Cilantro Lime Rice (Printable Version)

Fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro and lime, balancing zesty and buttery flavors for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, 1 tablespoon butter, and salt.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes to steam and settle.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork then gently fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
06 - For richer flavor, incorporate 1 additional tablespoon of butter if desired.
07 - Serve the rice warm as a vibrant side dish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes and somehow tastes like you spent way more effort than you did.
  • The combination of lime and cilantro is bright enough to make even plain grilled chicken feel exciting.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for almost any crowd.
02 -
  • Don't add the cilantro and lime to the hot water—they'll lose their vibrancy and turn bitter; always add them to the finished rice off the heat.
  • If you have vegetable broth on hand, substitute it for half the water for a more complex, savory foundation that plays beautifully with the lime and cilantro.
03 -
  • Buy your limes a day or two before you cook and leave them on the counter—they'll yield more juice when they're slightly soft and at room temperature.
  • If you're making this ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it gently in a pan with a splash of water; add fresh cilantro when you reheat so it stays vibrant.
Go Back