With just a few ingredients, you can have fresh, homemade cilantro-lime rice on your table in about 15 minutes! Why spend that money on takeout when you can save your coin with something even tastier?
I'm coming after Chipotle today with this super tasty, copycat chipotle cilantro-lime rice. Sometimes, you just don't want to spend that extra money on takeout. And in true Coined Cuisine fashion, I'm here to save your wallets and your tastebuds!
Ingredients
- Long-Grain White Rice - For our base, grab some long grain white rice from your local grocery.
- Seasonings - We're going to use a bit of vegetable bouillon, salt (as needed), and a Bay leaf for extra flavor!
- Butter - A bit of butter while cooking helps with flavor and a super fluffy rice.
- Chopped Cilantro - The fresh leaves can be found in the produce section.
- Lime Juice - Grab a lime or two and juice them yourself for the best acidity.
How to Make Chipotle Style Cilantro-Lime Rice
This copycat Chipotle cilantro-lime rice tastes just like the restaurant version, only fresher! The best part is it is super easy to make with only four ingredients (plus water). The longest part of the process is actually cooking the rice - and it holds together so well for leftovers.
- Start out by cooking your rice using your favorite method (stove-top, microwave, rice cooker, etc.) Stir in some butter, seasonings, and a Bay leaf.
- Remove the bay leaf, and stir in chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.
- Taste, and add any extra salt as needed. That's it!
If you don't have a rice cooker, don't be intimidated! My foolproof method will ensure perfect fluffy rice in a normal pot every time. Also, I've had some people use microwave rice as a shortcut and it still tastes great! I'm all about efficiency, so whatever works best for your kitchen.
I love making a big pot of this on Sunday to meal prep for the week; try it in my spicy shrimp burrito bowls, serve alongside your next taco night, or even a freezer-friendly breakfast burrito if you're feeling fancy.
FAQs
Any long-grain rice works well. I've used jasmine, basmati, and even parboiled rice. Just be sure to be mindful of the rice/water ratios.
Although I recommend fresh for the best flavor, you can use the jarred stuff in a pinch.
Fresh cilantro is the best for this side dish. The ground stuff found in the spice aisle won't give you the type of flavor you need. You can find fresh cilantro in the produce aisle!
Copycat Cilantro-Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 count Bay leaf
- 1 count lime juiced
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- salt optional, to taste
Instructions
- Add the long-grain rice, water, bouillon seasoning, butter, and Bay leaf to a large pot, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Once it begins boiling, turn the heat down to low, cover pot with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-18 minutes until fluffy.
- Turn off the heat and remove the Bay leaf.
- While the rice is still warm, add your chopped cilantro and lime juice. Stir well to distribute, and season with any additional salt to your preference.
- Fluff rice to combine all ingredients. Enjoy!
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The Coined Breakdown
- Total Cost per serving: $0.17
- Total Cost (8 servings): $1.34
- Those Other Guys: $6.99 a serving
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think!