This lime rice with cilantro uses just a few flavorful ingredients and makes the ideal side dish or base for Mexican-inspired meals.
This cilantro lime rice is one of my go-to side dishes. It’s simple to prepare, light, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for taco nights, burrito bowls, or served alongside grilled meats.
The combination of lime and cilantro brightens plain rice without overpowering other flavors. You’ll find versions of this at many taco spots, but making it at home is fast and easy.
A rice cooker or Instant Pot can streamline the process, but this recipe is written for the stovetop. Rinsing your rice before cooking helps create fluffy, separate grains—don’t skip that step if you want the best texture.
I usually keep rice and the rest of these pantry ingredients on hand, so this is a recipe I can make any night of the week. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd.
Other rice recipes on our site include Sausage Dirty Rice, Zucchini Rice Casserole, and Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
- Pairs well with a wide variety of meals.
- Easily doubled or multiplied to feed more people.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- water
- long-grain white rice
- butter (or olive oil)
- fresh cilantro
- lime juice
- lime zest
- kosher salt
- black pepper
The ingredient list is intentionally short—minimal components that deliver bright, balanced flavor. Adjust the lime juice and zest to taste: add more for a pronounced citrus note or less for a subtle hint.
This recipe is forgiving. Taste and tweak the seasoning at the end so it suits your preference.
HOW TO MAKE LIME RICE:
- Place water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice, stir a few times to distribute, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 5 minutes on the counter.
- Stir in the butter, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
That’s it—five simple steps for a flavorful, fluffy cilantro lime rice that complements many dishes.
It works great as a side for tacos and grilled meats or as a base in burrito bowls, rice bowls, or tostadas.
Some side dishes we like to serve with Mexican-style meals include Mexican Street Corn Salad, Easy Mexican Bean Salad, and Chorizo Potatoes.
Next time you need a quick, fresh side, try this lime rice—the bright citrus and herb make it a standout.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT CAN I USE THIS RICE IN?
This cilantro lime rice is versatile. Use it as a side or as the base for burritos, taco bowls, rice bowls, tacos, tostadas, and more.
When we don’t eat it plain, we often fold it into burritos or bowls for added flavor and texture.
ANY ADDITIONS?
You can easily customize this rice. Here are a few ideas to boost flavor, color, and nutrition:
- Black beans for protein and texture.
- Corn kernels for a sweet crunch.
- Chopped green onions for extra brightness.
- Minced garlic for deeper savory notes.
- Pico de gallo as a fresh topping.
- Diced red bell pepper for color and sweetness.
- Diced avocado for creaminess.
- Queso fresco or shredded cheddar for richness.
- Chopped jalapeños for heat.
- A dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- Chopped fresh tomatoes or spinach for added veggies.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Yes—swap ingredients to suit your needs or preferences. Some common substitutions:
- Basmati or jasmine rice for a different aroma and texture.
- Brown rice if you prefer a whole-grain option (adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly).
- Vegetable or chicken broth in place of water for more flavor.
- Olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Lemon juice instead of lime if you prefer a different citrus profile.
- Plant-based butter substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
HOW TO STORE:
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze cooked cilantro lime rice. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant rice for this method.
- Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled will work if needed.
- Freeze leftovers for quick, flavorful meals later.
- This rice is versatile—use it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or as a simple side.
- Double the recipe easily to serve more people.
- Adjust the lime amount to your taste by adding more juice or zest if you love lime.
Looking for a quick, flavorful side that also doubles as a base for other dishes? Try this lime rice—it’s fresh, easy, and a crowd-pleaser.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
- Easy Taco Mexican Pasta (One Pot Meal)
- Homemade Rice a Roni
- Smoky Chipotle Mexican Street Corn
- Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Herbed Rice Pilaf with Orzo
If you try this LIME RICE, let me know how it turns out in the comments.
Rate this Recipe
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (fresh squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Place water in a small saucepot.
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Bring the water to a boil and add the rinsed rice. Stir a few times, cover, and reduce heat to low.
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Cook for 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
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Stir in butter, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper until combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for this method; do not use instant rice.
- Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- This recipe freezes well—see storage tips above.
- Versatile for tacos, burritos, bowls, or served as a side.
- Double the recipe to serve more people.
- Adjust lime juice and zest to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
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