This cilantro lime rice is light, fluffy, and full of fresh lime and cilantro flavor. It takes almost no effort and tastes even better than the restaurant version.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients, and the whole thing is ready in about 25–30 minutes. It’s the perfect side grilled chicken, fish, or just about any Latin-inspired meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
The printable recipe card with exact amounts and cooking directions to make this Cilantro Lime Rice is below.
- Rice: I like to use long grain rice for a fluffy texture.
- Water: To make the rice
- Oil: You can use your favorite or butter.
- Salt
- Garlic: Amazing flavor
- Onion: I used white onion, but scallions is also a good option
- Cumin: Add extra flavor
- Lime: You need fresh lime to make this recipe
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
How to Make Cilantro Rice
- In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, and garlic and cook about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the rice, stir with a wooden spoon to coat well, and cook for 1 minute. In a small bowl add the finely chopped cilantro, cumin, zest and lime juice.
- Add the water, cilantro and lime mixture, and salt. Bring to a boil, stir and decrease the heat to low.
- Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Cooking Notes
- Rinse the rice. This is the single biggest tip for light, separate grains.
- Don’t peek. Keep the lid on while the rice cooks so the steam stays inside.
- Use broth instead of water. It adds more flavor with almost no extra work.
- Don’t over-stir. Gentle fluffing keeps the rice from getting mushy.
- It also reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a 1 tablespoon of water when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps well in the fridge for several days and is perfect for meal prep.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can leave it out or replace it with fresh parsley. The lime flavor still makes it tasty.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and add the lime and cilantro at the end.
Once you make this cilantro lime rice at home, you’ll probably stop ordering it out. It’s cheaper, fresher, and you can adjust the lime and cilantro exactly how you like it.
Give it a try the next time you want an easy side dish or a base for burrito bowls. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and good enough for company.
More Side Dishes to Try
10 Must Try Colombian Side Dishes
Papas Chorreadas (Potatoes with Creamy Sauce)
Cilantro-Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- Salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, and garlic and cook about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the rice, stir with a wooden spoon to coat well, and cook for 1 minute. In a small bowl add the finely chopped cilantro, cumin, zest and lime juice.
- Add the water, cilantro and lime mixture, and salt. Bring to a boil, stir and decrease the heat to low.
- Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Lauren
I just made this recipe tonight and I love it!! I had some leftover cilantro and before it went bad I didn't want it to go to waist. So I googled a recipe for rice with cilantro, Colombian style and I came across your site!! I'm so happy that I found your site because my boyfriend is from Cali, Colombia!! I want to start cooking Colombian food for him and his family. I want to impress them one day and I think your site will help me do that! You have amazing recipes and I can't wait to try the coconut rice and the butternut coconut soup next! Coconut is my fav! Thanks Erica
Muneeba
Happy vacationing! Do tell us where u went! And I love the tangy, aromatic rice.
tasteofbeirut
this rice sounds delicious light and refreshing with the lime and cilantro flavors!
Anna
I love rice with herbs, I use dill also sometimes. But I never used cumin, that must be yummy. It looks great Erica.
Faith
Yummy looking rice dish! I hope you have a wonderful time on vacation!
Angie's Recipes
Looks so fresh, healthy and delicious!
Joan Nova
Lime brightens any dish!
Have a great vacation.
grace
a surefire way to make sticky, gross rice appeal to me is to include lime or cilantro. both together = irresistible! 🙂
Cynthia
I can just imagine how fragrant this rice must be.
Oysterculture
Bon voyage! Can't wait to hear how your vacation went. This recipe will keep us satisfied in the meantime.
Belinda @zomppa
Have a great break - and thanks for leaving this great recipe!
Baking is my Zen
Love lime & cilantro together!
I'll be doing 7 posts from the 'Baked' Cookbook from 8/8 to 8/14. Haven't decided the giveaway yet. Part of the rules are to comment on the 7 posts. If you're not around, maybe you can ask someone to comment for you...
Have a wonderful vacation...rest up dear blooger friend Erica!
Carmen
Tracey@TangledNoodle
Enjoy your vacation and thank you for leaving us with this simple yet tasty dish. I serve rice regularly so it's nice to be able to change up the flavors a bit. 😎
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best
This looks like a great way to serve rice with a different spin. It looks great!