Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Recipe
The best recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice with onion, garlic, lime, and cilantro, the perfect side dish for your Mexican feast! Better than Chipotle's.
How to Make the Best Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
This cilantro lime rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with Mexican cuisine, burrito bowls, or any meal that needs a fresh, zesty boost. With aromatic lime juice, fresh cilantro, and warm spices like coriander and cumin, this rice is far superior to the versions served at popular chains like Chipotle—and you can make it at home in just 40 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By toasting the rice briefly with garlic and onion before adding water, you develop a light, nutty flavor that elevates the dish beyond plain white rice. The lime zest added during cooking infuses the grains with citrus flavor, while the fresh cilantro and sliced scallions scattered on top at the end add brightness and texture.
Whether you’re preparing a Mexican feast or simply looking for an easy side dish that’s packed with flavor, this cilantro lime rice recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Make it in under an hour and discover why homemade versions truly are better than takeout.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
The best recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice with onion, garlic, lime, and cilantro, the perfect side dish for your Mexican feast! Better than Chipotle's.
Ingredients
Main
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large saucepan, braiser, or lidded skillet, sauté onion and garlic over medium high heat in olive oil until fragrant and tender, 4-5 minutes.
- Add the rice and sauté 1-2 more minutes, coating each grain. Add coriander, cumin, salt, and half the lime zest, then toast for 1 minute.
- Add the water and bring to a rapid boil. Cover and lower the heat to medium-low so it simmers gently. Cook 13-14 minutes, until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, replace lid, and let stand with heat off for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, squeeze with lime juice and toss in the chopped cilantro and scallions right before serving. Fluff again and taste to adjust salt and lime to your preference.
Notes
- You can substitute onion powder or garlic powder for fresh onion and garlic if preferred.
- Brown basmati rice also works well in this recipe.
- Water quantity may vary depending on the type of rice used.
