Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
30 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
low-FODMAP,
Mediterranean diet,
vegan
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 20 min | 30 min |
Introduction
This cilantro lime rice tastes bright, fresh, and zesty, just like the Chipotle favorite you crave.
It’s an easy, budget-friendly side dish that instantly upgrades taco nights, burrito bowls, and simple grilled chicken or fish.
Made with pantry staples and plenty of fresh cilantro and lime, it adds restaurant-style flavor to any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
-
Rinse and prep the rice
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
Drain well so you do not carry extra water into the pot.
Chop the cilantro and zest and juice the lime, then set them aside for later.
-
Cook the rice
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Pour in the water and add the salt, then stir once to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.
-
Let the rice steam and fluff
Turn off the heat and let the covered rice sit for 5 to 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
Uncover and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
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Add lime and cilantro
Drizzle the warm rice with the lime juice and sprinkle on the lime zest.
Add the chopped cilantro and gently fold everything together until the herbs are evenly dispersed.
Taste and add a pinch more salt or lime juice if you like a brighter flavor.
-
Serve and store
Serve the cilantro lime rice warm as a side dish, or use it as a base for burrito bowls and tacos.
Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the rice from drying out.
Substitutions
- Use brown rice instead of white rice
- Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more chew, and it also reheats very well for meal prep bowls.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice
- Lemon gives a softer, mellow citrus note while still keeping the rice bright, and it pairs nicely with Greek-style fillings.
- Use parsley instead of cilantro
- Parsley keeps the fresh green flavor without the classic cilantro bite, which helps if someone at the table dislikes cilantro.
Tips
- Toast the rice for better flavor
- Lightly toasting the rice in oil deepens the flavor and helps the grains stay separate instead of clumping.
- Do not stir while it simmers
- Once you lower the heat and cover the pot, avoid stirring, because that releases starch and makes the rice gummy.
- Use the right pot size
- Choose a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and a heavy bottom, which prevents scorching and gives you even cooking.
- Scale the salt carefully
- If you plan to serve this with salty toppings like cheese or seasoned meat, slightly reduce the salt in the rice.
- Refresh leftovers with extra citrus
- When reheating, splash on a little more lime juice after warming to bring the flavors back to life.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 176 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 | g |
| Total Fat | 3 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I keep the rice from turning mushy?
- Measure the water carefully, avoid lifting the lid while it cooks, and let the rice rest before fluffing.
- Can I make this in a rice cooker?
- Yes, cook the rice, water, oil, and salt in the rice cooker as usual, then stir in lime and cilantro afterward.
- What if my rice is still hard after cooking?
- Sprinkle on a tablespoon or two of hot water, cover, and let it steam over very low heat for several minutes.
- Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?
- You can, but the flavor will be milder, so warm the rice, then add extra lime juice and cilantro to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a simple black bean bowl for an easy dinner.
For a restaurant-style spread, serve this rice with pico de gallo, guacamole, and warm tortillas for DIY burrito vibes.
Leftovers make great burrito filling, so cook an extra batch when you want a head start on lunches.
Reviews
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Margaret, Mesa, AZ: Turned out fluffy and super fresh!
: Happy it came out fluffy and bright, Margaret! 😊
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Rachel, Chicago: Rinsing the rice first made a huge difference. I usually skip that step but won’t anymore
: Glad the rinsing tip helped, Rachel—it really does make the rice fluffier and less sticky!
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Emily, Toronto: rice came out fluffy. next time I’ll add a little extra lime juice b/c I like it really tangy
: Glad you enjoyed the fluffy texture, Emily! Adding more lime juice is a great way to boost the tanginess to your taste next time.
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Karen: Made it in rice cooker instead of stovetop, just tossed in oil + salt, then added lime/cilantro after. Came out perfect
: Nice to hear the rice cooker method worked perfectly for you, Karen!
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Ashley: so simple but feels special—will make for holidays
: We’re glad you enjoyed it, Ashley! hope it’s a hit at your holiday table!
Made this recipe? How did it go?
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