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    Home » Cilantro Lime Rice

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Published: Sep 22, 2021 · Modified: Feb 14, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    overhead view of a bowl of Cilantro Lime Rice garnished with cilantro and limes with a spoon in it

    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. 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.

    front view of a bowl of Cilantro Lime Rice garnished with cilantro and limes

    Cilantro Lime Rice: Ingredients & Substitutions

    overhead view of the ingredients in this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe
    • 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.
    overhead view of a bowl of Cilantro Lime Rice garnished with cilantro and limes with a spoon in it

    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.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make cilantro Lime Rice - cooking onion and garlic and adding water and rice

    Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make cilantro Lime Rice - covering and cooking rice

    When the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Then add the chopped cilantro and lime juice and stir to combine.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make cilantro Lime Rice - adding cilantro and lime juice

    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 dishes that pair well with this cilantro lime rice:

    • Serve it alongside these crockpot chicken 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.
    two overhead photos showing How to Make cilantro Lime Rice - covering and cooking rice

    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.

    Recipe FAQs

    What kind of rice do they use at Chipotle?

    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.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, this recipe doubles very well.

    overhead view of a bowl of Cilantro Lime Rice garnished with cilantro and limes with a spoon in it

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Laura
    This cilantro lime rice recipe is an easy & flavorful side dish for taco nights. Made with a handful of simple ingredients in 25 minutes, use it to make a delicious taco bowl, stuff it inside a burrito, etc.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 70 kcal

    Equipment

    • 5 Quart Sauce Pan
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups water
    • 1 cup long-grain white rice
    • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ¼ cup onion finely diced
    • 1 TBS minced garlic
    • 1 TBS olive oil
    • 2 TBS fresh cilantro chopped
    • 2 TBS 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

    Ingredient 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 TBS lime juice, you can use fresh or bottled. 2 TBS lime juice i the juice from 2 small limes.

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

    Photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health.

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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