Make this easy and delicious cilantro lime rice recipe the next time you want inspiration for dinner. This Mexican-inspired recipe is bursting with citrus and herby cilantro flavors. If you’re a Chipotle fan, then you know how tasty this side dish is, and it pairs perfectly with any meal prep proteins and vegetables.
Type of rice to use
Chipotle’s website lists white rice among its ingredients, but a quick internet search will reveal Chipotle ex-employees say they use extra-long white rice from various brands, which can vary by location.
We tested different brands and types of long white rice and settled on Mahatma extra long grain rice as a good option because it produces a similar texture, is affordable, and can be found in many grocery stores. You can also use jasmine rice; however, it may have a more fragrant aroma than plain extra-long white rice.
Rice to water ratio
The rice-to-water ratio for this cilantro lime rice recipe is based on cooking the rice in a 2-quart saute pot with a lid, so if you use a rice cooker the ratio may differ depending on your rice cooker’s recommendations.
Here is the rice-to-water ratio for cooking cilantro lime rice on the stove:
- 1 dry measuring cup (195 grams) extra long grain white rice
- 12 ounces (354 grams) water
One dry measuring cup of extra long-grain white rice is considered 1-2 servings of rice. If you want to make more rice, double the recipe to make 2-4 servings of rice with the same ratio. Note that we have only tested up to this serving amount and cannot confirm if the ratio is the same if multiplied further.
For other recipes regarding long-grain white rice, see our rice-to-water ratios:
- how to cook perfect, fluffy jasmine rice
- perfect instant pot jasmine rice
- how to cook basmati rice
- how to cook basmati rice in a rice cooker
- perfect instant pot basmati rice
Herbs & seasoning
After figuring out the rice type in Chipotle’s famous cilantro lime rice, we also discovered other equally essential ingredients. Here’s what we used to make our version:
- Fresh lemon AND lime juice make a good combo for the citrus base of this rice. I was surprised with the addition of lemon juice, but it adds a nice bright taste to the tangier lime juice. You do need both, but we encourage you to try different varieties of lemons and limes to test different flavor profiles, like Meyer lemons or Persian limes.
- Freshly chopped cilantro helps give the rice an herby and peppery flavor to balance the citrus.
- Dried bay leaf is cooked in the rice while it steams for an earthy aroma.
- Neutral oil helps prevent the rice grains from sticking to one another and the pan. Chipotle traditionally uses rice bran oil, but any neutral oil, like avocado oil, will do. Avoid potent oils like roasted sesame, as they can overpower the flavor.
- Kosher salt adds some seasoning that brings out the other ingredients. You don’t need too much since this side dish is meant to be eaten with other savory dishes.
What to serve with cilantro lime rice
Cilantro lime rice goes well with many different dishes and is great for meal prep. Here are some of our favorite veggie and protein recipes to pair with:
- veggie kabobs (grilled vegetable skewers)
- crispy roasted brussels sprouts
- Korean cucumber salad
- crispy air fryer tofu
- Asian turkey lettuce wraps
- air fryer steak bites
- air fryer chicken bites
How to make this in a rice cooker
Using a rice cooker is a more hands-free and easy option, but it can take longer to make rice depending on your rice cooker. For our Zojirushi Micom rice cooker, cooking 2 cups of white long-grain rice takes 60 minutes, whereas cooking the same amount on the stove takes 30 minutes.
If you are using a rice cooker, use the specific long-grain white rice-to-water ratio indicated in your rice cooker manual in place of the ratio we list in this recipe.
Using a rice cooker has fewer steps than stovetop:
- Add the oil to the rice cooker pot and mix with rinsed rice and salt.
- Add the water into the rice cooker pot and mix again. Even out the rice so it’s leveled.
- Add the bay leaves on top.
- Close the rice cooker, use the long-grain white rice setting, and start.
- When the rice cooker is finished, lift the lid and fluff with a spatula.
- Add the citrus juices and cilantro and gently mix the rice.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 c (390 g) extra long grain rice Mahatma brand
- 24 oz (675 ml) water plus more for rinsing
- 2 tbsp (25 ml) neutral oil
- 1 tsp (3 g) kosher salt
- 2 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp (27 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tbsp (27 ml) lime juice
- ½ c chopped cilantro
Equipment Used
- measuring cups and spoons or weighted scale
- knife and cutting board
- Citrus press optional
- Strainer
- spatula or rice paddle
- 2-quart saute pot and lid
Instructions
- Rinse the 2 c extra long grain rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a saute pot over medium-high heat, add the 2 tbsp neutral oil and heat for 30 seconds.
- Add the 2 c extra long grain rice and 1 tsp kosher salt into the pot and stir until completely coated with the oil.
- Pour the 24 oz water into the pot and stir again.
- Use a spatula to make sure the rice is level on the top. Add the 2 bay leaf on top and make sure it’s submerged in the water.
- Allow the water to boil and then bring it down to medium heat. Let the water simmer until you start to see the surface of the rice grains. It took about 5 minutes.
- Place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, turn off the heat and move the pot to a cook surface or burner. DO NOT take off the lid. Let the pot sit for an additional 5 minutes.
- After resting, remove the lid and fluff with a spatula.
- Add the 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp lime juice , and ½ c chopped cilantro. Mix the rice gently.
- Serve immediately.
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