I love crafting this cilantro lime rice because it transforms plain rice into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish. The refreshing zing of lime combined with freshly chopped cilantro creates a delightful burst of taste in every mouthful. This recipe is a simple yet impressive side that’s become my go-to meal enhancer.
I love making this cilantro lime rice cause it’s one of the best recipes I’ve ever tried. I start with 1 cup of long-grain white rice that I rinse well with 2 cups of water.
Adding a teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil gives it a nice texture and keeps it from sticking. Then I mix in the zest and juice from 1 lime which gives it that perfect zesty kick, and the roughly chopped 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro makes every bite burst with flavor.
This dish is a healthier side option that brings a refreshing twist to typical rice side dishes and reminds me a lot of my favorite chipotle recipes. The nutritional value is pretty good too because it offers an easy way to add flavor without extra calories.
I often serve it with a variety of meals and it always quickly becomes a family fave.
Why I Like this Recipe
I really like this cilantro lime rice recipe, and here are a few reasons why I keep coming back to it:
1. I love that it’s super simple to make. Even if I mess up the timing or measurements sometimes, it still turns out pretty good and makes me feel like a decent cook.
2. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime bring a burst of flavor that makes the whole dish sing. It’s way better than regular plain rice and even beats Chipotle’s version in my opinion.
3. I really appreciate how easy the instructions are. They aren’t perfect, but they’re enough for me to follow without feeling lost, even when I’m in a rush.
4. Plus, it just feels a bit homemade – like me being creative in the kitchen and making something special out of basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice supplies carbohydrates essential for energy and gives the dish a hearty base.
- Water hydrates each grain thoroughly, ensuring the rice remains soft, light, and perfectly cooked.
- Salt intensifies flavors and balances the dish, making every bite taste amazingly vibrant.
- Vegetable oil adds a smooth richness while preventing sticking, resulting in tender
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 to 3 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
How to Make this
1. First, rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt and bring it to a boil.
3. Once the water’s boiling, add the rice and give it a quick stir; then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the rice simmer for about 18 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
5. While the rice is cooking, zest the lime and then juice it to get about 2 to 3 tablespoons of lime juice.
6. After the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and then drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
8. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and the roughly chopped cilantro to the rice, stirring gently to combine all the flavours evenly.
9. Taste the rice, and add a pinch more salt if needed.
10. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy your cilantro lime rice that’s even better than Chipotle’s!Equipment Needed
1. Medium saucepan with a lid
2. Colander for rinsing the rice
3. Measuring cups and spoons for water, oil, and salt
4. Fork for fluffing the rice
5. Zester or grater for the lime zest
6. Citrus juicer or reamer for juicing the lime
7. Knife and cutting board for chopping the cilantroFAQ
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Q: How do I rinse the rice properly?
A: Just rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs fairly clear. This rinsing helps to remove extra starch and keeps it from getting too sticky. -
Q: Can I substitute long-grain white rice with another type?
A: You can experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change a bit. Long-grain white rice gives the most chipotle-like flavor. -
Q: How do I get the lime flavor just right?
A: Use one lime for about 2 to 3 tablespoons of juice and the zest of the lime. Adjust the amount if you re into a more tangy flavor but be careful not to overpower the other flavors. -
Q: Is the vegetable oil essential for this recipe?
A: It helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents sticking, though if you dont mind a slightly different texture, you can reduce or even skip it. -
Q: How long do I let the rice cook after it starts boiling?
A: After bringing the water to a boil, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe) Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have long-grain white rice, try using brown rice – it takes longer to cook, but it’s a healthier option.
- You can swap the water for chicken or veggie broth to add more flavor to your rice.
- If you’re out of vegetable oil, olive oil or even coconut oil works as a substitute, though they bring a different flavor.
- No lime? Use lemon instead. It won’t be exactly the same but will still give you that nice tang.
- If cilantro isn’t your thing or you don’t have any, parsley makes a decent alternative even if it doesn’t pack quite the same punch.
Pro Tips
1. One cool trick is to toast the rinsed rice in a bit of oil before you add water. It might seem extra, but this little step adds a nutty flavor thats really tasty.
2. Dont rush the resting step after cooking; letting the rice sit covered for a few minutes really helps it get fluffier. I know it feels like waiting forever, but trust me, its worth it.
3. When you add the lime zest, juice and cilantro, mix everything up gently. Stirring too hard can break the rice up into a mushy mess, and you lose those nice separate grains.
4. For a fun twist, try tossing in a pinch of cumin or garlic powder while the rice cooks. Its just a little extra step that can really kick the flavors up a notch.
Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)
My favorite Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium saucepan with a lid
2. Colander for rinsing the rice
3. Measuring cups and spoons for water, oil, and salt
4. Fork for fluffing the rice
5. Zester or grater for the lime zest
6. Citrus juicer or reamer for juicing the lime
7. Knife and cutting board for chopping the cilantroIngredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 to 3 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions:
1. First, rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt and bring it to a boil.
3. Once the water’s boiling, add the rice and give it a quick stir; then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the rice simmer for about 18 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
5. While the rice is cooking, zest the lime and then juice it to get about 2 to 3 tablespoons of lime juice.
6. After the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and then drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
8. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and the roughly chopped cilantro to the rice, stirring gently to combine all the flavours evenly.
9. Taste the rice, and add a pinch more salt if needed.
10. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy your cilantro lime rice that’s even better than Chipotle’s!
