Save to Pinterest My kitchen fills with the smell of lime and cilantro whenever I make this rice, and it takes me right back to a summer afternoon when my neighbor brought over a bag of fresh limes from her backyard tree. She mentioned offhand that I should try making cilantro lime rice to go with the fish tacos she'd taught me, and something about the simplicity of it stuck with me. Now it's become one of those dishes I reach for without thinking—the kind that makes everything taste more intentional, even on busy weeknights.
I made this for a casual taco night with friends, and someone asked for the recipe halfway through eating. That's when I knew I'd nailed it—it wasn't fancy or complicated, just honest and bright. Since then, it's become the thing people request, which is funny because I used to think side dishes didn't matter much.
Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine): These varieties cook evenly and stay fluffy rather than clumping together; rinsing them first removes excess starch and prevents mushiness.
- Water: The standard ratio for long-grain rice is two parts water to one part rice, which gives you tender grains without drying out.
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps the rice grains separate; you can use olive oil for a vegan version without losing much.
- Salt: A half teaspoon seasons the rice as it cooks, absorbing the flavor throughout rather than just on the surface.
- Fresh cilantro: The heart of this dish—use the leaves and tender stems, chopped just before adding so the flavor stays bright and herbaceous.
- Fresh lime juice and zest: The juice adds acidity and tang while the zest brings an extra dimension of citrus without the harshness of just squeezing more lime.
- Extra butter for finishing (optional): This is where you can push the richness if you want the rice to feel more indulgent, though it's genuinely optional.
Instructions
- Rinse and prepare:
- Run the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer, stirring gently with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes the starchy coating that would otherwise make your rice gluey and dense.
- Bring water to a boil:
- In a medium saucepan, get your water to a rolling boil, then add the rice, butter, and salt all at once. Stir once to distribute everything evenly.
- Simmer low and slow:
- Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it sit undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes. Resist the urge to peek or stir—you're creating steam that cooks the rice gently and evenly.
- Rest and fluff:
- Remove from heat and keep the lid on for 5 minutes; this lets any remaining moisture redistribute. Then use a fork to gently fluff the grains, breaking up any clumps without mashing.
- Add the brightness:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest with a gentle hand, folding rather than stirring aggressively to keep the rice fluffy. If you're using that extra butter, fold it in now for an extra luxurious finish.
Save to Pinterest There's a moment when you fluff that rice with a fork and catch the first whiff of cilantro and lime rising up with the steam—that's when you know you've done it right. It's a small thing, but it reminds me why cooking matters: it's not just about the food, it's about that quiet sense of satisfaction that comes from doing something simple well.
When to Make This Rice
This rice shines alongside grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp, but it's equally at home with tacos, burrito bowls, or even roasted vegetables if you're going vegetarian. I've served it at casual weeknight dinners and at slightly more intentional gatherings, and it works beautifully either way because it feels fresh without being fussy. Summer cookouts are its natural home, but there's no reason not to make it year-round whenever you want something that feels brighter than ordinary rice.
How to Scale It Up
The proportions here work perfectly for four people, but the recipe scales easily if you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Just remember that the ratio stays the same: two cups of water for every cup of rice, and you can multiply the cilantro, lime, and butter accordingly. I've made double batches without any problem, though I do use a slightly larger pot to avoid overflow.
Make It Your Own
While cilantro and lime are the stars, you can nudge this recipe in different directions depending on what you have or what you're craving. I've added a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika when I wanted earthiness, and once I stirred in some diced jalapeño for heat. The beauty of this recipe is that it's forgiving—it's a foundation that welcomes small experiments without asking permission.
- Try swapping half the water for vegetable or chicken broth for a deeper, savory foundation.
- Add a clove of minced garlic or a teaspoon of ground cumin if you want more complexity.
- Stir in diced red bell pepper or jalapeño just before serving for color and texture contrast.
Save to Pinterest This rice has become one of those recipes I reach for without thinking, the kind that makes people feel cared for without requiring any real effort. Once you make it a few times, it'll live in your hands and your intuition, ready whenever you need something good.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine yields fluffy, separate grains ideal for absorbing cilantro and lime flavors.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, replacing butter with olive oil or plant-based butter provides a dairy-free alternative without compromising flavor.
- → Why rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring lighter, fluffier rice.
- → How can I enhance the flavor further?
Substituting half the cooking water with vegetable broth adds depth and savory notes to the rice.
- → What dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?
This vibrant rice complements grilled meats, tacos, or burritos, adding a fresh and zesty side element.