Cilantro Lime Rice
Fluffy long-grain rice infused with zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro. This copycat of the famous Chipotle rice is the perfect side for any Mexican-inspired meal, from burritos to tacos.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Rinse the rice thoroughly
- a.Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for 1-2 minutes, swishing it with your hand, until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
Toast the rice
- a.Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the grains are fragrant and the edges become translucent.
- 3
Add liquid and bring to a boil
- a.Pour in the water (or broth), add the salt and the optional bay leaf. Stir once to combine, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 4
Simmer the rice
- a.As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 5
Rest the rice
- a.After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the steam to finish cooking the grains perfectly.
- 6
Add flavorings and serve
- a.Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Add the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains and evenly distributing the ingredients. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the rice is the most important step for fluffy, separate grains. Don't skip it!
- 2Always use fresh lime juice for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled juice won't taste the same.
- 3Add the cilantro and lime juice at the very end, after the rice is cooked and off the heat. This preserves their fresh, vibrant taste.
- 4Fluff the rice with a fork, not a spoon. A spoon can mash the grains and make the rice gummy.
- 5For extra flavor, you can toast the rice with a minced clove of garlic along with the oil before adding the water.
- 6This rice is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Finely mince one jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) and sauté it with the rice in step 2 for a spicy kick.
HeartierHeartier
Fold in 1 cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained) or corn kernels along with the cilantro and lime juice at the end.
Brown RiceBrown Rice
To use brown rice, increase the water to 3.75 cups (a 1:2.5 ratio) and increase the simmer time in step 4 to 40-45 minutes.
Extra AromaticExtra Aromatic
Sauté half a chopped onion in the oil until soft before adding the rice to build another layer of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates in white rice are easily digestible, offering a quick and efficient source of energy for your body and brain.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cilantro and lime juice are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Digestion
Cilantro has been traditionally used to aid digestion and soothe the stomach, potentially helping to reduce bloating and discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Cilantro Lime Rice (approximately 1 cup) contains about 320-350 calories, primarily from the carbohydrates in the rice and the olive oil.