Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Bright, zesty, and better than Chipotle! This easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a fresh Mexican-inspired side dish made with fluffy long-grain rice, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Made with just 6 simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled meats, and weeknight dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup long-grain white basmati rice
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- juice of 1 to 2 small limes divided
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sugar and cook briefly, stirring to coat the grains in butter. Stir in half of the lime juice and cook for 1 minute. Add the 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.
Video
Notes
Originally published: October 2017. This recipe is also featured in the Muy Bueno cookbook.
- Fresh lime matters: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives this rice its bright, citrusy flavor. Bottled juice will not taste the same.
- Use cilantro stems too: Tender cilantro stems add lots of flavor. Finely chop them along with the leaves to reduce waste and boost freshness.
- For fluffier rice: If you prefer more defined grains, rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Perfect for meal prep: Cilantro lime rice reheats beautifully and works well for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled chicken, carne asada, and shrimp.
- Double the recipe: Feeding a crowd or hosting taco night? This rice disappears fast and can easily be doubled.
Variations
- Vegan: Use your favorite dairy-free butter alternative.
- Brown rice: Substitute long-grain brown rice and increase the cooking time by about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Low-carb option: Swap in cauliflower rice. Sauté briefly in butter and lime juice, then stir in cilantro before serving.
- Extra citrus flavor: Add a little lime zest for even more fresh lime flavor.
- Serving tip: Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing with a fork for the best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 198.72kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.44g | Protein: 3.38g | Fat: 3.15g | Saturated Fat: 1.88g | Cholesterol: 7.53mg | Sodium: 615.29mg | Potassium: 66.35mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 0.75g | Vitamin A: 107.71IU | Vitamin C: 3.38mg | Calcium: 16.7mg | Iron: 0.37mg