This Cilantro Lime Rice is fluffy, fragrant, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor! Made with sautéed onion, garlic, warm spices, and plenty of fresh lime, it’s even better than Chipotle’s. An easy vegan, gluten-free side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, and Mexican-inspired dinners. Video included!
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
The secret to really good Cilantro Lime Rice? It’s all in the seasonings! This fluffy, fragrant rice is infused with sautéed onion, garlic, ground coriander, cumin, and plenty of fresh lime zest and juice for bright, irresistible flavor.
This recipe was a staple in our catering business, and guests were constantly asking for it! Over the years, I’ve perfected the method so the rice turns out light, fluffy, and full of zesty flavor every time.
It’s delicious with tacos, burrito bowls, and Mexican-inspired meals, and I’ve included a quick shortcut version for busy nights when you don’t feel like chopping!
Almost everyone I make this for – wants to know how I did it - I always give you the credit, Sylvia! So good! Thank you!
Why you’ll love Cilantro Lime Rice!
Bright, zesty flavor. Fresh lime zest and juice, cilantro, garlic, and warm spices make every bite delicious.
Perfectly fluffy. Our simple stovetop method creates tender, separate grains of rice, never gummy or mushy.
Easy and versatile. Serve with tacos, burrito bowls, grilled proteins, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Chef-tested and crowd-approved. A longtime favorite from our catering days, this is the rice recipe guests always asked for!
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice: Basmati or jasmine rice works beautifully, creating light, fluffy grains. Brown basmati also works with adjusted cooking times and liquid.
- Fresh limes: Both the zest and juice add bright, tangy flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds freshness and color. Tender cilantro stems are delicious here, too.
- Onion and garlic: Create a savory, aromatic foundation. Substitute onion and garlic powder for a quicker version.
- Ground coriander and cumin: Add subtle warmth and earthy depth.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps toast the rice.
- Salt and chili flakes: Enhance the flavor, with optional chili flakes for a little heat.
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.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Step 1: Saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender and fragrant.
Step 2: Then add the rice, and saute, coating each grain.
Step 3: Add salt, coriander, cumin and half of the lime zest.
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.
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.
Step 6: Taste the rice, then season with lime juice and add more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh lime wedges.
What to serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
- Serve as a delicious base for Burrito Bowls along with Black Beans, Pinto Beans,or Refried Beans!
- Pair it with Mexican-inspired chicken dishes! Try our Chicken Mole, Grilled Chipotle Chicken, or Chicken Carnitas with Mexican Slaw.
- Serve it with tacos! Try our Chicken Taco Recipe, or Fish Tacos along with this Mexican Corn (Esquites).
Storage and Make Ahead
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, or gently reheat on the stove in a saucepan with a splash of water over medium-low heat, stirring.
Chef’s Tips
- Rinse the rice. Rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess surface starch and help keep the grains separate.
- Toast the rice. Sautéing the rice with the onion and garlic adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps build a flavorful foundation.
- Keep the lid on. Once the rice is simmering, resist lifting the lid or stirring. Trapped steam helps the rice cook evenly.
- Let it rest. Once the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Add the fresh ingredients last. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, green onions, and remaining lime zest after cooking to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Taste before serving. A final squeeze of lime or pinch of salt can make all the difference!
More Favorite Mexican Sides
- 45 + Fresh and Tasty Mexican Recipes!
- Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime
- Mexican Corn (Esquites)
- Pinto Beans
- How to make Refried Beans!
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
Watch How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
FAQS
Long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best for a light, fluffy texture. Brown basmati also works, but requires additional cooking time and liquid.
Yes! Cook the rice ahead and refrigerate promptly. Reheat until steaming hot, then refresh with a squeeze of lime and a little fresh cilantro before serving.
Too much water, excess starch, or overcooking can make rice mushy. Rinse the rice, use the correct water-to-rice ratio, and avoid stirring while it simmers.
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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 for 5 minutes.
- 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
I’ve been making this recipe on repeat for any Mexican or Latin dinner… it is SO yummy! I just made this rice dish to accompany a Middle Eastern dinner, and it was perfect with that also!
Good to hear Janet! Thanks for taking the time to review.
This recipe is so yummy. We served it with the grilled peaches and chicken. A perfect pairing.
Sounds great, glad you enjoyed!
So excited to do this! I have to say bye for your recipe looks the best out of so many on the web! Can I substitute water for chicken broth to make it even more savory?
Sure, chicken broth would be great.
This rice is DELICIOUS! Served with the Baked Poblano Peppers which are also amazing.
Great to hear Chris!
You made me like rice! So full of flavor… thank you!
Glad you enjoyed!
Almost everyone I make this for wants to know how I did it – I always give you the credit, Sylvia! So good! Thank you!
Thanks Lela, so nice to hear!
Loved it!
Great to hear!
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!
Sounds amazing Jaon!
So good!!
Great to hear Margaret!
Sooooo delicious ! Facile à faire et goûteux.
Merci !
Glad you enjoyed Didi!
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!
Wonderful, great to hear Margaret!
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.
Hilarious Ashely 😂! Glad to hear everyone is learning and delighted with the recipes.
This is so yummy! I had to substitute white Jasmine Rice and it was superb! The fresh cilantro added a lot of flavor.
Great to hear Beth, really appreciate the review!