With just a few ingredients on hand you’ll always have the option of whipping up this light and zesty Cilantro Lime Rice.
Make rice the star of your meals with this delectable Cilantro Lime Rice! This rice recipe couldn’t be easier, it’s perfect to have in your back pocket as part of easy weeknight meals. It’s great for Asian and Mexican dishes, as well as straight up with any protein, like chicken or pork – delicious. Thanks to one of my lovely readers for sending this in!
Why this Cilantro Lime Rice is so good
- Better than take out. This is an easy and delicious alternative to store bought or take out, you won’t go back!
- Versatile. Add an extra punch to so many dishes from burrito bowls to curries.
- A fresh and delicious side. This bright and zesty dish has a wonderful freshness to it, perfect for summer!
Ingredients
- Butter: I used salted butter in my cilantro lime rice for additional flavor, but you can also use unsalted butter if that is what you have on hand.
- White rice: Any long grain white rice will work. I wouldn’t recommend using a medium grain rice or a sticky rice for this recipe.
- Lime juice: I chose to use fresh lime juice, but you can also use lime juice from concentrate to save time.
- Salt
- Cumin
- Chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro
How to make this Cilantro Lime Rice
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for the full recipe
In a skillet with melted butter, add in all the ingredients (reserving half the cilantro) and stir.
Bring rice to a boil, then simmer for 20 mins. Stir in the second half of the cilantro and garnish with fresh lime.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
You can get by using water as a base, but you’ll notice quite a difference if you cook the rice in some stock. I’m using chicken broth, you can use a low sodium store bought version too.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can! If you decide to use Brown rice for this recipe you will need to make some adjustments to the cook time and ingredients. Here are the adjustments that you will need to make:
- Add 1 extra cup of chicken broth to the rice (3 ¼ cups total)
- Cook your brown rice for 40 minutes instead of 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
How do I store cilantro lime rice?
Your cilantro lime rice will last for four to six days in the refrigerator. Make sure that it is sealed in an airtight container while storing.
Top Tips for Cilantro Lime Rice
- Cooked cilantro adds more flavor. I added half of the cilantro in the rice because it helps fuse the cilantro flavor into the rice. When the cilantro is cooked, it tends to take on a slightly different flavor than the fresh cilantro, adding a greater depth of flavor to your cilantro lime rice.
- For an even more citrusy rice, add in some lime zest!
- If you use brown rice make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- You can use slated or unsalted butter in a pinch.
Other delicious rice recipes
Have you tried this Cilantro Lime Rice? Feel free to leave a star rating and I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 286kcal
Melt butter in a medium sized skillet.
Add in uncooked rice, lime juice, salt, cumin, chicken broth, and half of the cilantro (2 Tbs). Stir until combined.
Bring rice to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice has been cooked through.
Stir in second half (2 Tbs) fresh cilantro.
Garnish with additional cilantro and fresh limes, optional.
Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 530mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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Meet The Author: Becky Hardin
Becky woke up on her 30th birthday and realized she didn’t know how to cook, ANYTHING! She started The Cookie Rookie as a way to document her journey to learn how to cook, one recipe at a time! The Cookie Rookie is a place to find easy recipes that anyone can make, and everyone will love!
