The Best Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice Recipe for Fresh Flavor

This zesty cilantro-lime infused rice upgrades ordinary grains into a vibrant culinary experience that dances with fresh, tangy notes.

Bright green herbs and citrusy undertones elevate a classic side dish into something extraordinary.

Each fluffy grain carries a perfect balance of herbal complexity and zingy brightness that awakens taste buds.

Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines have long celebrated this dynamic flavor combination, making it a global favorite.

Simple ingredients combine to create a sophisticated accompaniment that complements numerous main courses with remarkable ease.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.

The secret lies in carefully layering flavors during the cooking process, allowing each element to shine.

What Makes Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice So Fresh

• Bursting with Bright Flavors: Zesty lime and fresh cilantro create a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary rice into an exciting, vibrant side dish.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Pairs beautifully with Mexican, Latin American, and seafood dishes, adding a punch of freshness to any meal and elevating simple proteins.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Packed with herbs and citrus, this rice offers a healthier alternative to plain side dishes while delivering incredible taste and aroma that'll make everyone at the table happy.

Ingredients for Cilantro-Lime Rice That Pops

• Long Grain White Rice: A classic rice variety with fluffy texture, perfect for absorbing flavors and creating a light side dish.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the rice's natural taste.

• Garlic, Bay Leaf: Adds depth and subtle earthy undertones to the rice, providing a rich background flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a bright, fresh, and slightly peppery herb character to the final dish.

• Water: Essential liquid for cooking rice and creating the right moisture level.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps prevent rice from sticking during cooking.
• Lime Zest, Fresh Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, citrusy brightness that complements the cilantro and adds a refreshing tang.

Cooking Cilantro-Lime Rice Without Overdoing It

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add rice and salt, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until rice becomes slightly toasted and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Aromatics

• Water
• Lime zest
• Bay leaf

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover pot and simmer gently for 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.

Step 3: Create Cilantro-Lime Sauce

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Remaining olive oil
• Water

Pulse ingredients in blender until completely smooth and vibrant green.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf from cooked rice. Fluff rice gently with a fork. Fold cilantro-lime sauce into rice, ensuring even distribution. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Tips for Fluffy, Flavorful Cilantro-Lime Rice

• Toast Rice Thoroughly: Sauté rice in olive oil before adding water to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Measure Water Precisely: Use exact water measurements to ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without becoming mushy or dry.
• Zest Carefully: Grate lime zest gently to capture only the green outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a cleaner citrus flavor.
• Blend Cilantro Smoothly: Pulse cilantro mixture until completely smooth to distribute herbs evenly and create a vibrant green sauce throughout the rice.
• Rest Rice Completely: Allow rice to sit covered after cooking to help steam distribute evenly and make grains tender and separate.

Storing and Reheating Cilantro Rice the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheat: Splash a few tablespoons of water over the rice before microwaving to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent dry spots.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Perfect Pairings for Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice

• Pair with Protein-Packed Proteins: Grilled chicken or seared shrimp complement the zesty cilantro-lime rice perfectly, adding a protein boost and enhancing the bright, fresh flavors.
• Match with Mexican-Inspired Beverages: Crisp margaritas or Mexican beer like Modelo Especial bring out the tangy lime notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the herbal rice.
• Create a Vibrant Salsa Side: Fresh pico de gallo or avocado salsa adds texture and extra brightness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Tropical Drink Delight: A chilled mojito or coconut water mocktail will mirror the citrusy and herbal elements of the rice, making the meal feel like a mini culinary vacation.

Ways to Dress Up Cilantro-Lime Rice

• Spicy Cilantro-Lime Rice: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the rice for a fiery kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Mexican Street Corn Rice: Mix in grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a street food-inspired version.
• Coconut Cilantro Rice: Replace water with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a tropical, creamy transformation that brings richness to the dish.
• Quinoa Cilantro-Lime Alternative: Swap rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free option that maintains the zesty herb-citrus essence.

Cilantro-Lime Infused Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cilantro-lime infused rice brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to any meal. Quick and simple ingredients combine for a refreshing side dish that elevates your dining experience with bright, herbal notes and citrusy brightness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ½ cup fresh cilantro

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, creating a shimmering base for the rice.
2. Add rice and salt, toasting the grains while stirring continuously to develop a nutty aroma and prevent sticking.
3. Pour in water, incorporating lime zest and bay leaf to infuse the rice with bright, aromatic flavors.
4. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pot tightly.
5. Allow rice to simmer gently, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender, which typically takes around 15 minutes.
6. Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to ensure perfect texture.
7. While rice rests, create a vibrant cilantro-lime sauce by blending fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, remaining olive oil, and water until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Discard the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork, creating light, separated grains.
9. Gently fold the cilantro-lime mixture into the rice, ensuring even distribution of the fresh, zesty flavors.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the rice at its peak temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Cilantro and lime dance together, creating a bright, refreshing profile that complements countless main courses.
• Perfectly tender rice infused with citrusy and herbaceous notes will make your taste buds sing with every forkful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg