Cilantro Lime Rice

This fluffy cilantro lime rice is amped up with sauted onions, garlic and then of course loads of fresh cilantro and lime juice! It’s a hearty side dish that’ll brighten up your dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice

This homemade garlic-cilantro lime rice is an easy way to pack more Tex-Mex vibes into your weeknight dinners.

• Tex-Mex inspired. The herby cilantro-lime flavor combination is classic for Tex-Mex recipes.
• Quick. It’s ready in just 20 minutes!
• Great for weeknights. Rice is a super versatile side you can pair with different main dishes throughout the week.
• Refreshing. Cilantro and tangy lime juice turn this cilantro lime rice into a refreshing recipe for the summer.

Recipe Ingredients

Sweet onions and garlic add lots of fragrance to this Tex-Mex rice dish. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

• Avocado oil – Olive, coconut, and vegetable oil work too.
• Onion – Use white or yellow onions.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic and garlic paste are best.
• Jasmine rice – Basmati rice is a good swap.
• Chicken broth – Feel free to use veggie stock or water.
• Lime zest – It must be fresh zest.
• Lime juice – Lemon juice can be used instead.
• Cilantro – Avoid dried cilantro because it can make the rice slightly bitter.

Can I Use Other Types Of Rice?

Absolutely! Just prepare it according to package instructions, though. Brown rice and basmati are some of my favorites for this. Wild rice works too but it has an earthier, slightly bitter flavor that might overpower the rest of the meal.

How To Make Cilantro And Lime Rice

It’s just like making your favorite rice but with a zesty, tangy touch at the very end. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Cook the onions. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook it for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the rice.

• Simmer it. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cook it for 5 minutes and then remove it from the heat.
• Serve it. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Spicy jalapeños and juicy chicken can turn this side dish into the star of your dinner menu.

• Swap the grain. Cook millet, quinoa, or bulgur according to package instructions and add in the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the lime juice, zest, and cilantro at the end.
• Use non-stick. While stainless steel pots are great, it’s easier for the rice to stick and burn. Make this recipe practically fail-proof by using a non-stick pot.
• Add veggies. Stir in 1/4-1/2 cup corn, peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms into the onion-garlic mixture for a heartier bite.
• Make it spicy. Thinly slice 1/4-1/2 fresh jalapeño or serrano chili and mix it into the rice once it’s done for a kick of heat.
• Cover it. Once the rice is ready, remove the rice from the heat but keep it covered with the lid for another 5-10 minutes. Doing so helps it finish steaming properly to prevent mushy rice.
• Add protein. Turn this rice into a main dish by adding leftover Air Fryer Chicken Breast, shredded turkey, or Air Fryer Shrimp.

What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice is an easy side for your Tex-Mex dinners. Serve it with my Salsa Verde Carne Asada or Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa. My Turkey Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Grilled Ribeye Steak are great too. I also love using it for my Chicken Burrito Bowl. For side dish ideas, try my Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños or Avocado Corn Salad.

Proper Storage

I don’t recommend freezing because the rice will lose its texture once thawed.

• Fridge: Place it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Discard immediately if the rice feels sticky.
• To reheat it: Microwave it in 15-second increments until warm. You can also heat it in a pan for 7-8 minutes over medium-high heat.

More Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes

• Tex-Mex Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Chicken Burrito Bowl
• My Favorite Chili Lime Grilled Corn Salad
• Vegetarian Crepe Quesadillas with Chipotle Lime Crema

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