Cilantro Lime Rice

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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 labeled 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 Tablespoons lime juice, you can use fresh or bottled. 2 Tablespoons 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.

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

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite Mexican recipes that pair well with this cilantro lime rice:

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

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.

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

Cilantro Lime Rice 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

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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.
5 from 1 vote
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 servings
Calories 70
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients 
 

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: 0.25cup | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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