Cilantro Lime Rice ~
Simple and subtle fluffy rice infused with fresh chopped cilantro and zesty lime. Serve with Mexican Grilled Tofu and Black Beans.
Cilantro Rice Recipe
I like this easy and flavorful cilantro lime rice recipe because it’s a great way to take plain rice to the next level in a few simple steps. The subtle flavors in cilantro-lime rice also make it a perfect addition to burrito bowls and a great side dish to serve with bolder flavors of Indian or Mexican food dishes, such as Pinto Bean Casserole or Curry Spiced Lentils.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Rice
You will need the following:
- Olive Oil – For sauteeing the rice and garlic.
- Long-Grain Rice – Basmati rice or jasmine rice work well as a substitute for white long grain rice in this recipe. Brown rice can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to package directions.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is best for its distinct flavor and aroma. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
- Chicken-Style Broth – I use Better Than Bouillon No-Chicken Base. Vegetable broth can also be used but may require additional seasoning.
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice adds light and bright citrus flavor to the rice.
- Lime Zest – Enhances the citrus aroma and lime flavor without adding acidity.
- Cilantro Leaves – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of fresh flavor and an herbaceous contrast to the zesty lime.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
STEP ONE: Heat the oil and toast the rice. Set a medium saucepan on the stove top over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the cup of rice and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until garlic is fragrant and rice is very lightly toasted.
STEP TWO: Simmer the rice. Add chicken-style broth and lime juice. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the cooked rice stand for 10 minutes.
STEP THREE: Finish and serve. Fluff rice with a fork, then gently stir in cilantro leaves and lime zest. Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh lime slices, and serve hot.
Storage
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
More Easy Rice Recipes You’ll Love!
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Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken-style broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- Fresh limes quartered, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the cup of rice and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until garlic is fragrant and rice is very lightly toasted.
- Add chicken-style broth and lime juice. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the cooked rice stand for 10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork, then gently stir in cilantro leaves and lime zest. Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh lime slices, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Updated on April 3, 2025.
Wanderlust Vegans
I am not a huge cilantro fan, but mixing it with lime zest sounds like it may taste good. I do love rice, so I will give this a try!
thiswifecooks
The cilantro flavor is not overpowering at all! You could absolutely leave it out and just have a lime rice. 🙂
Uma Srinivas
Looks so good with lime and cilantro. I always make some kind of simple and delicious rice for kids lunch boxes. They like it, next time I will try this rice 🙂
thiswifecooks
I do like this for a kids’ lunch because it’s just as tasty at room temperature.
Linda and Alex @ Veganosity
This sounds wonderful. I love anything that has cilantro and lime in it.
Marly
This is such an interesting recipe. I’ve never seen vegan chicken broth anywhere, but I imagine I could use vegetable broth. We love cilantro rice in our burritos so looking forward to trying your version of this recipe!
thiswifecooks
Thank you! I like Better Than Bouillon’s No Chicken base for the vegan chicken broth.
anna
One of the best combos, cilantro and lime! Love how easy and straight forward this recipe is, only few ingredients. Great work, thanks for sharing!
Erin
The combo of lime and cilantro is so lovely! Thanks for this great cilantro-rice recipe!
thiswifecooks
Hi Erin ~ Thanks for your review!😊
Andrea White
Such a delicious rice recipe! Love the combination of cilantro and lime!
thiswifecooks
Thanks, Andrea! The cilantro-lime combo is so versatile!
Tavo
Such a recipe winner! This cilantro lime rice comes perfectly every time!
thiswifecooks
I’m so glad you love it! Thanks, Tavo!
Katie Jacques
this cilantro rice is incredible! Super easy to make and perfect for burrito bulls!