Cilantro Lime Rice (or cilantro lime brown rice)

It is no secret that I looooove Mexican and Tex Mex food! And with Cinco de Mayo coming up, I thought it might be a great time to freshen up an old recipe.

The first time I remember having cilantro lime rice was at Chipotle. It was sooo good, and I knew I had to figure out how to make it myself.

It’s just SO easy to make and like a thousand times better than plain rice. I confess that I used to buy those packets of rice with the spices already in them. But I have had so much more fun flavoring up plain rice myself.

Plus, you can skip any mystery ingredients that are in those packets, and you can use FRESH things like cilantro, fresh lime juice and real butter.

What type of rice to use to make cilantro lime rice

I originally called this recipe “cilantro lime brown rice.” But I am updating the title since you can make this with any type of rice.

Both my mom and my mother in law love using those boil in bag rices. Yes, you can use those too, if you like.

My family loves white jasmine rice the best. So it’s what you will see in most of the photos. Look at my original photo (the brown rice version) from 2015, with the old logo and everything!

OG blogging days, y’all.🤣 I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. 🤷🏼‍♀️Regardless, I am still proud of my work from the old days.

Anyway!

Adding corn kernels is optional

You may notice that in the old photo above 👆🏻that I added corn kernels. Sometimes I use them, and sometimes I don’t. I am pretty sure Chipotle used to put corn in their cilantro lime rice a long time ago, which is why I probably did it to begin with.

Largely it depends on whether or not I have any on hand. And also it is a little less convenient to add this using the Instant Pot. It is great both ways though. I will list it as an optional ingredient.

What to serve with cilantro lime rice

We had this as a side dish with ground beef tacos last week.

That is when I snapped a few photos and update the post to share with y’all. So what else goes great with cilantro lime rice? Here is a list, in case you need some Tex Mex inspiration!

• Verde chicken soft tacos
• Mexican shredded chicken
• Epic beef nachos supreme
• Vegan burrito bowls – great as an alternative to plain rice
• Chicken burrito bowls – great as an alternative to plain rice
• Black Bean soup: Instant Pot version or slow cooker version
• Instant Pot Black Beans (Vegan, No Soak)
• Chicken tostadas
• Vegetarian nachos
• Easy Chicken Fajitas (Sheet Pan Recipe)
• Chicken Taco Salad (with creamy jalapeño dressing)

Stove top, Instant Pot or rice cooker

I updated this recipe to include Instant Pot instructions a while back. I have made this several times, and this is by far the quickest and easiest way to make it. You can also make this in your rice cooker or on the stove top. For the most part, you are just cooking plain rice and adding in a few things at the end.

How to make this recipe vegan

Need a vegan version? Just substitute dairy butter for your favorite non-dairy butter. I like Earth Balance, and I know there are several other options too.

Tools used to make cilantro lime rice

Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.

• This 1.5 quart sauce pan with lid was big enough. If you double it, you will need a bigger pot.
• You can make this in an Instant Pot, if you wish
• Citrus juicer to juice the lime
• Wooden spoon

Cilantro lime rice (or cilantro lime brown rice) recipe

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Cilantro Lime Rice (or cilantro lime brown rice)

Cilantro lime rice is a simple and delicious side dish that you are going to love! And you can make it with white or brown rice, on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot or in a rice cooker.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex

Keyword cilantro lime brown rice, cilantro lime rice

Prep Time 3 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 23 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 137 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

For cooking the rice

• 1 cup rice (Dry/ uncooked, your choice. I've used brown basmati and white jasmine)
• water (Follow package instructions - will vary for different types of rice. Note: for Instant Pot or rice cooker, use proportions outlined in the recipe book for the type of rice you use)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste, if desired)

For adding in after cooking

• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels optional - I only use this with the stovetop method
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1.5 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

1. Add the rice, water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pot, and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low for recommended time on package instructions.

3. Uncover the pot about 10 minutes prior to the end of cooking, and add the corn kernels right on top, and recover immediately (no stirring necessary).

4. Cook an additional 10 minutes, and then remove from heat.

5. Add the butter, cilantro and lime juice, and stir to combine.
6. Taste, and add more salt, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Prepare 1 cup (dry) any type of rice plus salt, using the proportions, times, water prescribed in the Instant Pot recipe book. (Note: I usually skip the corn when making it in my Instant Pot.)
2. When rice is cooked, stir in the lime juice, butter and cilantro.
3. Taste, and add more salt, if desired.
4. Serve immediately.

Rice Cooker Instructions

1. Prepare 1 cup (dry) any type of rice plus salt, using the proportions, times, water prescribed in the user manual. (Note: I usually skip the corn when making it in my rice cooker.)

2. When rice is cooked, stir in the lime juice, butter and cilantro.
3. Taste, and add more salt, if desired.
4. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

If you are making this for more than four people, I would recommend doubling the recipe.

Corn kernels are optional. I generally only use these for the stove top method, out of convenience. I did not include these in the nutrition information.

To make this vegan or dairy free, just use your favorite vegan butter.

Note: cook time will vary greatly depending on the type of rice used and the method for cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Cilantro Lime Rice (or cilantro lime brown rice)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 137 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 26mg1%

Potassium 35mg1%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 130IU3%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 9mg1%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Note: This post originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy on November 2, 2015.