Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice is bursting with the bright, zesty flavors of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. This vibrant rice is perfect as a side and complements so many dishes, making it a must-have for Mexican and Asian cuisines.
Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make—you might just skip the trip to Chipotle once you discover how simple it is to prepare at home.
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We love Mexican-inspired meals here, and this Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect addition. Serve it alongside Fish Tacos, roll it into your favorite chicken burrito, or add it to a vegetarian burrito bowl, topped with fresh Pico de Gallo and black beans. This rice is ideal for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any day of the week. Each bite offers an elevating burst of flavor, making this rice recipe a must-try.
Cilantro Lime Rice RecipeWhen people think of Cilantro Lime Rice, they often think of Chipotle’s version. However, this isn’t an exact copycat recipe because… my family hasn’t been too impressed with Chipotle (there, I said it)—my kids aren’t fans, and I genuinely believe our homemade version is way better.
It’s both incredibly fresh and satisfying, thanks to the freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Quickly tossing the rice in coconut oil over heat enhances the flavor even further. Plus, it reheats beautifully and gets wonderfully crispy, making it perfect for Fish Taco Bowls!
Cilantro Rice is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with any protein—chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. It’s a great side dish to complement a wide range of meals.
Cilantro Lime Rice VideoWatch me make Cilantro Lime Rice. My step-by-step instructions make it easy to achieve perfectly fresh and flavorful rice every time. You will appreciate how easy it is to make this delicious side dish.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime RiceThe key to making great cilantro lime rice is using fresh ingredients to really highlight the vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro.

Long grain rice – Use basmati or Jasmine rice to create a fluffy base for this dish. These varieties are less sticky and ensure that the grains don’t clump together.

Chopped cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal flavor and a burst of color. Use the leaves and tender stems, and toss the tough stems for the best texture.

Lime zest – Provides a more intense lime flavor and adds great color to the white rice. Always zest the lime before cutting and juicing it.

Lime juice – Contributes a tangy, citrusy flavor that brightens the dish and complements the cilantro flavor.

Garlic – adds a savory punch

Oil – Helps to toast the rice, enhancing its flavor and ensuring the grains remain separate after cooking. I prefer using coconut oil for more flavor, but extra virgin olive oil works well too.

Salt and pepper – Season to taste.Should I Rinse the Rice Before Cooking?It’s always a good idea to rinse your rice to remove impurities, debris, dirt, and starch, giving you a more fluffy, less sticky finished texture.

How To Rice Rice: Put rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear underneath. Drain it thoroughly before proceeding with the first step of the Cilantro Lime Rice recipe.
Pro Tip:It’s ok to add the rice to the saucepan while it’s still moist from rinsing, just drain well since water droplets can cause hot oil to splatter. The moisture on the rice will evaporate as you cook and it will toast up just fine.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Sauté the Rice – Melt the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in oil. Continue to stir until the rice just starts to turn golden. Add the garlic and stir for another minute, until fragrant.

Simmer the Rice – Add the water and bring it to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the water is absorbed, about 18 minutes (or according to your rice package instructions). Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes.

Flavor and Serve – Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, top with fresh cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and salt, and stir to combine. Add more salt and lime juice to taste if desired. Pro Tip: For this Cilantro Lime Rice, I recommend adding salt after the rice is cooked. This ensures better flavor control and even distribution, while also helping to keep the rice fluffy and tender.

Can I Substitute Brown Rice?Brown rice takes longer to cook, but you can substitute the white rice if desired. Simply follow the instructions on the package for exact cooking times.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?You can use an Instant Pot for this recipe, making it even quicker to prepare. This pressure cooker method is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast and delicious side dish.
How to make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice: Reduce the water to 1 1/4 cups water and add that to the instant pot along with only 2 Tbsp oil, garlic, and white long-grain rice. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the steam to release naturally. Once the pressure has been released, stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice?Fresh cilantro, a staple herb in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines makes this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe perfect to serve:

As a Side Dish – Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes like Beef Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Enchiladas, or Chicken Fajitas. It’s also a great side dish for Asian dishes like Sticky Korean Chicken or Vegetable Stir Fry, as well as Indian-inspired curry dishes and Tika Masala.

In Burritos or Bowls – Use it as a base for burritos, burrito bowls, or even as a component in a Taco Salad.

With Grilled Meats and Seafood – The bright flavors of cilantro and lime complement grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken, or Cilantro Lime Shrimp, Teriyaki Salmon, and even Pan-Seared Steak beautifully. Make-Ahead

To Refrigerate: After cooling, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Portion cooled rice into zip-top bags and store flat in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If it’s in an airtight freezer bag or food-saver bag, you can also quick-thaw under cold running water.

To Reheat: Add a splash of water to loosen any clumps of rice without over-hydrating it, and heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Fluff with a fork and enjoy! This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful, and versatile side dish that adds a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor to any meal. Save yourself the trip to Chipotle and make it better right at home.

More Rice RecipesRice is a simple ingredient with endless possibilities, from soups and entrees to sides and desserts! If you love this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe, be sure to check out these other rice recipes, from basic cooked white rice to delicious and creative recipes like Arancini Cheesy Rice Balls.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Risotto

Chicken and Rice Soup

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