This delicious dish is made with fragrant jasmine rice infused with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and savoury garlic. It is so quick and easy to prepare; you can have it on the table in just 25 minutes. This flavourful dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it makes the best summertime side dish.
Because of the bright, citrusy flavour of this rice and how wonderfully it pairs with grilled meats, it really makes the perfect summer side dish. Imagine shrimp skewers or mango chicken fresh off the grill and served with this aromatic rice. Or, enjoy it with umami orange steak for a tasty meal with unexpected and beautiful flavours.
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Ingredients
- Jasmine rice
- Water
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Lime zest
- Salt
- Pepper
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in the jasmine rice and butter. Cover the saucepan, then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, prep the vegetables: chop cilantro, mince the garlic and onion, and zest and juice the lime.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic together with salt and pepper for a few minutes until the onion softens and begins to turn translucent. Remove from heat and set aside until the rice is ready.
Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and move it into a mixing bowl.
Add in the onion/garlic, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
And there you have it! It's so easy from start to finish.
Substitutions
- Cilantro - If you don't like cilantro (don't worry, some people just don't), the best substitutes for it in this dish are freshly chopped parsley or chives, or a blend of herbs. I would avoid too much basil or dill as that would really change the flavour of this rice.
- Lime - If you don't have limes on hand, you can use lemons to make this dish. Yes, it will taste slightly different. But it will still be tasty!
Variations
- Black beans - Mix cooked black beans into the rice at the same time as you add the vegetables for a nice protein addition. If using canned black beans, rinse them well and drain them before adding.
- Chicken broth - You can cook the jasmine rice in part water, part chicken broth for an additional savoury element.
What does it go with?
Cilantro lime rice pairs fantastically well with Mexican and Asian cuisine. It would be great with many Caribbean and African dishes, as well.
Make it as a side for grilled chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. It makes the perfect summertime BBQ side dish. Or, make it to go in burritos or burrito bowls.
Storage
You can make this rice ahead of time, which makes it ideal for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, heat it with a small splash of water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Squeeze in a little bit of fresh lime juice for a burst of freshness.
You can freeze it, as well. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
FAQ
It's important to use a long grain rice. This type of rice will hold its structure well, while also cooking up soft and fluffy. Basmati is a good option, but I prefer to use jasmine. Jasmine rice adds a beautiful fragrance that compliments this dish so well.
📖 Recipe
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings, as a side 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Fragrant jasmine rice infused with the flavours of fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and onion. This zesty, flavourful rice dish is so quick and easy to prepare that you can have it on the table in 25 minutes. It is the perfect side for tacos and many other things.
Ingredients
1 cup (185g) jasmine rice, uncooked
2 cups (473ml) water
1 tablespoon (14g) butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
¼ cup (4tbsp) fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in the jasmine rice and butter. Cover the saucepan, then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, prep the vegetables: chop cilantro, mince the garlic and onion, and zest and juice the lime.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic together with salt and pepper for a few minutes until the onion softens and begins to turn translucent. Remove from heat and set aside until the rice is ready.
Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and move it into a mixing bowl.
Add in the onion/garlic, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 137
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 320.8 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.4 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol: 7.6 mg
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, rice
Holly Jade Biron says
Well, now I'm hungry!
Asha says
May have been my intention 😉
Yui says
Super easy and absolutely delicious! Instant upgrade for your rice:)
Asha says
So glad you liked it!
Carmen says
My new favorite way to eat rice.
Asha says
That's wonderful, thanks!
Jenny says
Incredibly easy for how amazing it tastes
Asha says
Thank you!
Jade says
Made this as a side for some spicy sirloin. Great pair up.
Asha says
Sounds perfect. Thank you
Ava says
Great flavour. Put on my company's coming recipe list.
Asha says
Thanks so much 🙂
Jayne says
Picked the rest of my cilantro even though it was covered in snow. Awesome flavour combo in this rice recipe.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂 my garden is finished for the year as well.
Dean says
Love how quick and easy this tasty rice dish is to make. Made extra for my work lunch too.
Asha says
Awesome, it does reheat very nicely. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jeff says
Great rice dish. Thanks.
Asha says
Thank you!
Rachel says
Made this rice as a side to grilled steelhead trout. They went well together.
Asha says
Thank you, that sounds great 🙂
Tyler says
Great tasting.
Asha says
Thanks 🙂