Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable)

Bright cilantro and lime elevate fluffy buttery rice, perfect alongside grilled or Mexican flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, 1 tablespoon butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork, then fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
06 - For additional richness, stir in 1 tablespoon butter if desired.
07 - Serve warm as a side dish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms plain rice into something aromatic and special in under 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
  • The fresh cilantro and lime stay bright and lively even when made ahead, making it forgiving for weeknight dinners.
  • It pairs seamlessly with everything from grilled chicken to fish tacos, so you'll make it again and again.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice; starchy rice turns gluey and defeats the whole point of having separate, fluffy grains that let the flavors breathe.
  • Add the cilantro and lime only after cooking is completely done—heat destroys the bright freshness you're after, turning cilantro dull and making the lime taste bitter.
03 -
  • Make this rice ahead of time if you need to; it holds its flavor brilliantly and actually tastes better the next day as the cilantro and lime have time to permeate every grain.
  • If your lime is too small or not very juicy, juice two limes instead of one—you can't really have too much brightness in this dish.
Go back