Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice is a bright and flavorful side dish made with fluffy long-grain rice, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. It’s a simple restaurant-style rice that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, and Mexican-inspired meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: about 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 TBSP olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lime (zest and juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water or broth, olive oil, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
Notes
Lime zest adds a stronger citrus flavor than juice alone, so it is worth including.
Fresh cilantro should be stirred in after cooking so it stays bright and aromatic.
Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/cilantro-lime-rice/