Cilantro Lime Rice: Two Flavorful Recipes

Make this cilantro lime rice for an easy, bright, and flavorful side that complements tacos, bowls, shrimp, and more. If you love Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, you’ll enjoy this copycat version—easy to prepare with either white rice or brown rice and ideal for meal prep.

For me, cilantro rice is an essential. Whether it’s cilantro brown rice or cilantro white rice, the bright lime and fresh cilantro make plain rice sing. You can prepare a big batch and use it all week in bowls, burritos, or as a flavorful side to grilled proteins and vegetables.

White Rice or Brown Rice?

Both white rice and brown rice work well in cilantro lime rice—choose based on texture and cooking time.

Brown rice is a whole grain with the bran and germ intact, which gives it a firm bite and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. It takes longer to cook but adds extra fiber and nutrients.

White rice has the bran and germ removed, so it cooks faster and has a softer, starchier texture that many people prefer in bowls and burritos. Both varieties pair beautifully with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Perfect rice starts with the right water-to-rice ratio and patience. The method below works for both long-grain white and long-grain brown rice—adjust the cooking time for brown rice when instructed.

Basic method:

1. Measure rice and water. For this recipe, use 2 cups of uncooked rice and 4 cups of water (this ratio works well for long-grain white and brown rice when following the timing below).
2. Bring rice and water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed. For white rice, simmer about 18–20 minutes; for brown rice, simmer 35–40 minutes. Stir once halfway through to ensure even cooking if needed.
4. When the water is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Transfer rice to a mixing bowl and fluff with a fork. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes—cool rice so the flavors mix without wilting the cilantro.
5. Once cooled, fold in the flavorings: chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Taste and adjust salt or lime as desired.

Optional additions: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat. Lime zest intensifies citrus flavor. For a creamy twist, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Cilantro Lime Rice FAQs

Can I use Minute Rice for cilantro lime rice?

Yes. If you’re short on time, cook instant rice according to the package instructions and then stir in the cilantro, lime, garlic powder, and salt. Instant rice is a quick shortcut that still delivers the fresh flavors.

Do you use the stems of cilantro?

Yes. Cilantro stems are tender and flavorful—chop them finely and include them with the leaves. They add extra herbaceous flavor without any waste.

Can I add cheese to cilantro lime rice?

Absolutely. A sprinkling of grated cotija or feta adds a salty, savory note. Try about 1/4 cup of cotija stirred through the rice before serving.

How do you store cilantro lime rice?

Allow the rice to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the texture.

What to Serve with Cilantro Rice

• Cilantro lime shrimp bowls
• Bean burritos
• Beef taco bowls
• Pork carnitas tacos
• Ahi tuna tacos
• Rotisserie chicken enchiladas
• Salsa verde and other salsas

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Total: 45 mins

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Place 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer. For white rice, cook until water is absorbed, about 18–20 minutes. For brown rice, cook 35–40 minutes, or until tender. Stir once halfway through if needed.
3. Transfer rice to a bowl and let it cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
4. Chop fresh cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice.
5. Once rice has cooled, add chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and sea salt. Stir gently to combine and taste to adjust seasoning.
6. Serve warm as a side or base for bowls and tacos.

Tips & Notes

• Salt: Adjust salt to taste; some cooks prefer closer to a full teaspoon depending on the rice and personal preference.
• Cooling: Cooling the rice before mixing in cilantro and lime preserves the fresh herb texture and prevents wilting.
• Nutrition: Nutrition information below is based on the brown rice version and is an estimate.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 231 kcal • Carbohydrates: 48 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 2 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 1 g

Enjoy this cilantro lime rice as an easy, versatile side. Make a big batch for meal prep or serve it fresh alongside your favorite mains.

Photos by: The Wooden Skillet