Cilantro lime rice is a light and fresh side dish that is perfect for your Mexican and Asian style dishes. Made with fresh limes, cilantro, and toasted garlic this my take on the Chipotle favorite. Serve it with grilled meat, in a burrito, or as a side for your favorite dish. While great year-round it is perfect for the summer.
Whenever I am grilling and I want a no fuss side dish this is one of my go-to recipes. It is easy to make, fresh, light and compliments so many types of dishes. It pairs well with grilled fish and shrimp. Perfect with my grilled mojo chicken or London broil. It also complements Mexican and fresh Asian style dishes equally as well. There are so many ways to use this even as a base for your buddha bowl or any other bowl. This also makes a great recipe for those that love to meal prep.
Table of Contents
In this recipe
While this is a beefed-up recipe of cilantro lime rice the core of it are the three main ingredients. The rest are there to make them taste even better. The best part about this side dish is that it is inexpensive and makes a great base for so many other dishes.
Cilantro: this is the star of the show and if you want to kick up the cilantro flavor include the stems.
Lime: both the juice and zest are used in order to really bring out the lime flavor.
Rice: I use jasmine rice however feel free to use your favorite kind of rice.
What kind of rice can I use to make this?
You really can use almost any kind of rice that you would like. I tend to go for a long grain rice like jasmine, however there are many that you can use. Be aware that certain types of rice will add some very unique flavors. Brown rice will add a nutty flavor. Black and wild rice might overpower the flavors of the lime and cilantro however the earthy flavors of them will work well with beef and other heavier dishes. Basmati is my back up if I forget to go to the store to get more jasmine.
How do I make cilantro lime rice?
Quite easily. Everything will be ready by the time the rice is cooked. All you will need to do is let it cool. While the water is heating you will want to rinse your rice until the water runs clear. While the recipe calls for 1½ cups of water I would add at least 2 cups and then measure once it starts boiling. Add the rice to the hot water, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook per package instructions, about 10 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, that is when you toast the grated garlic in the oil and let it cool. Add the garlic and oil to a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients and stir. You will want to let the rice cool a bit before adding the cilantro mixture so that it stays nice and bright green. Otherwise, the hot rice will cook the cilantro and lime juice and change the flavors.
Looking for other rice recipes?
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Sauté pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Fine grater
Ingredients
- 1½ cups water
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- ⅔ cup cilantro chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons scallions sliced
- 1½ tablespoons lime zest
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Serrano chili optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan bring the water to a boil.1½ cups water
- While the water is heating pour the rice into a colander and rinse until the water runs clear. Once the water is boiling add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or per the instructions on the rice.1 cup jasmine rice
- While the rice is cooking heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely grated garlic and cook until the garlic starts to turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.3 garlic cloves, 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- Once the rice is ready uncover it, fluff it and allow it to cool.
- In a mixing bowl combine the cilantro, salt, olive oil, scallions, lime juice, red pepper flakes, lime zest and grated garlic and mix to combine.⅔ cup cilantro, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons scallions, 1½ tablespoons lime zest, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 Serrano chili
- Add the cilantro mixture to the cooled rice and mix until combined. Top with additional salt if needed.
Nutrition
This is a stepped up version of that rice from Chiptole. Perfet for my own burrito bowls.