If you love fresh, bright flavors that lift any meal, you have to try this Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant, green rice dish bursting with zesty lime and herbaceous cilantro, perfectly balanced with creamy spinach and savory aromatics. Whether you’re making tacos, a Mexican-inspired feast, or just craving an easy side with a punch of flavor, this recipe is my go-to for quick, gorgeous rice that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more of this bright, fluffy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe hinges on simple, fresh ingredients that bring loads of flavor and a beautiful color to the dish. Each item is essential, from the creamy milk to the punchy lime zest, all working together to make the rice truly special.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth that infuses the rice as it cooks.
- Milk (any kind): Brings creaminess and softens the texture for a tender bite.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering anything.
- Spinach (packed): Delivers vibrant green color and a mild, fresh earthiness.
- Cilantro (packed): The star herb that gives this rice its signature bright, herbal punch.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the rice for a hint of nuttiness.
- Olive oil: Keeps the rice from sticking and boosts flavor with a fruity note.
- Basmati rice: Long-grain rice that stays fluffy and separate after cooking.
- Yellow onion (chopped small): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- Garlic clove: Infuses savory warmth that compliments the herbs.
- Lime zest: Provides an intense, fresh citrus scent and taste.
- Lime juice: Balances the dish with bright acidity that wakes up every flavor.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Green Goodness
Start by blending chicken broth, milk, kosher salt, spinach, and cilantro leaves until you get a smooth, vibrant green liquid. This green blend is what sets this dish apart, transforming ordinary rice into something fresh and full of color and nutrients. Don’t worry if a few cilantro stems sneak in—they add flavor and blend up just fine.
Step 2: Prep the Aromatics
Next, finely chop your onion and mince the garlic. These simple veggies are going to get sautéed to bring out a sweet, fragrant base that perfectly complements the herbal rice. The recipe is forgiving, so feel free to adjust the amounts based on your love for onions.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Warm butter and olive oil in a pot, then add the basmati rice. Toast it gently over medium heat until it smells nutty and starts to turn golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step adds a delightful depth of flavor and a slightly crunchy texture to the finished rice, making it much more than just plain white rice.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This layer of flavor is the groundwork that marries the rice with the fresh cilantro and lime flavors later on.
Step 5: Add the Green Blend
Pour the bright green cilantro and spinach mixture from the blender into the pot. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated in this luscious, herb-filled liquid. This really is the heart and soul of the dish—full of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Step 6: Bring It to a Boil
Turn your burner up to high and watch as the rice mixture comes to a rolling boil. It’s an exciting moment because this is when the rice really starts to absorb all the flavors you’ve carefully built.
Step 7: Simmer Covered
Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice gently steam for 15 minutes, undisturbed. This slow, steady cooking allows the rice to finish tender and fluffy, soaking in every bit of the cilantro lime magic.
Step 8: Zest and Juice the Limes
While the rice cooks, zest two limes to gather about 2 teaspoons, then juice them to get about 3 to 4 tablespoons of tangy freshness. This citrus burst will brighten the rice at the perfect moment.
Step 9: Add Lime Zest and Juice
After the rice has steamed, lift the lid and fold in the lime zest and juice with a gentle stir. Turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner—it’s time for the final flavor infusion.
Step 10: Steam with Lime
Put the lid back on and let the rice sit for another 5 to 10 minutes. This extra steaming step melds the citrus beautifully into the rice, giving it a complex, layered flavor that’s just irresistible.
Step 11: Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Now your vibrant, fragrant Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is ready to dazzle your taste buds and elevate any meal.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves over the top adds a burst of color and an extra dose of herbal freshness. You can also scatter thin lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over as they please. For a special touch, try toasted pine nuts or a dusting of cotija cheese to complement the citrusy rice.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs wonderfully with Mexican favorites like chicken tacos, carnitas, or grilled fajitas. It’s also a fantastic companion to black beans, roasted vegetables, or even a simple fried egg for a comforting dinner. The bright acidity and herbaceousness balance rich, smoky, or spicy mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Serve this cilantro lime rice stuffed in bell peppers or alongside avocado slices and pickled onions for a colorful, fresh plate. You can also shape it into small molds or use it as a base for a vibrant burrito bowl loaded with your favorite toppings for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain that fluffy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the rice in freezer-safe containers or bags. Portion it out so you only thaw what you need, and it will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead staple.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture. Give it a quick fluff with a fork after warming to bring back that light, fluffy texture. The lime and cilantro flavors will still shine through beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or extra olive oil, and replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. The chicken broth can be swapped for vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-forward.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is preferred here for its fragrant aroma and fluffy, separate grains after cooking. Jasmine rice can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor profile might be slightly different. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to get sticky.
