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Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice: A Flavorful Side Dish for Any Meal

Discover how to make fluffy and flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice at home. This easy recipe is the perfect companion to your favorite Mexican dishes.

June 20, 2023
Cilantro Lime RicePhoto By Canva
Difficulty Medium
Servings 8 people
Preparation 10 mins
Cooking 25 mins
Total 35 mins

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt. Give it a stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
  4. Squeeze the lime juice over the rice.
  5. Top with cilantro before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cilantro Lime Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 Cilantro Lime Rice
Serves 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories260
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6 g7.7%
Sodium 568 mg24.7%
Protein 6 g12%
Potassium 436 mg9.3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

  • Use long-grain rice. Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine rice works best for Cilantro Lime Rice. These varieties have a light and fluffy texture that pairs well with the flavors of cilantro and lime.
  • To ensure your rice is fluffy and not sticky, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking.
  • Cook the rice properly. Follow the instructions on your rice package to cook the rice. Whether you're using a stovetop method, rice cooker, or Instant pot, this helps create a tender and fluffy consistency.
  • After cooking, allow the rice to cool slightly before adding the cilantro and lime juice. This helps prevent the cilantro from wilting and losing its vibrant color.
  • You can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This enhances the taste of the pilaf.
  • Fluff the rice. After cooking the rice, use a fork to fluff it up. This helps separate the grains and prevents the rice from becoming clumpy.
  • Mix in the cilantro just before serving. To retain the freshness and vibrant green color of the cilantro, add it to the rice just before serving. Mixing it in at the last minute prevents it from wilting and losing its flavor.
  • For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the rice just before serving.
  • Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the spices as you see fit.
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Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that adds a burst of freshness to any meal. With its zesty citrus notes and fragrant cilantro, this rice dish is a popular choice in many cuisines, particularly in Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes.

Bring the authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant to your kitchen with this simple yet delicious Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. This dish is not only easy to make, but it's also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of main courses. Whether you're serving it alongside tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken, this rice is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

What Is Cilantro Lime Rice?

Cilantro Lime Rice is a popular side dish made with cooked rice infused with the flavors of fresh cilantro and tangy lime. It is a versatile and vibrant dish that adds a burst of freshness to a wide range of meals.

To prepare Cilantro Lime Rice, cooked rice (usually white or brown rice) is combined with freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro (also known as coriander leaves), and often a touch of salt and pepper. The lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor, while the cilantro contributes a distinct herbal and slightly citrusy taste.

This side dish pairs exceptionally well with various cuisines, particularly Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern dishes. It adds a refreshing element to meals like burritos, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more.

Cilantro Lime Rice is loved for its vibrant appearance, aromatic fragrance, and the way it complements and enhances the flavors of other dishes. It provides a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures to balance out spicier or richer main courses.

Is The White Rice At Chipotle Cilantro Lime?

Yes, the white rice served at Chipotle is flavored with cilantro and lime, giving it a unique and refreshing taste.

How Many Calories Are In Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?

The calorie content can vary depending on the serving size and specific recipe, but a typical serving of Chipotle's cilantro lime rice contains approximately 210 calories.

What Are The Macros of Cilantro Lime Rice?

The macronutrient content of cilantro lime rice can vary based on the recipe, but generally, a serving contains carbohydrates from the rice, a small amount of fat from the oil used in cooking, and minimal protein. It's also a good source of vitamin C from the lime.

How Many Calories Are In Rice A Roni Cilantro Lime Rice?

A serving of Rice A Roni's cilantro lime rice contains approximately 190 calories, but this can vary depending on preparation methods. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.

What To Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Cilantro Lime Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly those with Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwestern flavors.

Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Cilantro Lime Rice:

History of Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that has gained popularity in recent years, largely due to its inclusion on the menu of the fast-casual restaurant chain, Chipotle. However, the origins of this dish extend far beyond this association. The combination of cilantro and lime is a common flavor pairing in many cuisines, particularly in Mexican and Thai cooking. The bright, citrusy flavor of lime and the unique, slightly citrusy and somewhat peppery flavor of cilantro complement each other well and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the mild, starchy flavor of rice.

The beauty of Cilantro Lime Rice lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken to fish tacos. It's also a great addition to burritos or bowls, providing a flavorful base for a variety of toppings. Despite its simplicity, the key to a great Cilantro Lime Rice is in the details. Using fresh lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro will give the best flavor. Additionally, fluffing the rice with a fork after it's cooked ensures that it doesn't become sticky or clumpy.

While Cilantro Lime Rice is now commonly associated with Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine due to its presence in burritos and bowls, it's important to note that this is a relatively recent development. Traditional Mexican cuisine does not typically combine cilantro and lime with rice. However, this fusion of flavors has been embraced for its delicious taste and the way it enhances the flavors of various dishes. So, whether you're making it as a side for your next taco night or using it as a base for a hearty burrito bowl, Cilantro Lime Rice is a delicious and versatile dish that's sure to be a hit.

Recipe byPetite Gourmets

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