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Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice in a white bowl on a white table, with cilantro leaves, and a blue towel nearby.

Cilantro Lime Rice

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Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Cilantro Lime Rice, made easily on the stovetop! With basmati rice, lime, and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect side dish to serve with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites for lunch or dinner.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 398
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

For Lime Zest Oil

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 1 ½ cups Water
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice
  • ½ cup Cilantro Leaves chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp Oil for sauteing
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Lime Zest Oil

  • Start by adding olive oil to a small bowl, then mix in the grated lime zest. Stir well until the zest is evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the rice, allowing the lime zest to infuse its flavor into the oil. You’ll add this to the cooked rice at the end for a burst of citrusy aroma.
    Bowl of olive oil mixed with fresh lime zest.

Preparing Rice

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which helps keep the rice from getting sticky as it cooks. It results in fluffy, separated grains. While I haven’t soaked the rice here, you can soak it for 15 minutes if you have time—this will make it even fluffier.
    Bowl with rice and water, ready for rinsing.

Making Cilantro Lime Rice

  • In a pan over medium heat, pour in the oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté until it becomes fragrant, keeping a close eye to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can affect the flavor in a way we don't want.
    Pan with minced garlic sautéing in olive oil.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the pan and sauté for about a minute, or until a nutty aroma develops. This step releases the rice's natural fragrance, and the light toasting helps keep the grains separate as they cook.
    Pan with rice added to the sautéed garlic, ready for cooking.
  • After toasting, pour in the water and add salt to taste. Bring it to a rapid boil until you see bubbles forming in the center.
    Pan with rice boiling in water.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Keeping the lid on helps trap steam, which is important for making the rice fluffy. Try not to lift the lid during cooking, as it can interfere with the process.
    Pan with rice cooking in water, covered with a lid.
  • After the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for at least 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture from the heat, making it fluff up nicely.
    Pan showing fully cooked rice.
  • Finally, open the lid and add the lime zest oil, lime juice, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix everything well so the flavors are evenly distributed. Your delicious Cilantro Lime Rice is now ready to enjoy!
    Pan of basmati rice garnished with fresh cilantro, lime zest oil, and lime juice.

Serving

  • Serve this Cilantro Lime Rice with your favorite grilled or roasted meats, seafood, or alongside your go-to Mexican dishes. For more pairing ideas, check out the Serving Suggestions section below!
    White bowl of cilantro lime rice, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Follow these simple tips to help you make perfect Cilantro Lime Rice every time:
  • Choose the Right Rice: I recommend using long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the best texture. Aged rice is even better, as it has less moisture and cooks up fluffier with separated grains. You can usually find "aged" noted on the package. Trust me, using aged rice helps avoid that mushy texture!
  • Use the Right Water Ratio: I suggest using a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water for basmati rice. This ratio always gives you fluffy, separated grains. Stick to it for perfect results. If you're using jasmine rice, feel free to check out my post on how to cook it!
  • Use Fresh Produce: Using freshly minced garlic, grated lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cilantro really brings out the best flavors. Since these are the key ingredients, I recommend going with the freshest ones whenever possible for the best taste.
  • Add the Cilantro and Lime Last: Always add the lime zest oil, lime juice, and cilantro at the very end. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and vibrant, and the cilantro stays nice and green. Adding them too early can make the cilantro wilt and lose its brightness.
  • Use the Right Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed pan makes a big difference when cooking rice. It helps the heat spread evenly and prevents sticking or burning at the bottom. If you have one, it’s definitely worth using it!
  • Customize to Your Taste: While I keep this recipe mild, you can easily add some heat if you like things spicy. Toss in some freshly chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

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