A combination of citrus juices make this Cilantro Lime Rice so tasty without being too tangy – so perfectly balanced. Everyone loves this and it’s one of my oft-requested recipes! Easy to make, too!
Since we arrived in the USA, Mexican food has become one of our favorites. Mark loves spicy food and he doesn’t often get his fave Indian curries in Michigan (unless I make them) so he’s happy to satisfy his palate with the Mexican alternative. We often have tacos on the menu but it won’t be complete without the cilantro-lime rice on the side.
The citrusy, moist cilantro-flavored rice is such a wonderful side dish that you can serve it even if you’re not having Mexican food. We make a big batch of this (just because we love it so much!) and use the left-over for sinangag (Pinoy fried rice) the next day so nothing is wasted.
I have searched the internet for a good cilantro lime rice and I chanced upon this one. I thought the idea was great and decided to try it. Unfortunately, since this was not on a blog post but on a comment page and the person did not wish to reveal his/her identity I don’t know who to acknowledge.
But am just happy he/she decided to share it. There were no exact measurements given, just mostly the ingredients so I just adjusted it to my taste and feel free to do the same. After all, what may be tart for me may still be sweet or even bland for somebody else!
A rice cooker would be handy for this but you can always use a large saucepan and cook the rice on the stovetop. For this dish, basmati is the best rice to use for it doesn’t get sticky and the grains remain separated even after the oil and the citrus juice have been added but if you don’t have it jasmine or any long-grain rice is fine too. You may choose to use the entire rice as measured in the recipe or however much you need.
Also, I like that the recipe uses different kinds of citrus fruits (though it’s popularly made only with lime). I like the combo of the juices of 1 lime and 1 orange. The sweet orange flavor balances the tartness of the lime. But you may add 1 lemon too in the mix. Just note that it will be sharper so perhaps you need to use less juice when you mix it with the rice.
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FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.
INGREDIENTS for CILANTRO LIME RICE
- Uncooked jasmine/basmati rice (use a measuring cup, not the rice cooker cup)
- Water (use the same measuring cup)
- Bay leaves
- Juices of 1 orange and 1 lime or a combo of 1 orange/1 lemon/1 lime (the latter combo is sharper)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
Procedure
First, rinse the rice twice and drain it well. Place the rice and water in the rice cooker or saucepan. Insert the bay leaves on the rice. Cook. The rice cooker will automatically turn to the warm setting when it’s done. If using the saucepan, bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover the pan and turn the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
This is what the rice should look like when it’s done and after removing the bay leaves.
While the rice is resting, juice the orange, lime, and lemon (if using). Set aside. Prepare the cilantro leaves. We love cilantro so we put in a lot. Add as much as you want.
When done preparing the citrus fruits and cilantro, get the oil, and pour it slowly on the rice. Coat the rice with oil.
Add the cilantro, juice, and salt and mix well with the rice. Adjust seasoning to taste. Enjoy!
If you like what you see and would like to receive new recipe updates, we’d love you to subscribe to our posts or join our site. Needless to say, we’d love you to like us on Facebook too where you can get more recipes and updates. Thanks and happy browsing!
CILANTRO LIME RICE
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine/basmati rice, (use a measuring cup, not the rice cooker cup)
- 1½ cups water, (use the same measuring cup)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 4 tbsp freshly squeezed lime and orange juice (2 tbsp each), (or a combo of 1 orange/1 lemon/1 lime – the latter combo is sharper – adjust the amount to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil,
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- First, rinse the rice twice and drain it well. Place the rice and water in the rice cooker or saucepan. Insert the 2 bay leaves on the rice. Cook. The rice cooker will automatically turn to the warm setting when it’s done. If using the saucepan, bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover the pan and turn the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves after the rice has rested.
- While the rice is resting, juice the orange, lime, and lemon (if using the latter). Measure about 4 tablespoons of juice. Set aside. Prepare the cilantro leaves. We love cilantro so we put in a lot. Add as much as you want.
- When done preparing the citrus fruits and cilantro, get the oil, and pour it slowly on the rice. Coat the rice with oil.Add the cilantro, juice, and salt and mix well with the rice. Adjust seasoning to taste. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Last updated on April 15th, 2024 at 09:12 pm
This sounds so delicious! I have to make this next week for sure!
Thank you for sharing them at Foodie Friends Friday, come back Sunday to vote 🙂
Thanks, Jutta! I hope you like, it's one of our favorite rice recipes. Glad you stopped by.
Made this tonight to pair with green chile enchilada casserole, yum!!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by.
don't have rice cooker
You don't need a rice cooker to make it. Any sauce pan will do. 🙂
I made this yesterday it was so delicious!
Author
So glad you enjoyed this!! Thanks!
Can you use Cauliflower Rice?
Author
You’ll have to cook it differently and probably just do something like a stir-fry if you want to use cauliflower and then follow the rest of the instructions.
This cilantro lime rice is loaded with refreshing flavors. I love how it contains easy ingredients.
This cilantro rice is a staple side dish for so many meals! I love how easy it is too, can’t wait to try the recipe 🙂
Yes! Going to make a big batch of this cilantro lime rice to use for some burrito bowls this week! Looks so good 🙂
So easy and so flavorful. I think it will become one of our favourite rice side dishes.
This cilantro lime rice looks so delicious and tasty! I can’t wait to give this a try! My hubby is going to love this!
I can’t find any cilantro in my town
Author
Sorry to hear that – cilantro has quite a distinct taste and is a major ingredient for this rice and what makes it delicious so that would be hard to replicate. You can try parsley and it may work – just would taste different but should still be good.
Super excited, sounds delicious.
Suuper excited about this delicious dish.
Need to amend the recipe card to say when to remove the bay leaves after the rice is cooked. It’s in the dialog, but not on the card part.
Author
Just did! Thanks for pointing that out.
I have made this rice recipe before, we love it with chicken curry.
Author
Glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for letting us know!
This rice is absolutely delicious! Cilantro & lime…. Great combination
Author
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for letting us know.