Cilantro-Lime Rice

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Learning how to make cilantro lime rice isn’t hard at all! And the best part? You don’t even need a rice cooker to make it! You can make cilantro rice on the stovetop for the perfect side dish time and time again. No matter if this is your first time, or you’re looking for a way to get a new and fresh flavor, this cilantro-lime rice recipe is the best!

The simple side dish can be paired with any of your favorite meals. The lime flavor paired with the texture of the fluffy rice is what has everyone always telling me that this is the best cilantro lime rice that they’ve ever had.

If you love this recipe, then you’d like this Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce and you might even like these Cilantro Lime Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos!

Bowl of Cilantro-Lime Rice with a lime wedge.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this Flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice

It’s a simple way to cook up a bag of rice with basic steps
The homemade version is better than anything that you’ll eat at a restaurant!
This stove top recipe tastes like the copycat version of chipotle’s cilantro lime rice

Ingredients Needed

Cooked rice – You can use plain rice for this like basmati rice or any long-grain rice. Brown rice can work as well, but in my opinion, long grain rice is best.
Fresh lime juice – Fresh limes are key for flavor. Lemons can also work.
Lime zest – The added zest pairs perfectly with the zesty lime juice.
Fresh cilantro – You can skip adding the fresh cilantro in individual portions if there are cilantro haters in the house!
Salt and black pepper – To taste.

How To Make This Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Prepare rice according to package directions.
Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro until blended. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and serve immediately

Storage and leftovers

More than likely, you’re going to have some of this flavorful rice leftover to enjoy again! All you need to do is store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

It should stay good for up to 3 days.

Substitutions or Variations

Add some spice – You can add some chipotle seasoning to the rice and make a delicious chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe! This just proves how this flavorful side dish is versatile to pair with any main dish or Mexican recipes.

FAQs

Can you make the rice in the pressure cooker?

Yes, you can add your long-grain white rice to an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cook quickly.

How do I turn leftover rice into soft and tender rice?

Leftover rice is going to harden in the fridge but there are ways that you can make it soft again. You can add a tiny bit of butter or stock to the rice and heat it in the microwave. This will make it soft again in no time!

Why is my rice sticky?

If the rice is sticky after cooking it, you may have cooked it for too long. Just pay attention to the cooking directions on the rice box or package and it should turn out fine.

What to Serve With Rice

Rice is such a versatile dish and there are so many things that you can pair with it! Here are some of my favorites below!

Other Mexican Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Easy Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole (Ground Beef or Turkey!)
Grilled Chili Lime Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Ribs
See all our delicious main dishes!

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