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Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegetarian

Simple to prepare in just 30-minutes, the bright herby flavor of cilantro lime white rice perfectly compliments a variety of Mexican dishes including enchiladas and tacos. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Colorful Mexican style bowl filled with rice with cilantro and lime.
This bright and flavorful cilantro lime rice is a simple Mexican side dish that takes just 30-minutes to prepare, is naturally gluten-free, and vegan/vegetarian adaptable.

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After several requests, I have decided it’s time to share with you all my recipe for cilantro lime rice.

I have spent years perfecting this rice and am confident that you will love the fluffy texture of the rice as well as the flavors.


What you’ll love about this recipe


  • The simplicity! I realize that for some preparing rice from scratch may be intimidating but I promise you it doesn’t have to be! It’s actually quite simple and if you follow my directions you are guaranteed to be successful. This limey rice requires just a handful of ingredients and takes only 30-minutes to prepare. And since most of that time is hands-off, you’re free to focus on preparing your main dish or other sides.
  • The flavors! This is by far my favorite style of rice to serve when we’re having Mexican for dinner. The vibrant, tart flavor of the lime perfectly compliments the fresh, citrusy cilantro resulting in a spectacularly bright dish.
  • The versatility! While you could certainly serve this rice as a side, you could also stuff it in a burrito or wrap, use it in a burrito bowl, or smother it in chili. Truthfully, it would pair wonderfully with just about any Mexican dish you could think of.
Colorful bowl filled with cilantro rice with a wooden spoon and lime slices.

Ingredients (+ notes & substitutions)


Ingredients for cilantro lime rice (see recipe card).
  • Olive oil: For sauteeing the onion and garlic.
  • White onion: Could sub for yellow.
  • Garlic: Two medium-sized cloves are sufficient.
  • Long grain white rice: For light and fluffy rice, Jasmine or Basmati are the way to go. I guarantee this recipe will turn out perfectly if you use one or the other. If you opt for a different variety of rice keep in mind the cooking time as well as the amount of liquid required may need to be adjusted.
  • Broth: You may use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even water. I use whatever I have on hand at the time which oftentimes means I end up using water. And although the result is not as flavorful, it’s still mighty tasty.
  • Cilantro: Some people are picky about removing all the stems from cilantro. I am not one of those people. I recommend removing the large stems and not worrying about the smaller ones. One bunch of cilantro should be more than enough.
  • Lime juice: Although freshly squeezed lime juice is certainly preferable, bottled works just as well. If you do go fresh squeezed, you should need more than one lime.
  • Kosher salt

How to make cilantro lime rice (+ tips)


1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add the onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Sautéed onions and garlic in a saucepan.

3. Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted.

Toasted rice in a saucepan.

4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-minutes.

5. Remove the saucepan from heat and rest for 5-minutes with the lid on.

Cooked rice in a saucepan.

6. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and salt and serve warm.


Storage


Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.


FAQ


Is cilantro lime rice gluten-free?

Yes, it absolutely is!

Is cilantro lime rice vegan?

As long as you cook the rice in either vegetable broth or water, cilantro lime rice is vegan-friendly.

Is cilantro lime rice spicy?

Nope, nothing spicy about it.

Bowl of cilantro lime white rice atop a tan kitch towel with cilatnro, lime, and small bowl of salt.
Close up of cilantro lime rice garnished with lime slices

What to serve with cilantro lime white rice:



More gluten-free Mexican inspired side dishes:


  • Salsa Verde Pinto Beans: Slightly spicy and full of flavor these simple salsa verde pinto beans bathe in a rich and creamy broth that will leave you longing for more. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
  • Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Salad: This fresh and zesty Mexican-style cilantro lime sweet potato salad requires only a handful of ingredients, is super simple to make, and takes just 30-minutes. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
  • Creamy Poblano Rice with Corn: This creamy poblano rice with corn is a great side dish to serve alongside your next Mexican meal. It’s got just the right amount of heat with a touch of sweetness from the corn. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian adaptable.
  • Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this simple Mexican-style cilantro lime cucumber salad is perfect for summer. This healthy side dish is a great accompaniment to grilled salmon, chicken, and more. Naturally gluten-free, vegetarianand keto-friendly.

If you make this cilantro lime white rice I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥

Cilantro rice in a bowl garnished with lime slices surrounded by bunch of cilantro, lime halves, and small bowl of salt.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Yield: 3.5 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Simple to prepare in just 30-minutes, the bright herby flavor of cilantro lime white rice perfectly compliments a variety of Mexican dishes including enchiladas and tacos. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes then add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
  3. Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and rest for 5-minutes with the lid on.
  6. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and salt and serve warm.

Storage: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 7 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 89Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

The nutritional information provided is computer generated. It is only an estimate and intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition details may vary depending on various factors such as origin, freshness of ingredients, etc

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