients before you get started. I recommend pre-measuring before you cook so you can quickly add items one at a time.

Toast the Rice

First, measure out the rice and give it a good rinse. Set aside until ready to toast. TIP: I also recommend measuring the water and lime zest ahead of time. Toasting the rice will really bring out the flavor in this dish. You may skip this, but it’s worth the extra step! Place olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic and rinsed rice. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and some of the rice begins to toast and turn slightly golden. Add the water, salt and lime zest to the saucepan.

Let Simmer

Bring water to a boil over high heat. Then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes, until rice is fluffy and all cooking water is absorbed. While the rice is cooking, measure the lime juice and chop the cilantro leaves.

You can leave them large, finely chop or use a combination of sizes according to your preference. TIP: If you are using this recipe for meal prep, don’t add the cilantro until you are ready to eat.

Season Rice with Zesty Lime Juice and Cilantro

Cilantro lime rice is best served immediately as a side dish with your favorite Mexican food. It also stores well in the refrigerator and tastes great when reheated. When rice is done, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice, olive oil and the cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cilantro Lime Rice Variations

This is one of those easy recipes that is super versatile and really is all about the seasoning. If you want to change it up, try a different type of rice or grain or one of these other ingredient swaps. Cooking instructions will vary on some of the grains so be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package if you make this change.

Brown Rice Cauliflower Rice Cous Cous Quinoa Add sesame oil instead of olive oil for a nutty flavor Try using vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water Add some diced jalapeños with the cilantro to spice it up Use garlic powder if you don’t have minced garlic

What to serve with Cilantro Lime Rice

The best part about this wonderful side dish is that it goes with almost everything. You can use it as a side dish, filling for tacos or as a full meal after snacking on this Southwest corn dip with cream cheese. Next time you are cooking one of these main dishes, don’t forget the rice!

Burrito Bowls Shrimp Tacos Fajitas Chicken legs Avocado Black Beans Salsa Verde Steak Chili Lime Shrimp

How to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice

When stored in the refrigerator, you can enjoy your leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat leftover cilantro lime rice, place it in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. For best results, stir in more fresh cilantro after reheating.