Fluffy long grain rice flavored with vibrant cilantro and zesty lime juice, this delicious Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect accompaniment with Mexican or Indian food. Here's my copycat version of Chipotle's Cilantro Lime rice that's easy to make and just as delicious, if not more!
Mexican food is on repeat in my home, burritos being on top of the menu list. The girls like a traditional wrapped up bean burrito, while as hubby and I prefer a fajita-style burrito-bowl. Both these favorites have one thing in common- Cilantro Lime Rice. It's a fresh and light side dish that elevates any meal to the next level!
This versatile side dish is not restricted to just Mexican recipes, it pairs beautifully with Indian and Mediterranean cuisine as well. I make it often with Chicken Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka, or Mediterranean Chicken. And it also goes great with Chana Dal or Toor Dal Tadka.
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Why you will love this recipe?
- This recipe is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
- It's a side-dish with a 'wow-factor' that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- This versatile rice dish can be paired with a variety of proteins - vegetarian, chicken or meat, and also makes for a great base for burritos or burrito bowls.
- It's easy to make ahead for meal-prep and can be frozen for later use. (see storage instructions below)
Looking for more rice recipes? Checkout more Instant Pot Rice Recipes
Let's get started with this better-than-Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe!
Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions
In addition to salt, water and oil, you just need 5 ingredients to make this delicious side. Here are some notes so you can make the best cilantro lime rice:
- Rice: For a nutty flavor and fluffy texture, I use basmati rice. Rinsing the rice and a quick soak ensure that the kernels are soft and fluffy, and not sticky at all. Jasmine rice would be the next best substitute. I wouldn't recommend short grain rice.
- Lime: Buy a juicy, plump lime with bright green skin, since we'll be using the juice as well as zest in this recipe. The perfect lime would have a slight give when you press it. Avoid the ones with brown bruises.
- Cilantro: Buy a bunch and trim off the woody stem, about 2-inches. Soak it in water, then rinse it well and air dry ahead of time. You can use the leaves as well as the light green stem for this recipe.
Serving Size Calculation Tip: 1 cup uncooked white rice = 3 cups cooked rice
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Here is a step by step guide on how to make this delicious and fragrant side dish:
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse rice 2-3 times until water runs clear. Soak the rice for 10 minutes while you gather and prepare other ingredients. (pic 1)
- Turn on Saute. Add olive oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir and saute rice for 3 minutes to toast them slightly. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. (pic 2)
- Add water, salt, and lime zest to the rice. Stir and cancel saute. (pic 3)
- Close the lid, knob at sealing position. Select pressure cook or manual for 6 minutes at high pressure. (pic 4)
- Once cooking time is done, wait 5 minutes then release pressure manually. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Add lime juice and chopped cilantro and using a fork, fluff the rice gently, while mixing lime juice and cilantro. (picture below)
Stovetop Recipe
- Heat a sauce pan on medium-high heat and follow instructions 1-4 from above. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Now add cilantro and lime and gently fluff and mix with a fork.
How to Store & Freeze
Refrigerate: Store cilantro lime rice in any airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Transfer to single-use containers or quart size ziplock bag and squeeze the air out. Seal it, add label and date, and freeze for up to a month.
Reheat: To reuse, thaw overnight in the fridge, sprinkle some water and microwave on high for 45 seconds to a minute.
What Goes with Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro rice goes great as a side and also makes for a great stuffing for burritos. Pair it with the following recipes and enjoy a flavorful Mexican inspired meal. Don't forget to make some pico de gallo, guacamole or this refreshing avocado cilantro sauce to go with it!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Rice: For best results, use Basmati or a similar long grain rice for a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
- Lime: Buy a juicy, bright colored lime for it's zest and juice. The zest adds an earthy citrusy flavor, so don't skip that step.
- Cilantro: Trim off the bottom 2 inches of the stems. Use the leaves and light green stem.
- Toasting: Toasting the rice takes an extra few minutes, but it adds a nutty flavor to this rice dish. Try not to skip that step.
- Make-Ahead: Cilantro lime rice can be made a few days ahead for meal-prep or a party, and even frozen for later use. Check storage instructions above for details.
- Quantity: 1 cup uncooked rice makes 3 cups cooked rice. In this recipe, I have accounted for ¾ cup cooked rice per serving. You can adjust that based on your preference.
You might also like this variation: Mexican Rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipotle uses 3 main ingredients in their rice- Long grain rice, cilantro and lime juice.
This cilantro lime rice recipe is an excellent way to use a lot of cilantro. You can also use it to make Cilantro Chutney, Avocado Cilantro Dressing or Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce.
As per this recipe, ¾ cup of Cilantro Lime rice contains 222 calories. It includes 6 grams of fat, 38 grams net carbs and 4 grams protein.
Yes. Transfer to individual size containers or quart size ziplock bag. Seal it, add label and date, and freeze for up to a month.
More Mexican Recipes on the Blog
Checkout the complete range of Mexican style recipe in our Mexican & Tex-Mex Recipes collection.
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📖 Recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup basmati rice see notes for substitutes
- 1 small garlic clove minced (½ teaspoon)
- 1¼ cup water (adjust to 2 cups for stovetop recipe)
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 medium lime - juice and zest (about 2 teaspoon zest + 2 tablespoon juice)
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender green stems
Instructions
Instant Pot Recipe
- Rinse rice 2-3 times until water runs clear. Soak the rice for 10 minutes while you gather and prepare other ingredients.
- Turn on Saute. Add olive oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir and saute rice for 3 minutes to toast them slightly. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add water, salt, and lime zest to the rice. Stir and cancel saute.
- Close the lid, knob at sealing position. Select pressure cook or manual for 6 minutes at high pressure. Once cooking time is done, wait 5 minutes then release pressure manually by following your cooker's quick release instructions. Let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Add lime juice and chopped cilantro. Using a fork, fluff the rice gently and mix in the lime juice and cilantro.
Stovetop Recipe
- Heat a sauce pan on medium-high heat and follow instructions 1-4 from above. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes. Now add cilantro and lime and gently fluff and mix with a fork.
Video
Notes
- Rice: For best results, use Basmati or a similar long grain rice for a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
- Lime: Buy a juicy, bright colored lime for it's zest and juice. The zest adds an earthy citrusy flavor, so don't skip that step.
- Cilantro: Trim off the bottom 2 inches of the stems before using. Use the leaves and light green stem.
- Toasting: Toasting the rice takes an extra few minutes, but it adds a nutty flavor to this rice dish. Try not to skip that step.
- Make-Ahead: Cilantro lime rice can be made a few days ahead for meal-prep or a party, and even frozen for later use. Check storage instructions above for details.
- Quantity: 1 cup uncooked rice makes 3 cups cooked rice. In this recipe, I have accounted for ¾ cup cooked rice per serving. You can adjust that based on your preference.
Kevin says
Absolutely excellent recipe goes fantastic with pork chops or Mexican food! Great recipe to double or triple when you have a crowd!
Aneesha says
Thank you Kevin! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Jami Krueger says
This was great! I left out the garlic and extra salt. Paired it with a foil packet lemon-dill salmon. Thank you.
Aneesha says
That sounds delish! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe 🙏🏼
Marlene Miller says
Just made it! SOOOO good! Thank you!
Aneesha says
Hi Marlene, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to rate the recipe!