Can I reduce the amount of cilantro if I’m not a huge fan?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible—start with half the cilantro and add more as you like. You can even save some fresh leaves for garnishing instead of blending all of it in. The spinach also helps keep the green color vibrant without overwhelming cilantro flavor.
Is it important to toast the rice first?
Yes, toasting the rice before cooking adds a delightful nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture that makes this dish stand out. It’s a small step but adds layers of taste that really elevate the final result.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is best because it has a brighter, fresher flavor and subtle aroma that bottled juice lacks. If you must use bottled, be sure it’s 100% lime juice without added sugars or preservatives and maybe add a bit more zest to boost the citrus notes.
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is one of those simple yet magic dishes that transforms everyday meals into something special. Its bright, lively flavors and airy texture make it a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m excited for you to fall in love with it too. Whether you’re hosting friends or just making dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. So, grab those ingredients and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant cilantro lime rice recipe combines fresh herbs, zesty lime, and toasted basmati rice cooked in a flavorful spinach and cilantro infused broth. The rice is toasted before simmering to bring out nutty aromas and then finished with fresh lime zest and juice for a bright, refreshing twist. Perfect as a side dish for Mexican-inspired meals like tacos, fajitas, burritos, or even with beans and a fried egg for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Liquid Base & Herbs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any kind will do)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
- 1 cup packed spinach
- 3/4 cup packed cilantro leaves (about 1 bunch)
Rice & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 and 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 1/4 yellow onion, chopped small
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Lime Finish
- 2 teaspoons lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 3–4 tablespoons fresh squeezed)
Instructions
- Blend the green base: In a blender, combine 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup milk, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Add 1 cup packed spinach and 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (stems can be included if a few get tossed in). Blend until smooth and vibrantly green, creating a nutritious flavorful base.
- Prep the aromatics: Dice 1/4 of a yellow onion finely (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Smash and peel 1 clove of garlic then mince it finely. Set aside for sautéing.
- Toast the rice: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 2-3 quart pot over medium heat. Add 1 and 1/2 cups basmati rice and toast, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and starting to turn golden, but not browned.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and onions soften slightly.
- Add the blended green liquid: Pour the spinach and cilantro mixture from the blender into the pot with the rice and stir to combine evenly.
- Bring to a boil: Increase heat to high and bring the liquid and rice mixture to a boil.
- Simmer covered: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid immediately and reduce heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- Prepare lime zest and juice: While rice cooks, zest 2 limes to get about 2 teaspoons zest, then juice the limes to yield 3–4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
- Add lime zest and juice: After the 15 minutes cooking time, remove the lid, stir in the lime zest and lime juice, and turn off the heat but leave the pot on the warm burner.
- Steam the rice: Put the lid back on and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Fluff and serve: Remove lid, fluff rice gently with a fork, and serve hot. This cilantro lime rice pairs wonderfully with Mexican dishes like chicken tacos, fajitas, carne asada, burritos, taco salad, or simply with black beans and a fried egg for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor or water for a lighter version.
- Blending the spinach and cilantro with the broth and milk infuses the rice with vibrant green color and fresh herb flavor.
- Don’t over-toast the rice to avoid bitterness; just a light golden color is ideal.
- Adjust cilantro amount based on your preference—hold back some leaves for garnish if desired.
- If dairy-free is desired, substitute milk with a plant-based milk and use oil instead of butter.
- Keep the lid on while simmering to ensure even cooking and fluffy rice.
- This recipe is forgiving—feel free to adjust lime amount or add more garlic/onion as you like.
