Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Wooden bowl of cilantro lime rice.
Servings: 2 to 4 Servings

Cilantro Lime Rice

5 from 10 votes
The best rice for burrito bowls, burritos, and more! Use this handy side dish to serve with grilled chicken, baked salmon, any type of Mexican food or Asian food! Zesty, herby, vibrant flavors make this perfect side so tasty.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup uncooked basmati white rice or long-grain white rice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups water or broth
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 lime zested (about ½ tsp lime zest)
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves loosely packed and chopped*

Instructions

  • Heat the avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked white rice and stir well. Continue cooking and stirring the rice until it becomes fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. You can brown the rice or do as I do and sauté it just until the grains turn opaque white and the rice is fragrant. Avoid cooking at high heat, as the rice will become too dark very quickly. It will take a little longer over medium heat to achieve the goal of browning the rice, but it will ensure the rice turns out with perfect texture and flavor.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and sea salt. Cover, and bring the mixture to a full boil. As soon as the rice is at a full boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or the amount of cooking time specified on the package instructions.
  • Once the rice has finished cooking, immediately remove the lid and fluff it with a fork.
  • Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and fresh chopped cilantro. Taste the rice for flavor and add more salt, lime juice, or cilantro to your personal taste.
  • Serve cilantro lime rice with your choice of main entrée and enjoy! This is an amazing side dish for Mexican food and it is marvelous in burrito bowls or burritos.

Notes

*You can add more cilantro to your personal taste
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving (of 4), Calories: 143kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 436mg
Course: Side Dishes & Snacks
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cilantro lime rice, copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice, copycat recipe, easy side dish, Mexican food, Mexican rice
Author: Julia