Easy Cilantro-Lime Rice

This bright and zesty cilantro-lime rice will become your new favorite side dish! Anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors will absolutely adore this simple recipe. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and pairs perfectly with everything from tacos to grilled chicken.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Active Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes, Serves: 4 people.

Nutrition Profile: Sesame-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 195 Calories, 3g Fat, 36g Carbs, 3g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Long-grain white rice: You’ll need 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice. These types give you the fluffiest, most separate grains that soak up all those amazing lime flavors!

Extra-virgin olive oil: Just 1 tablespoon is perfect for toasting the rice and adding a lovely rich flavor to the base.

Fresh garlic: One medium clove minced up will give you that perfect aromatic foundation. Fresh garlic makes such a difference here!

Water and salt: You’ll need 2 cups of water and ½ teaspoon of salt to cook the rice perfectly every time.

Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro brings that bright, herby flavor that makes this rice so special.

Fresh lime: You’ll need 1 tablespoon of grated lime zest and 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Don’t skip the zest – it adds amazing citrus oils!

Lime wedges: These are optional for serving, but I always include them because who doesn’t love extra lime?

How to Make Easy Cilantro-Lime Rice

Step 1: Rinse your rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. Stir it around with your fingers until the water runs clear, about 1 minute. This step removes extra starch and helps prevent sticky rice. Drain it really well.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and minced garlic to the pan. Stir them around often until the rice smells toasty and fragrant, about 1 minute. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound!

Step 3: Pour in the water and salt, then increase the heat to medium-high. Bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan tightly.

Step 4: Let the rice simmer without lifting the lid for about 12 minutes. The water should be almost absorbed and the rice should be just tender. Remove the pan from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes – this step is super important!

Step 5: Add the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice to the rice. Use a fork to gently fluff everything together. The rice should be light and fluffy with bright green specks throughout!

Easy and Quick Cilantro-Lime Rice Version

Want to make this even faster? You can use 2 cups of leftover cooked rice instead! Just heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in your leftover rice and heat through for about 3 minutes. Then stir in all the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. You’ll have perfect cilantro-lime rice in just 5 minutes!

Serving Ideas

This rice is absolutely perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal. It’s also amazing in burrito bowls, with tacos, or as a base for grain bowls. I love serving it with some black beans and avocado for a simple but satisfying lunch!

Storage

Store leftover rice in the fridge for up to 4 days in a covered container. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra lime juice to brighten it up!

Substitutions

No jasmine or basmati rice? Regular long-grain white rice works great too! You can swap the cilantro for fresh parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. Lemon juice and zest work wonderfully instead of lime – just use the same amounts. You can definitely use vegetable oil instead of olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.

Pro Tips

• Perfect rice every time: Don’t skip rinsing the rice – it really makes a difference in the final texture!
• Toast for flavor: That quick toasting step with the garlic adds so much depth to the rice.
• No peeking: Keep that lid on while the rice cooks. Lifting it releases steam and can make your rice gummy.
• Fresh is best: Use fresh lime juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Bottled just doesn’t compare!
• Fluff gently: Use a fork instead of a spoon to keep the rice grains separate and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I make this rice ahead of time?

You bet! You can make the rice up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice right before serving for the freshest flavor. The lime juice can make the cilantro look a bit sad if it sits too long.

Why is my rice sticky or mushy?

This usually happens when you skip rinsing the rice or use too much water. Make sure to rinse until the water runs clear, and stick to the 2:1 water to rice ratio. Also, don’t stir the rice while it’s cooking!

Can I use brown rice instead?

Sure! Brown rice will take longer to cook – about 45 minutes total. You’ll also need about 2½ cups of water instead of 2 cups. The flavor will be nuttier and the texture chewier, but it’s delicious!

What if I don’t like cilantro?

No worries! You can use fresh parsley, green onions, or even fresh mint instead. Each herb will give you a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

I hope you love this bright and flavorful rice as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you and what you served it with. Happy cooking!