Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright, zesty, and fluffy — this cilantro lime rice is the perfect gluten-free side dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled chicken, burrito bowls, and more. Inspired by the beloved Chipotle-style rice, it's made with simple pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes.

4 servings · Prep 5 min · Cook 20 min · Total 25 min

Mexican · Side Dish

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed under cold water until water runs clear
  • 1.75 cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 whole limes 1 juiced for serving
  • zested, 1 cut into wedges for serving
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped, stems and leaves
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.25 tsp lime zest from the zested lime above

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Saucepan
  • Pot
  • Fork
  • Lid
  • Serving Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Dipping Fork
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Colander
  • Sieve

Instructions

  1. Rinse the @[Long-Grain White Rice] in a fine mesh strainer under ^[cold running water] for ~[about 30 seconds], until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook up fluffy rather than sticky.
  2. In a #[Saucepan], combine the rinsed @[Long-Grain White Rice], @[Water], @[Olive Oil], and @[Salt]. Bring to a boil over ^[medium-high heat], then reduce the heat to ^[low], cover tightly with a #[Lid], and simmer for ~[15 minutes]. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  3. Remove the #[Saucepan] from heat and let the @[Rice] steam, still covered, for ~[5 minutes]. This allows the rice to finish cooking gently and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  4. Uncover and fluff the @[Rice] with a fork. Add the @[Butter], minced @[Garlic] (if using), fresh @[Lime] juice, and @[Lime Zest]. Stir gently to combine and let the butter melt into the warm rice.
  5. Fold in the chopped @[Cilantro]. Taste and adjust @[Salt] or @[Lime] juice as needed. Serve immediately with @[Lime] wedges on the side.