Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle!)

5 (8 ratings)

Cilantro and lime juice transforms plain cooked rice into a lively side that's an ideal accompaniment for Mexican main dishes.

Prep Time3

Cook Time27

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: servings

In a saucepan over low-medium heat melt the butter. Add the rice and sugar. Mix briefly to coat the rice with the butter and sugar. Add half the lime juice and stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt.
Bring the rice to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer until the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the rice with the cilantro, the rest of the lime juice, and more salt if needed. Fluff rice with a fork. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Roll the limes against your counter helps to burst open some of the individual segments inside the so it's easier to get at the juice.
As much as we love this recipe for lime and cilantro rice as-is, there are a few ways to put your own spin on things:
- Vegan - Swap in your favorite dairy-free butter alternative.
- Extra Fiber - Use your favorite long-grain brown rice instead of white, but plan on adding an extra 15-20 minutes of cook time if you do.
- Grain-Free/Low-Carb - Want the flavor of lime rice without the grains? Use the butter and sugar to pan-fry some cauliflower rice, then omit the water and add the cilantro and lime.
- Extra Lime - For an extra zesty version, feel free to add a few rasps of the lime zest to the mix at the end.