Light, zesty, and impossibly aromatic, Cilantro Lime Rice is the secret side dish that instantly upgrades any meal. With each fluffy bite sparkling with fresh lime and bright cilantro, it’s the kind of rice you’ll crave on Taco Tuesdays, burrito nights, or as a crave-worthy foundation for your favorite bowls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Shines as a Side (or Star): Cilantro Lime Rice isn’t just a supporting player—it’s delicious enough to steal the spotlight at your dinner table!
- Vibrant Fresh Flavor: The zingy lime and handfuls of fresh cilantro make every bite burst with brightness and garden-fresh aroma.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you can scoop some for burrito bowls, stir-fries, or lunchboxes all week.
- Ridiculously Easy—Yet Impressively Gourmet: Made with pantry staples, but the result tastes like something you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing what a handful of basic ingredients can do when you put them together—each one is simple, but they come together to make Cilantro Lime Rice uniquely flavorful and vibrant. Here’s what brings this side dish to life:
- Butter: Toasts the rice and adds a lovely richness you’ll taste in every bite.
- Basmati Rice: Long, slender grains that stay fluffy and separate—just perfect for soaking up all that lime and cilantro goodness.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and extra umami, so every spoonful is comforting and flavorful.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped just before adding, it delivers a pop of herbal freshness and classic color.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and makes everything pop.
- Cumin: A gentle earthiness that rounds out the bright citrus notes without overpowering.
- Lime Zest and Juice: The real stars! They infuse this rice with tangy, citrusy flavor and an irresistible aroma.
Variations
One of the best things about Cilantro Lime Rice? It’s endlessly adaptable! You can easily put your own spin on this recipe, whether you need it vegan, want extra veggies, or just feel like experimenting with bold flavors.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for just as much flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in a handful of frozen peas or corn when you add the broth for pops of color and natural sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a bit of minced jalapeño, a dash of cayenne, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like your rice with a kick.
- Switch Up the Herbs: Try adding a bit of fresh chopped mint or parsley for a different herby spin.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice in Butter
Start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the dry basmati rice, and toast it, stirring frequently. You’re looking for the grains to become lightly golden and incredibly fragrant—this step deepens the flavor and ensures the most irresistible texture.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chopped cilantro, kosher salt, cumin, and that gorgeous lime zest and juice. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together, and bring the mixture to a boil. The perfume in your kitchen—trust me—will be mouthwatering!
Step 3: Simmer to Fluffy Perfection
Once it’s bubbling, cover your saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquid. No peeking—trapping the steam is key!
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Take off the lid and use a fork to fluff the Cilantro Lime Rice, mixing the cilantro and lime all throughout so every bite sings with flavor. Serve hot right away as a side dish, burrito filling, or the hero of a veggie bowl!
Pro Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse for Fluffiness: If your basmati rice is extra starchy, give it a rinse in cold water before toasting—this simple step helps guarantee those dreamy, separate grains.
- Zest First, Juice Second: Always zest your lime before juicing—it’s so much easier, and you’ll capture every bit of those fragrant essential oils!
- No-Peek Cooking: Resist opening the lid as the rice simmers. Keeping the steam trapped ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every single time.
- Cilantro Timing: Stir half the cilantro in with the broth for flavor and save the rest to sprinkle on at the end for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice
Garnishes
Give your Cilantro Lime Rice a final flourish with a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro, a light dusting of additional lime zest, or even a few paper-thin slices of radish or jalapeño for color and a little crunch.
Side Dishes
This rice is a chameleon when it comes to pairings! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, spoon it into tacos, tuck it into burrito bowls, or pile it next to saucy enchiladas and beans for the ultimate fiesta plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy touch, scoop your Cilantro Lime Rice into a ramekin or cup and gently unmold onto plates for a little “rice tower”—or pack it into mini tacos, lettuce wraps, or as a layer in mason jar salads for a fun and unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Cilantro Lime Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying moist and bright without losing any of its punchy flavor.
Freezing
Yes, Cilantro Lime Rice freezes beautifully! Scoop it into zip-top freezer bags or containers, press out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen when you need a quick flavor boost.
Reheating
Warm your rice gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore that fluffy, just-made texture. Stir in a little extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to rejuvenate it right before serving!
FAQs
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Is it necessary to use basmati rice, or can I substitute another variety?
Basmati rice is classic for its slender grains and fluffy, non-sticky texture, but you can easily use jasmine or even long-grain white rice—just note that cook time and texture might vary slightly; avoid short-grain rice for best results.
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Can I make Cilantro Lime Rice ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cilantro Lime Rice holds up really well in the fridge. Prep a batch in advance and store it in an airtight container, then reheat as needed for quick lunches, easy dinners, or even to stuff into wraps and bowls.
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How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Simply swap the butter for olive oil (or vegan butter) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth—the rice will still be just as flavorful, bright, and satisfying!
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My rice turned out mushy, what went wrong?
Mushy rice most often means too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure to measure your broth carefully, keep the lid tight, and avoid stirring during simmering—every stove is different, so check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking window.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to bring restaurant-style flavor home—or just want to make your next dinner a little more vibrant—give this Cilantro Lime Rice a try! It’s a true kitchen staple: reliable, quick, and bursting with personality. I can’t wait for you to taste how much joy a humble bowl of rice can bring. Buen provecho!
Print
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a zesty and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and warm cumin elevates plain basmati rice into a vibrant and tasty dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/4 cups basmati rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- zest and juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Toasting the Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add butter and dry basmati rice. Toast the rice until golden and fragrant.
- Adding Ingredients: Stir in chicken broth, cilantro, salt, cumin, lime zest, and juice. Bring to a boil.
- Simmering: Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Fluffing and Serving: Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
