This Cilantro-Lime Rice recipe combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime with fluffy white rice for a flavorful and tasty side dish.
author’s note
Fluffy, Flavorful Cilantro-Lime Rice!
I make cilantro-lime rice all the time. It’s the base for so many recipes on my site and one of my all-time favorite fillings for bowls or burritos. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share it as its own recipe!
It’s super easy—just let the stovetop do all the work.
You’ll come back to fluffy, flavorful rice that’s way more exciting than plain rice. Plus, it’s perfect for making in big batches to help make your week a little easier. Enjoy!
Cilantro-Lime Rice Ingredients
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor.
- White rice: Choose long-grain and don’t rinse first.
- Water: Use filtered water for a cleaner flavor. We don’t use broth here; the flavor is too savory.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
- Cilantro: Not a fan of cilantro? Swap it with chopped parsley
- Lime juice: The heavier the lime, the more juice you’ll get!
- Lime zest: Grate only the green part to avoid bitterness.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice
The full recipe is below but here are my top tips while making it:
- Avoid boiling rice on high heat; it traps excess steam, affecting texture during simmering. Keep heat at medium-high!
- Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure proper steam retention.
- Let the rice stand after cooking to finish cooking in the steam.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Rice
- Grilled Taco Chicken/Fish: Spiced to match the zest.
- Black Beans: For some plant-based protein.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds creamy contrast.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Store-bought or homemade.
- Roasted Shrimp: Cilantro and lime flavored.
- Citrus Salad: Light and fresh. Or toss it into a salad to make it extra filling.
- Tacos: Vegetarian, steak, shrimp, or chicken.
Storage
Leftovers?
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge, for up to five days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water, cover, and microwave or heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
More Easy Sides:
Side Dishes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Salads
Mexican Salad
Appetizers
Corn and Tomato Salad
Appetizers
Smashed Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 limes see note 1
Instructions
- Combine “add first” ingredients to a medium nonstick pot over medium-high heat.
- Wait until the water starts bubbling gently across the entire surface and you notice a slight foam forming on top. Once this happens, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 13–15 minutes without taking off the lid, touching, or stirring. Check to make sure that water should be fully absorbed into rice.
- After checking, quickly place the lid back on and remove pot from the stove. Let it stand, covered, for 10–15 minutes. It’s important not to rush this step as the rice continues to cook in its own steam.
- Zest and juice limes to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice. Remove lid and gently fluff rice with fork. Stir in “add later” ingredients. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
As Chelsea’s husband I got to try this and loved it! It elevates ordinary rice and gives it flavor and depth.