Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Looking for the perfect side dish to brighten up taco night, burrito bowls, or grilled chicken? This Cilantro Lime Rice is light, fresh, and packed with flavor—just like your favorite restaurant version, but even better because it’s homemade. It’s super easy to make, and the combo of fresh lime, lemon, and cilantro is perfect!  I make this all the time for family dinners or backyard BBQs, and it’s always a hit.  It comes together in under 20 minutes with no fancy equipment needed- no fuss, no stress, just good rice!

Simple Ingredients Needed for Cilantro Lime Rice:

Rice 

2 cups of Basmati Rice.  Any long-grain rice will work. Like jasmine rice or regular white rice; however, I don’t recommend using brown rice because of the method of cooking.  See the note on the recipe card for cooking brown rice.   

Bay Leaf  

1 bay leaf.  This is a dried herb and can be found in the spice aisle.  

Salt  

2 teaspoons of salt.  I prefer Kosher salt when cooking, but regular salt is fine.  

Cilantro  

2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, finely chopped.  If you are one of those cilantro haters, or don’t love cilantro flavor, you could omit the herb and just have citrus rice; it’s still delicious and flavorful rice!

Lemon Juice  

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.  Depending on the size of the lemon, you will need about 1-2 lemons.

Lime Juice  

2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.  Depending on the size of the lime, you will need about 1-2 limes.  I only recommend using fresh limes here, not the stuff in a bottle.  

How to make this easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe:

Before I get into the step-by-step instructions, a quick note about this method of cooking rice.  It’s called the “pasta method,” and you cook the rice the same way you would cook pasta.  Add it to a big boiling pot of water and cook it uncovered for 10-12 minutes, and then drain and rinse.  If you prefer to cook the rice the traditional way (absorption method), then follow the instructions on the package.  If this is your first time using this method, you’re welcome!  You can thank me later!  It truly is the easiest way to make rice.  Less time, less fuss, and perfect rice every time.  

Brown rice isn’t recommended for the pasta method because it takes much longer to cook and doesn’t absorb water evenly when boiled and drained. You’ll likely end up with uneven or overly firm grains instead of the light, fluffy texture this recipe calls for.  If you would like to use brown rice, then I would recommend cooking it according to the rice package instructions, and once the rice is fully cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a bowl, and proceed with the recipe.  

Step-by-Step Instructions (pasta method)

1. Bring the water to a boil.

In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Add the rice, salt, and bay leaf.

Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of unrinsed basmati rice (or any long-grain white rice), 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 bay leaf. Give it a quick stir.

3. Boil the rice.

Let the rice boil uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until it’s fully cooked but still has a nice bite. (Avoid overcooking—no one wants mushy rice!). Cooking time can vary, so check on the rice at 9 or 10 minutes.  

4. Remove the bay leaf.

Once the rice is done, use tongs or a spoon to fish out the bay leaf and discard it.

5. Drain the rice.

Pour the rice into a fine mesh strainer to drain off the excess water.

6. Rinse with hot water.

With the rice still in the strainer, rinse it with hot water to help remove any excess starch and keep the grains light and fluffy.

7. Transfer to a bowl.

Pour the drained rice into a large serving bowl.

8. Add the citrus juice.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Mix well so the rice soaks up all that bright flavor.

9. Stir in the cilantro.

Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro and stir to combine.

10. Serve and enjoy!

Serve your cilantro lime rice warm or at room temperature. It’s the perfect side dish for just about everything!

This cilantro-lime rice is more than just a great side dish—it’s the ideal base for homemade burrito bowls. Or you can serve it with carne asada or grilled chicken.   Made with fresh ingredients and long-grain basmati for the best results, it’s light, fluffy, and way more exciting than plain rice. A generous squeeze of lime juice and lemon juice, plus fresh herbs, brings everything to life, giving major Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice vibes—but even better because it’s homemade. Trust me, this one’s going to be on repeat in your kitchen!  

More Recipes To Try!

Grilled Mexican Lime Chicken

Black Bean Flautas

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos

Copycat- Chipotle’s Dressing Recipe