Cilantro Lime Rice

This easy Cilantro Lime Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and the perfect side for tacos, burritos, bowls, and other Mexican-inspired meals. Toasting the rice in butter adds extra flavor, while fresh lime juice and cilantro give it a bright, fresh finish.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients: Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep.
  • Full of flavor: Fresh lime and cilantro give ordinary rice a major upgrade.
  • Perfect side dish: Great alongside tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or steak.
  • Easy to make: Everything comes together in one skillet.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice of ½ fresh lime
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

  1. Heat the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 4–5 minutes, until lightly toasted.
  3. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
  6. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Pro Tips

  • Toast the rice: Don’t skip this step. Lightly toasting the rice in butter adds a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Don’t stir while simmering: Once covered, let the rice cook undisturbed so it cooks evenly.
  • Add the cilantro at the end: Stirring it in after cooking keeps the cilantro fresh and bright.
  • Taste before serving: Add a little extra lime juice or salt if needed.

What to Serve With Cilantro Lime Rice

This rice works especially well with:

Cilantro Lime Rice
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Cilantro Lime Rice

Recipe by CommonCravings
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Side DishCuisine: Mexican-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

230

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Juice of ½ fresh lime

  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  • Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  • Toast rice for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  • Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Rice is an easy way to turn basic white rice into a flavorful side dish. It’s fresh, buttery, and versatile enough to pair with just about any Mexican-inspired meal.

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