Fresh and tasty cilantro lime rice is easy to make at home and better than Chipotle’s. Great as a side dish or base for burrito bowls.

Cilantro Lime Rice on a serving platter with a gold serving spoon and fresh lime wedges.

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. ~Marie Curie

Here’s my chef’s perfected cilantro lime rice recipe! It was a staple in our catering business, and we were constantly bombarded with requests for the recipe. The best part? It is easy to make at home, and it bursts with fresh, zesty flavor!

The secret is in the seasonings: we use fresh lime zest and lime juice to add an extra burst of zesty flavor, along with ground coriander and cumin for earthiness, and onion and garlic for savory depth. It’s so fresh and tasty, pairing well with both Mexican and Asian meals.

With our tips, the rice always turns out perfectly fluffy! We also share a quick cheater version- for when you are in a hurry, no chopping required!

The ingredients in cilantro lime rice layed out on the counter: long grain rice, fresh limes, cilantro, onion, green onion, garlic and Mexican spices.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Ingredients

  • Rice: Use long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, for the fastest cooking time. See notes for brown basmati rice as the amount of liquid will change as well as cooking time.
  • Onion and fresh garlic cloves: to add savory depth. (Or sub garlic and onion powder)
  • Extra virgin Olive Oil: to add richness.
  • Fresh Limes: We use both the lime zest and the fresh lime juice!
  • Herbs: Fresh cilantro (and its tender stems) and sliced green onions
  • Spices: ground coriander, cumin, salt, and optional chili flakes

Lime Cilantro Rice Variations

  • Make it FASTER! Skip the fresh onion and garlic, and add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder and onion powder to the cooking liquid.
  • Make it spicy: Sprinkle with finely sliced jalapenos or serrano chilies after cooking, right before serving.
  • Make it smoky. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the rice, a pinch of ground chipotle powder, or a tablespoon of minced canned chipotles.
  • Add savory depth. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and a bay leaf for extra complexity of flavor.
  • Hate Cilantro? Sub flat leaf parsley and extra green onions.
  • Use Brown basmati rice. (Pictured below) for extra nutrients, and be sure to read the package instructions for increased liquid and cooking time.
An easy healthy recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice that is made on the stovetop. This variation is made with brown rice.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil in a large pan.

Step 1: Saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender and fragrant.

Added the rinsed rice and sauting with the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Then add the rice, and saute, coating each grain.

Add lime zest and coriander, cumin and salt.

Step 3: Add salt, coriander, cumin and half of the lime zest.

add the correct ratio of water and stir to combine.

Step 4: Measure out the correct amount of water, bring it to a hard boil, cover tightly, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer (medium-low heat), and cook until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 12-14 minutes. This will take longer with brown rice, so see recipe notes.

The steamed rice before it is fluffed.

Step 5: When the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and add the lime juice, cilantro, green onions and remaining lime zest. If you like a little spice, you could add some chili flakes if you want.

Fluffing the rice and adding cilantro, green onions and lime.

Step 6: Taste the rice, then season with lime juice and add more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh lime wedges.

Cilantro lime rice with green onions and limes on a serving platter.

What to serve with Cilantro and Lime RicE

How to Store Cilantro Lime Rice

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or over gentle heat on the stovetop.

Chef’s Tips

  • Cilantro Lime Rice also pairs well with Asian cuisine! Use leftovers to make stir-fries or Asian bowls.
  • Use the cilantro stems! Tender cilantro stems add a slightly different flavor, making the rice more complex!
  • Use chicken stock or veggie broth. For even more flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
  • Freeze in smaller portions– then you can pull it out of the freezer for quick meals.

More Favorite recipes

I hope you like this simple recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice. Let us know in the comments below. Such a delicious addition to your weekly meal prep or Mexican or Asian Feast!

xoxo

Sylvia

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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. ;)

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups
  • Category: side dish, vegan, gluten free
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Asian
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

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

Units
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced (1 1/2 cups) (or onion powder, see notes)
  • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped (or garlic powder, see notes)
  • 2 cups rinsed long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati works best, or see notes for brown basmati rice)
  • 3 cups water (see notes, depends on type)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1-2 limes- zest and juice
  • 1 cup cilantro, chopped, leaves and tender stems
  • 3 scallions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Saute. In a large saucepan, braiser, or lidded skillet, saute onion and garlic over medium high heat, in olive oil until fragrant and tender, 4-5 minutes. Add the rice, saute 1-2 more minutes, coating each grain, then add coriander, cumin, salt, and half the lime zest,  toast 1 minute.
  2. Simmer. Add the water (make sure to see notes on quantity). Bring to a rapid boil. Cover, then 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. Replace lid, let stand with heat off of 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff and Season. Fluff with fork, squeeze with lime juice (2-4 tablespoons) and right before serving, toss in the chopped cilantro and scallions. Fluff again, taste and adjust salt and lime to taste.

Notes

In a hurry? Skip the chopping of onions and garlic, and add two teaspoons of both onion powder and garlic powder to the cooking liquid. I still recommend sautéing the rice for just a minute or two, but you could dump it all in the pan, and simmer in a pinch.

If making this ahead, add cilantro and scallions right before serving!

Water ratios– if using jasmine rice, or  basmati rice, use 3 cups of water. If using brown basmati rice, adjust water according to package directions and plan on almost double the cooking time, 30-ish minutes (unless you soak the rice beforehand).

Storage: Leftover cilantro lime rice will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  It can also be frozen for up to 3 months  (though cilantro may discolor). Reheat in a pan over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 249
  • Sugar: 2.2 g
  • Sodium: 594.6 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1.7 g
  • Protein: 5.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Comments

  2. This is a tasty, versatile recipe! I used NM chile instead of coriander as I was out of that spice. I used short grain brown rice and added a small handful of whole red lentils to make the dish more substantial. We ate it with baked sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Delish!

    Reply

  5. Read the recipe, days later gathered what I could remember of the ingredients, put it together and thoroughly enjoyed it!
    Fresh flavours-just like spring. Thankyou!

    Reply

  6. This is a great rice side or addition to a meal. My partner told me that she didn’t know what box or brand this was, but I should keep buying it. Which of course led to the realization that she thought I’d been buying Rice-a-Roni or something for the ten years we’ve been together. She also realized that all those bins and bags of grains and rice in the pantry are actually being used rather than decorating a pantry.
    Not only was this a winner at the house, but we all learned something that day.

    Reply

    1. Hilarious Ashely 😂! Glad to hear everyone is learning and delighted with the recipes.

      Reply

  7. This is so yummy! I had to substitute white Jasmine Rice and it was superb! The fresh cilantro added a lot of flavor.

    Reply

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