Cilantro Lime Rice

Why This Recipe Works

Better than Chipotle: This Chipotle-inspired cilantro lime rice is even better than the restaurant’s cilantro rice! If you ever want to make your own homemade burrito bowls, this is definitely the rice recipe for you. This rice is even more flavorful due to the ratio of fresh cilantro and rice, along with that squeeze of fresh lime juice!

Versatile: Cilantro lime rice isn’t just for burrito bowls! This easy rice recipe is delicious with all kinds of Mexican and Asian-inspired meals, where lime and cilantro are often used and combine well with a variety of dishes! This can go in burritos or be served as a side with some crunchy orange chicken! The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

• Rice: I like to use a long grain white rice here like basmati rice. You can use whichever rice you prefer but keep in mind that other types of rice might need different amounts of water.
• Oil: Oil adds a bit of extra flavor that makes this rice extra delicious, and it prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or Instant Pot!
• Salt: Of course, you have to add some salt to make this rice flavorful.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro gets folded in at the end. The warmth of the rice will bloom the flavor of the cilantro without wilting it!
• Lime: Fresh lime juice added to the rice brightens up the flavor!

Here’s How to Make It

Step by Step Instructions

On the Stovetop:

1. Rinse: Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water coming out the bottom of the sieve is mostly clear, not cloudy. (photo 1)
2. Heat the Oil: Heat a medium, lidded saucepan over a high heat. Add the oil and once it is shimmering, stir in the rice so that the grains are well coated. Stir in the salt and 1/2 cup of cold water. (photos 2-4)
3. Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, and allow it to cook until the level of the water has reached the level of the rice. Put the lid on, and turn the heat down to low. Allow the rice to steam for 8 minutes. (not pictured)
4. Remove & Steam: Remove the pan from the heat and, leaving the pid in place, leave the rice to steam for a further 5 minutes. (not pictured)
5. Fluff: Fluff the rice with a fork, and fold in the chopped cilantro and lime juice just before serving. (photos 5-6)

In the Instant Pot:

1. Add Rice to Instant Pot: Add the rice, oil and salt to the Instant Pot and stir so the rice is well coated in the oil. Add 1 1/4 cups of cold water, and make sure all of the rice is covered.
2. Cook: Set the rice to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release, but do this manually if the lid is still secure after 10 minutes.
3. Fluff: Fluff the rice up with a fork, and fold in the chopped cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

Expert Tips

• Rinse the rice before cooking! This will remove the excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice instead of clumpy or sticky rice.
• If you like spicy foods, then you can throw in some freshly diced jalapeño along with the chopped cilantro!
• 1 cup of white rice will make 3 cups of cooked rice! This is great for about 4 people when serving with additional things. However, you can definitely double this recipe for more!

Serving Suggestions

To serve this cilantro lime rice, you have a few different options. You can make a chipotle-inspired burrito bowl and pair this rice with black or pinto beans, shredded chicken or carnitas, corn, pico de gallo, and guacamole! To make a burrito, wrap it all up in a large tortilla.

For a simple Asian-inspired dinner, try pairing this rice with sticky Thai chicken or easy beef and broccoli!