Cilantro Lime Rice

This quick and easy copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is made with eight easy ingredients, and it is the perfect side dish with the fresh flavor of lime and cilantro. It is ideal for all your favorite Mexican and Cuban recipes.

Course side dish/other

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword chipotle cilantro lime rice, cilantro lime rice recipe, how to make cilantro lime rice, lime cilantro rice

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 214kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

1 ½ cups long grain or basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups water
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon lime zest
3 tablespoons lime juice
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Place the rice in a colander and rinse with cold for about 2 minutes or until the water runs clean. Leave the rice in the colander and let it drain, shaking it ever so often to remove more moisture.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, cooking for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the water and salt. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 13-15 minutes. Check your rice package for cooking times as well, as cooking times vary a little for long-grain rice.
Remove the pot from the heat. Keep covered and steam the rice for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro and stir with a fork. Season with additional salt to taste.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine.
Don't skip rinsing the rice. Besides making sure it is nice and clean, it makes the rice less starchy. This makes the rice less sticky with kernels that separate instead of clumping.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and turn to a fairly low simmer. Keep the pot covered, and do not peek.
Don't forget to remove the pot from the heat and let it steam, covered for about 10 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition