Cilantro Lime Rice
Posted Sep 22, 2021, Updated May 12, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This cilantro lime rice recipe is an easy & flavorful side dish for taco nights. It’s made with 8 simple ingredients in 25 minutes on the stovetop. Use it to make a delicious taco bowl, stuff it inside a burrito, etc.
We make some form of Mexican food at least once a week. Whether it’s tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc. I know my kids will eat it without complaint.
This cilantro lime rice is a great addition to taco (or burrito) nights (also try this Mexican rice). It’s made with 8 simple ingredients in 25 minutes on the stovetop. I love using it as a base for taco bowls, in burritos or to supplement taco salads.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Long grain white rice. You can use your favorite variety, even wild rice or brown rice work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking times vary based on what you choose.
- Onion. any variety works well, I suggest red or yellow onions.
- Olive oil. avocado oil or canola oil can be used in place of olive oil.
- Lime juice. You need 2 Tablespoons lime juice, you can use fresh or bottled. 2 Tablespoons lime juice i the juice from 2 small limes.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro rice is very easy to make. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video.
Begin by coking the chopped onion, minced garlic and olive oil in a medium saucepan and over medium heat until the onions are soft.
Then, add the rice, water and salt. Cover and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.
When the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Then add the chopped cilantro and lime juice and stir to combine.
Let sit in the pan for 10 minutes, covered. Fluff. taste and adjust seasonings to your liking then serve warm with your favorite taco fixings.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some of our favorite Mexican recipes that pair well with this cilantro lime rice:
- Serve it alongside these crockpot chicken tacos, ground beef tacos, ground turkey tacos or chicken enchiladas, or for a vegetarian option make these sweet potato tacos!
- Make some homemade guacamole or homemade salsa.
- Use it along with these homemade refried black beans to stuff into burritos.
- Use leftovers to make this Mexican casserole recipe or homemade taco bowls.
- Or, I love serving it with this easy chicken curry and a side of naan bread.
Store/Freeze
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe FAQs
Since this rice reminds many of the famous restaurant rice, you may want to use the same variety they do which is long-grain white rice.
Yes, this recipe doubles very well.
If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup onion finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 Tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic and olive oil to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft.
- Add rice, water and salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.
- Remove from heat, add the chopped cilantro and lime juice and stir to combine.
- Let sit in the pan for 10 minutes, covered. Fluff and serve.
Video
Notes
- Long grain white rice. You can use your favorite variety, even wild rice or brown rice work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking times vary based on what you choose.
- Onion. any variety works well, I suggest red or yellow onions.
- Olive oil. avocado oil or canola oil can be used in place of olive oil.
- Lime juice. You need 2 TBS lime juice, you can use fresh or bottled. 2 TBS lime juice i the juice from 2 small limes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
When making the cilantro lime rice do you ever substitute onion and garlic powder for the minced onion and garlic?
Yes! You absolutely can do that!