PrintThe BEST Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle Copycat)
Make this easy, zesty Cilantro Lime Rice that rivals restaurant versions. It is fluffy, bright, and perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or any weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 1/4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps prevent sticky rice.
- Combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, olive oil, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this rest period.
- Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or burrito bowl base.
Notes
- For a rice cooker method, combine rinsed rice, water/broth, oil, and salt in the cooker. Cook on the white rice setting. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing and adding the lime and cilantro mixture.
- If you are interested in structured eating without daily cooking, look into options like meal planning services.
- To achieve the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice, not bottled concentrate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 2.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0