Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Add Preferred SourceGive your meals a flavor boost with this vegan cilantro lime rice recipe. It’s simple to make and adds a refreshing kick to any dish. The zingy lime juice and fresh cilantro work together to give the rice a bright, tasty twist that pairs beautifully with tacos, burrito bowls, or as a side dish. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a vibrant and healthy addition to your table in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You can easily find everything you need at any grocery store, with no specialty items required.
- Quick Prep: Minimal prep time makes it a breeze to whip up, fitting perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavor Boost: The combination of lime and cilantro offers a refreshing flavor that will add a vibrant kick to your dishes.
- Versatile: It pairs seamlessly with various meals, from tacos to salads or even as a simple side.
- Customizable: Adjust the lime or cilantro levels to your liking, creating the perfect balance every time.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for quick, tasty meals during the week.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Cooking the Rice
Add the rice, water, and one teaspoon of olive oil to a saucepan with a lid. Bring it to a boil, then cover it and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes or according to your rice packet instructions. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for five minutes.
Mixing the Flavors
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, minced garlic, the remaining olive oil, finely chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salt, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
Serve and Enjoy
Your cilantro lime rice is ready to serve. Enjoy it right away with your favorite main course or as a tasty side dish.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Rinsing Matters: Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This simple step ensures the grains stay separate and fluffy.
- Cilantro Freshness: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Chop it finely, as the smaller pieces blend better with the rice.
- Lime Zest & Juice: Adjust the lime zest and juice to suit your taste. If you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor, don’t hold back on the lime!
- Oil Variations: Although olive oil adds richness, you can experiment with other oils like avocado or coconut for different flavor profiles.
- Garlic Intensity: Mince your garlic finely or use a garlic press to evenly distribute its flavor. For a stronger taste, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before mixing it in.
- Rice Type: This recipe works well with long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati, but feel free to use brown rice for a nuttier taste. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to store leftover rice
To keep your leftover vegan cilantro lime rice tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, sprinkle a bit of water over the top before reheating to prevent it from drying out and losing its fluffy texture. This way, it’s ready to add to your burrito bowls, salads, or side dishes with ease.
Yes, you can freeze vegan cilantro lime rice. After letting it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen. Add a little water when reheating to restore the rice’s fluffy texture.
What to Serve With Cilantro Lime Rice
We love pairing cilantro lime rice with these awesome vegan dishes.
Fajitas: Fill tortillas with sauteed peppers and onions, black beans, vegan crumbles, and top with vegan cheese, salsa, guacamole, and of course, the cilantro lime rice.
Bowls: Make a burrito bowl by combining black beans, pinto beans, corn, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, and a dollop of vegan sour cream over the cilantro lime rice.
Enchiladas: Use the rice as a filling for vegan enchiladas. Make a simple enchilada sauce with tomatoes, chiles, and spices, and fill corn tortillas with the rice and your favorite vegan cheese.
Grilled tofu or tempeh: Marinate tofu or tempeh in your favorite sauce and grill it to perfection. Serve it over the rice with a side salad.pen_spark
More easy recipes for you to try at home
If you’ve enjoyed our delicious rice, why not try these easy recipes?
- Sesame Soba Noodles
- Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
- Gochujang Cabbage Steak
- Alfredo Pasta
- Vegetable Casserole
Equipment
- Saucepan with a lid
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup rice Long grained, rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups water
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ teaspoons salt
Instructions
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- Add rice, water, and one teaspoon of olive oil to a lidded saucepan. Bring to a boil and cover; reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer according to your rice packet instructions, approximately 18 – 20 minutes. Once cooked, take it off the flame and keep it covered for 5 minutes.1 cup rice, 1 ½ cups water, 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Uncover the saucepan; using a fork, fluff the rice up, and add lime zest, garlic, the remaining olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, and salt, and stir to combine thoroughly.1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 clove garlic, ½ cup cilantro, 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoons salt
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Rinsing Matters: Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This simple step ensures the grains stay separate and fluffy.
- Cilantro Freshness: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Chop it finely, as the smaller pieces blend better with the rice.
- Lime Zest & Juice: Adjust the lime zest and juice to suit your taste. If you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor, don’t hold back on the lime!
- Oil Variations: Although olive oil adds richness, you can experiment with other oils like avocado or coconut for different flavor profiles.
- Garlic Intensity: Mince your garlic finely or use a garlic press to evenly distribute its flavor. For a stronger taste, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before mixing it in.
- Rice Type: This recipe works well with long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati, but feel free to use brown rice for a nuttier taste. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
