Once you try this Cilantro Lime Rice, you’ll never go back to plain old white. Just a simple addition of a few ingredients, and a few extra moments of effort are all it takes to transform your rice.
Inspired by the rice at the popular restaurant, Chipotle, it is the ideal easy side dish for so many of your favorite Mexican mains, as well as a variety of other dishes.
A brief chop and a quick squeeze are all you need…
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big time rice eater. From a variety of sides like Saffron Rice and Arroz con Gandules, to more elaborate rice based mains like Katsudon and Jollof Rice, I can’t get enough of the grain.
This cilantro lime rice is the simplest yet. It’s so easy you’re never going to stop making it…
Why We Love Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
- It’s super versatile. You can use it in burritos or burrito bowls, like at Chipotle, or serve it alongside your favorite mains.
- This rice requires next to no extra effort. Once your basic white rice is cooked, it only takes a few minutes.
- The flavors are so good. You’re going to be amazed how such simple ingredients can elevate your rice so much.
What Type of Rice to Use for Cilantro Lime Rice
We recommend either jasmine rice or basmati (which is what we use). They are naturally fragrant, and much more forgiving. Regular long grain rice can easily become mushy.
If you prefer brown rice, you can follow the same recipe, just adjust the cooking time of the rice.
Ingredients
- Rice
- Water
- Salt
- Oil
- Lime Juice
- Chopped Cilantro
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook the rice in salted water. While it’s cooking, chop the cilantro, squeeze the limes and mix them together in a small bowl, along with the oil.
When the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork, allow it to cool for a couple of minutes, then toss in the cilantro lime juice mixture.
That’s it!
What to Serve with this Chipotle Rice Recipe
Of course, it is great in burritos and bowl meals, which is how it gained its fame at Chipotle.
It’s a perfect side for a variety of Latin American meat mains like Barbacoa, Pollo Asado, Bistec Encebollado, or Pollo Guisado.
Use it to sop up your favorite curries. I love it with my Chicken Masala, Pork Vindaloo, or Sri Lankan Chicken Curry.
Leftovers and Storage
You can refrigerate leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the leftovers in the microwave.
TIP: Cooked rice can grow bacteria quickly if not kept at proper temperature. After cooking, allow rice to come to room temperature, then refrigerate within one hour.
If you wish to freeze the leftovers, spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator. Then once it has completely cooled, portion the rice into ziploc bags, then freeze.
So guys, the next time rice is on the menu, give it a big time flavor boost by making this Chipotle copycat cilantro lime rice. Your friends and family will be so impressed that they’ll never guess how easy it is.
Cilantro Lime Rice, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other great side dishes!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Creamed Corn
Moroccan Couscous
Habichuelas Guisadas
Sweet Potato Fries
Spicy Noodles
Farro Salad
Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Rice Recipe)
This Chipotle copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is a super easy side dish that will go great with so many of your favorite mains.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 1.5 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook 20 minutes.
- While rice is cooking, mix oil, lime juice and cilantro in a small bowl.
- Once rice has finished cooking, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, then toss in cilantro lime mixture.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 134Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 588mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 2g
Nutrition information calculated by Nutritionix.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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