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 coins with something even tastier?
Sometimes, you don't want to use up gas in your car, wait in line, and spend extra money on take-out. This recipe for Cilantro-Lime Rice is great for cravings... or, whenever you're having a Mexican food night at home! It's fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and cooks up in no time.
The Coined Breakdown
- Total Cost per serving: $0.19
- Total Cost (8 servings): $1.48
- Those Other Guys: $6.99 per serving
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 herbs can be found in the produce section.
- Lime Juice - Grab a lime and juice it yourself for the best tang.
Variations and Substitutions
Lower-Carb Cilantro-Lime Rice: Stir in frozen riced cauliflower towards the end of cooking for a low-carb version!
Mexican Red Rice: This recipe for classic Mexican Rice makes a fluffy, aromatic pot of rice that pairs well with anything.
Extra Veggies: Stir in green peas or sautéed chopped carrots for extra nutrients.
How to Make Restaurant-Style Cilantro-Lime Rice at Home
Step 1: Bring a pot of long-grain rice, water, bouillon seasoning, butter, and a Bay leaf to a boil.
After it begins a rolling boil, cut the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 16-18 minutes.
Step 2: Fluff the rice with a fork to combine all seasonings together.
Remove the Bay leaf and discard. Finally, pour in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir again to combine, and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Any long-grain rice works well. I've used jasmine, basmati, and even parboiled rice. Just be sure to be mindful of the water ratios for different types.
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!
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 stuff inside a freezer-friendly breakfast burrito if you're feeling fancy.
Yes, this is a great recipe to freeze!
Add the rice in a thin layer into a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 4 months. To reheat, let the rice completely thaw and then microwave or heat up on the stove.
Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes You'll Love!
If you tried this Cilantro-Lime Rice Recipe, or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Thanks for visiting!
Copycat Cilantro-Lime Rice
Equipment
- Pot with lid
- Chef's Knife
- Citrus Squeezer
- Fork
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.1 ½ cups long-grain rice, 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 count Bay leaf
- 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.1 count lime, ¼ cup cilantro, salt
- Let sit, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff rice once more to combine all ingredients. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think!