Cilantro Lime Rice

Jun 29, 2026 | Recipes, Side Dishes

A bowl of cilantro lime rice is seen from above, surrounded by cut limes and fresh cilantro.
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Sometimes the simplest side dishes are the ones that steal the show, and this cilantro lime rice is no exception. Fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime come together to create a bright, flavorful side that’s easy to make and pairs with just about everything.  This cilantro lime rice is an easy upgrade that is simple enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve at summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.  It’s the perfect way to add fresh flavour to grilled meats, burrito bowls, and more.

A large bowl of cilantro lime rice sits in the centre of the frame. The bowl rests on a white marble counter top. A gold coloured serving spoon is seen scooping a large serving. The rice is surrounded by fresh lime slices and cilantro leaves.

With no extra cooking time, this cilantro lime rice delivers a fresh, light flavour that makes plain rice feel like an afterthought.   In this easy recipe, fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice is tossed with plenty of fresh cilantro and bright lime juice for a side dish that’s fresh, flavourful, and anything but boring. This rice dish comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, making it an easy addition to weeknight dinners or taco nights. Think of the seasoned rice you get at your favourite Mexican restaurant – zesty, a little salty, and nicely chewy – but made fresher, lighter, and even more flavourful at home.   Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish or your favourite Mexican-inspired dishes, this cilantro lime rice adds a delicious pop of fresh flavour to every meal.

What goes in Cilantro Lime Rice?

Gather a handful of fresh and simple ingredients to create this bright, flavourful cilantro lime rice that is the perfect side dish for grilled meats, burrito bowls and more.

 

  • Butter:  A tablespoon of butter adds a satisfying richness that perfectly balances the tanginess of this cilantro lime rice.
  • Basmati Rice:  This long grain rice cooks quickly and offers a lightly chewy texture.  Other types of rice can be substituted, but keep in mind that cooking times and liquid-to-rice ratios may vary, especially if using brown rice.  If using a different type of rice, be sure to read the package instructions.
  • Lime: In this recipe, you’ll use both the zest of a lime and fresh lime juice.  Since this recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of lime juice, buy 2-3 fresh limes that feel heavy for their size.
  • Chicken Broth:  Cooking the rice in store bought or homemade chicken stock or broth offers great flavour to this cilantro lime rice dish.  If using store bought broth, be sure to buy the low-sodium variety to control the saltiness.
  • Cilantro:  This fresh herb adds loads of flavour to this rice.  If you’re a cilantro lover, feel free to add even more cilantro to this recipe.

Customize Your Cilantro Lime Rice

 

This cilantro lime rice recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also easy to customize.  Add a little heat, boost the protein, or mix in extra veggies to make it your own.  Here are a few of our favourite ways to switch it up!

 

  • Make it spicy:  Stir in some finely chopped jalapeño pepper while you’re lightly toasting the rice in the melted butter at the beginning of the recipe, or a little sprinkle of cayenne pepper at the end.  
  • Add protein:  Add drained and rinsed canned black beans for a heartier side dish.
  • More veggies:  Fold in corn, finely chopped bell peppers, peas, diced avocado or sliced green onions to add even more flavour and nutrition to this cilantro lime rice.   
  • Boost the flavour:  Top the finished rice with crumbled cotija cheese before serving.
A gold coloured serving spoon is filled with a scoop of cilantro lime rice. The spoon rests on a white marble counter near a dark wood cutting board. Fresh lime and cilantro complete the scene.

Serving suggestion iconSERVING SUGGESTIONS

While cilantro lime rice is often paired with Mexican-inspired dishes, don’t stop there! Its fresh, bright flavor makes it just as delicious alongside Caribbean-inspired meals, Asian-inspired recipes, and all your summer BBQ favorites.  Serve it with tacos, grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or pork, or use it as the base for burrito bowls loaded with your favourite toppings.  This cilantro lime rice is also perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and portion it into burrito bowls for easy, flavourful lunches throughout the week.  No matter how you serve it, this versatile rice is an easy way to add fresh flavor to almost any meal.

A dinner plate is seen in the foreground, filled with a serving of vibrant watermelon avocado salad, mango glazed chicken drumsticks and cilantro lime rice. Full platter of each of these dishes is seen in the background.
A bowl of cilantro lime rice is seen from above, surrounded by cut limes and fresh cilantro.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Style and Grace
Sarah Gallienne
Fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime come together to create a bright, flavorful side that's easy to make and pairs with just about everything.  It's the perfect way to add fresh flavour to grilled meats, burrito bowls, and more.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice, divided (plus more to taste)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • pinch of salt, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse the rice until the water runs clear, to remove any dirt and excess starch. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring until the rice is coated and starting to toast, about 1 minute.
  • Add the lime zest, 2 Tbsp of the lime juice and the chicken broth to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the rice until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in remaining 1 Tbsp of lime juice, the fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lime juice and salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Rinsing basmati rice before cooking removes any residual dirt and excess starch.  Keep rinsing the rice until the water runs clear.  This step not only cleans the rice, but reduces surface starch resulting in rice that is lighter, fluffier and less sticky.
  • Allow the rice to simmer undisturbed.  Stirring the rice while it simmers will encourage stickiness and uneven cooking.  
  • Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, remove it from the heat and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, covered and undisturbed.  The rice will continue to steam during this time, resulting in fluffy, light rice.  After the rice has rested, fluff it gently with a fork.  
  • This rice is best served immediately, but leftovers can be kept in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.  To reheat, drizzle with a little extra chicken broth and loosen with a fork.  Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.  
A bowl of cilantro lime rice is seen from above, surrounded by cut limes and fresh cilantro.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Style and Grace
Sarah Gallienne
Fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime come together to create a bright, flavorful side that's easy to make and pairs with just about everything.  It's the perfect way to add fresh flavour to grilled meats, burrito bowls, and more.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice, divided (plus more to taste)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • pinch of salt, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse the rice until the water runs clear, to remove any dirt and excess starch. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring until the rice is coated and starting to toast, about 1 minute.
  • Add the lime zest, 2 Tbsp of the lime juice and the chicken broth to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the rice until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in remaining 1 Tbsp of lime juice, the fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lime juice and salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Rinsing basmati rice before cooking removes any residual dirt and excess starch.  Keep rinsing the rice until the water runs clear.  This step not only cleans the rice, but reduces surface starch resulting in rice that is lighter, fluffier and less sticky.
  • Allow the rice to simmer undisturbed.  Stirring the rice while it simmers will encourage stickiness and uneven cooking.  
  • Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, remove it from the heat and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, covered and undisturbed.  The rice will continue to steam during this time, resulting in fluffy, light rice.  After the rice has rested, fluff it gently with a fork.  
  • This rice is best served immediately, but leftovers can be kept in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.  To reheat, drizzle with a little extra chicken broth and loosen with a fork.  Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.  
A bowl of cilantro lime rice slides into the frame from the right, giving the viewer a close look at the seasoned rice. Cilantro leaves and fresh lime slices garnish the bowl.
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