Bright and zesty, this easy cilantro lime rice is a fluffy rice side with an unexpected burst of flavor. Topped with extra cilantro for a pop of color, it’s a simple 30-minute recipe perfect for weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Aside from being super yummy and healthy, you’ll love making this rice because it’s simple and won’t take much of your day.
- Quick. Ready in only 30 minutes, it’s a totally doable side any day of the week.
- Easy. You only need a bit of lime and fresh cilantro to infuse this rice with lots of flavors, so you don’t need to worry about having lots of ingredients on hand.
- Flavorful. With just two special ingredients, you quickly transform your regular rice from a boring side dish to a side dish that you won’t be able to stop eating!
- Goes With Everything! I love this rice because we will serve it with just about everything from fish to chicken, or anything with some good Latin flavors.
- Perfect for potlucks. It’s a quick, zero-fuss recipe that’ll save you from showing up empty-handed to cookouts and potlucks.
What Goes In Cilantro Lime Rice?
This cilantro lime rice is packed with zesty brightness. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredient amounts.
- Long grain white rice – Don’t use a short grain rice like sushi or arborio rice.
- Water – Veggie or chicken stock are great swaps.
- Garlic powder
- Lime zest
- Bay leaves
- Chicken bouillon – I prefer this chicken bouillon, but use your favorite! It adds a ton of flavor to your rice!
- Salt
- Lime juice – Lemon juice works in a pinch, but that zesty lime flavor really is the best pairing with cilantro.
- Fresh cilantro
Tips for the Best Cilantro Rice
These tips will help you perfectly cook any rice recipe:
- Check the water ratio. Some brands of rice absorb more water than others. It’s important to always check the package for the amount of water your rice needs in order to cook it perfectly.
- Use a non-stick pot. This helps prevent sticking, so use a non-stick pot to avoid any issues with your rice.
- Keep the lid on. Once ready, remove the pot from the heat but keep the lid on for another 10-15 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking with the residual steam.
- Make it buttery. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pot as the rice boils to give it a bit of richness.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice is great with chicken, turkey, or fish mains. Some of my favorite include my Birria Tacos, Rosemary Honey Mustard Chicken, Crockpot Chicken Tacos and Air Fryer Salmon. To complete the meal, you can also add some veggie sides like my Frijoles de la Olla (Mexican Beans) or Mexican Street Corn!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge: Once fully cooled, refrigerate this cilantro lime rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Discard it once it becomes sticky and viscous.
- To reheat: Sprinkle the rice with 1/2 teaspoon of water and microwave it for up to a minute or until warm. You can also heat it in a pan over medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze Cooked Lime Rice?
Yes! Divide the leftover rice into serving sizes. Place each portion in a freezer-friendly bag. Freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating as usual.
More Easy Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
- Easy Roasted Mushrooms
- Baked Beans with Ground Beef
- Fresh Mango Salad
- Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts
- Candied Carrots Recipe
- Twice Baked Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- zest of 1 lime
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder/granules
- salt, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the rice, water, garlic powder, lime zest, bay leaves, chicken bouillon powder and salt together.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 15 minutes. (Rice is done when water has been absorbed and is tender.) Remove and discard bay leaves.
- Using a fork, fluff up rice and add to a large bowl. Add the lime juice and fresh cilantro into the warm rice and stir. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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