Cilantro Lime Rice

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5 from 2 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright and versatile side dish that is a fresh and flavorful addition to any fiesta. It is the perfect compliment to those spicy Mexican meals.

Cilantro Lime Rice in a white bowl with extra cilantro and limes on the side

Mexican Food is a staple dish in our household. The bold flavors and tastes are always popular. This Cilantro Lime Rice is a refreshing dish to serve with any of your favorite Mexican Dishes, as a side, in a burrito or bowl. It will be the perfect compliment.

Why This Cilantro Lime Rice Works

The bright citrus and fresh herb rice compliments and cool down your spicy dishes. It may even remind you of the rice you get from your favorite Mexican restaurant.  It’s very similar to the Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice.

How to Make Cilantro Rice Recipe – Step by Step

  • Step One: First, bring water to a boil.
  • Step Two: Second, add the rice, butter and salt.
  • Step Three: Next, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for twenty (20) minutes.
  • Step Four: Finally, remove from heat, stir in additional ingredients and serve.

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 Making the Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

You can make this Cilantro Lime rice in the Instant Pot if you have one or a rice cooker. It comes out fabulous and very tasty.

In the Instant Pot,  cook the rice for 3 minutes on high pressure, then do a slow release of 10 minutes and then do a quick release. Then follow the recipe by adding the lime and cilantro and you are good to go!

Uncooked rice in a measuring cup with cilantro, limes and butter on the side

Recommendations for Making Cilantro Lime Rice

White Rice is not your only option,  Use any brown rice, Jasmine rice or additionally, try rice cauliflower and it works really well with this Cilantro Lime Rice. It is great to serve with my Chicken Burrito Bowls or my Simple Mexican Skillet, Easy Chicken Fajitas.

Just make sure to use fresh Lime and herbs. It is what particularly gives the dish its bright flavor that is so refreshing.


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close up of Cilantro Lime Rice in a white bowl with extra cilantro and a spoon on the side

Expert Tips for Making the Best Cilantro Lime Rice

  • Increase the Flavor:  Such as, by adding a Bay leaf while cooking the rice.
  • More Spice: Additionally, you can add Chipotle Sauce or Jalapeno to the rice.
  • Cilantro Hater: Replace the cilantro with Thai Basil.

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5 from 2 votes

Cilantro Lime Rice

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright and versatile side dish that will be a delish and flavorful addition to your fiesta. It is the perfect compliment to those spicy Mexican meals.
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest, about 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, about 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a boil.
  • Rinse the rice.
  • Stir in rice, butter and salt.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  • Turn off the heat, fluff rice and stir in the lime zest, lime juice and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Expert Tips For Making the Best Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Add Flavor: Such as a Bay Leaf while Cooking.
  • Try Spice: Add some Chipotle Sauce or Jalapeno.
  • Cilantro Hater: Use Thai Basil instead.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: easy side dish, mexican, rice

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