Here’s a simple recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice with stove top and rice cooker instructions included, using jasmine rice, fresh limes, fresh cilantro, and olive oil. Use it to make burrito bowls or as a side dish for your favorite Mexican meal.
We eat a TON of rice at our house. Probably three to four times a week and sometimes it gets a little tiresome.
I love making steamed rice as a side dish because it is super easy, goes with everything, and offers up no complaints from my trusty dinner companions.
However, having a few key ingredients to mix in right before serving, is an easy way to switch it up just enough to keep things interesting.
Enter: this cilantro lime rice recipe.
ingredients you’ll need
Rice. Keep scrolling for more info on what kind to use.
Fresh limes. You’ll use the zest and juice of 2 whole limes.
Fresh cilantro. Chop up 1 small bunch of cilantro. The leaves and the tender stems have lots of flavor too.
Olive oil. Or avocado oil or any neutral-flavored oil works.
Salt.
That’s it! Super simple, right?!
what kind of rice to use
The best type of rice to use for this dish is a long grain rice.
I prefer the aromatic jasmine rice, but you could also use basmati rice instead.
You could also make this with long grain brown rice, but be aware of the different water-to-rice ratios and cooking times. Read the package instructions before beginning.
how to make cilantro lime rice
Whether you have a rice steamer or just a pot and a stove, making this rice dish is really pretty easy.
The first step is to cook the rice.
To make it in an electric rice cooker: Begin by rinsing the rice. Simply place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and give it a good rinse under running water until the water runs clear.
Then combine the 2 cups of rice and 2 cups of water in the cooker, press the start button and wait for that delightful “ding” letting you know it’s ready. Depending on your machine this should take anywhere from 15 minutes to 25 minutes.
To cook the rice on the stove: Do the same rinsing technique then bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the 2 cups of rice and lower the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice turned tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
If you want to try making it in your Instant Pot, check out Toni’s recipe for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.
Now mix in your goodies.
Spoon the rice into a large serving bowl. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and salt and serve!
what to serve with cilantro lime rice
- Slow Cooker Carne Adobada
- Authentic Chiles Rellenos
- Mushroom and Cheese Vegetarian Enchiladas
- Rajas Con Crema {Creamy Roasted Poblanos}
- Beer-Braised Beef Barbacoa
- Cuban Grilled Chicken
- Sofrito Black Beans
what to do with leftover rice
This recipe makes a lot of rice.
If you figure about 1/2 cup per person, that would serve about 8-10 people. You can cut the recipe in half, or just save the rest for leftovers.
This rice is excellent for meal prep as you can keep it in a tightly-sealed container in the fridge and it keeps great for 5 days.
To reheat, just pop it in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top and heat until it is warm throughout.
You can also make a quick fried rice by heating a couple tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan. Once the oil is hot add the leftover rice and cook, stirring occasionally until it is crispy on the edges and warm all the way through.
can you freeze it?
You bet!
First let the rice cool completely. Then pack into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight then warm as directed above.
more rice recipes to try!
- Smoky Chile Relleno Rice Bowl with Chicken
- One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Tomato and Rice Soup with Dill
- Coconut Cilantro Rice
- Easy Mexican Rice
- Pumpkin Stuffed with Chorizo Rice and Goat Cheese
- Green Tomato, Sausage, and Rice Soup
the rice recipe to cure your blahs
When you’re tired of the same ‘ol boring rice, give this recipe a try! Let me know what you think by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!
Simple Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice with stove top and rice cooker instructions included, using jasmine rice, fresh limes, fresh cilantro, and olive oil. Use it to make burrito bowls or as a side dish for your favorite Mexican meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 small bunch of cilantro, leaves and tender stems, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Rinse and cook rice. Rinse the rice in a few changes of water until it runs clear. Combine rice and water in the rice cooker and steam.
- To cook on the stove top. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add rinsed rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until tender, but not mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine remaining ingredients. Transfer rice to a serving bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and avocado oil. Mix well and serve!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
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