This is the BEST Cilantro Lime Rice recipe (better than Chipotle!) and it also could not be easier to make. If you’re looking for a simple side dish that can easily be paired with different meals then this is the recipe you need. It’s a staple side and a great recipe to keep in your to keep in your back pocket for busy nights!
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Rice Recipe
If you think the only place you can get perfectly cooked cilantro rice is at Chipotle then think again! Trust me, with this recipe you can make perfect rice at home, from scratch, with even better results.
I make rice weekly and I’ve perfected this cilantro lime rice recipe. It’s become a staple in our home that I can easily pair with several different dishes. The rice comes out perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and the recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it stores and even freezes well!
Cilantro Rice Recipe Ingredients
(full recipe and instructions in the recipe card, below)
Long Grain Rice: My favorite rice to use for this recipe is Jasmine rice, however you can use your favorite long-grain rice of choice. Basmati rice would also be a great choice.
Oil: A little oil adds flavor and gives the rice wonderful texture. Avocado or olive oil will both work well.
Full Fat Coconut Milk: I love adding coconut milk to my rice for the most delicious texture and flavor. Be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this recipe and not the coconut milk that you find in the refrigerated section.
Cilantro: Lots of fresh cilantro adds so much flavor to the rice. Be sure to use both the leaves and stems when you chop it up.
Fresh Lime Juice: The combination of fresh lime juice and cilantro is undefeated. Be sure to use fresh squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How to Make Best Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
(full recipe and instructions in the recipe card, below)
Step One: Add the oil, rice, coconut milk, water, and salt, to a medium non-stick saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Bring the rice to a boil, cover with the lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Do not skip the step of rinsing your rice. I know it may seem like a pain but it helps to remove excess starch which gives you the fluffiest rice.
Step Two: Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes until all of the liquid has absorbed or according to the instructions on the package.
Add even more flavor. Throw in a bay leaf to the rice while it is cooking for even more flavorful rice.
Step Three: Once the rice has cooked, fluff it with a fork and let cool slightly.
Step Four: Next, add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest.
Step Five: Use a fork to continue to fluff the rice until everything is well combined and then give the rice a taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking and enjoy warm!
How to Store Cilantro Rice Recipe
Fridge: Once the rice has cooled, transfer it to an air-tight food storage container and store in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezer: One of my favorite things to do is to freeze leftover rice. It makes delicious stir-fried rice and is easy to reheat. To freeze your rice, let it come to a cool, and then transfer it to a freezer safe storage container or freezer bag. Store the rice for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
- Crispy Pork Carnitas
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Asian Chicken Stir Fry
- Honey Sriracha Salmon
- Healthy Chicken Taco Salad
- Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
- Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
- Sticky Ginger Scallion Meatballs
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Easy Salmon Burrito Bowl
- Crispy Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Best Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe FAQs
- Want a more neutral rice? Feel free to leave out the cilantro and lime juice at the end for a simple flavorful white rice.
- Want to add more nutrition? If you want to add even more flavor and nutrition to your rice, you can use chicken broth instead of water. The flavor of the rice will change a bit so keep that in mind.
More Delicious Recipes I Know You’ll Love
Healthy Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail
Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Spicy Lime Tahini
I hope you give this Cilantro Lime Rice try! It is so easy to make and the perfect side for so many different meals.
If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.
Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Casey Colodny / THE MINDFUL HAPA
Print
Cilantro Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The best Cilantro Lime Rice (better than Chipotle!) and so easy to make! This simple side dish can easily be paired so many different meals and never disappoints. If you are looking for a delicious staple recipe to keep in your healthy recipe arsenal, this is it!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (can be avocado or olive)
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- 1 – 13.5 oz can of full fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup lime juice
- Zest of one lime
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Add the oil, rice, coconut milk, water, and salt, to a medium non-stick saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Bring the rice to a boil, cover with the lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes until all of the liquid has absorbed or according to the instructions on the package.
- Once the rice has cooked, fluff it with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Next, add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Use a fork to continue to fluff the rice until everything is well combined and then give the rice a taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking and enjoy warm!
