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Simple Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Cilantro lime rice appeals to cilantro lovers. Chop the fresh cilantro and squeeze those fresh lemons and limes.

This lime rice recipe brings out the south of the border vibe. It will pair well with cajun cuisine too. Try it alongside our Louisiana Shrimp Dinner.

Fluffy long grain white rice cooked to perfection with a simple Mexican twist. We give you stove top instructions for making the rice. You can also use your rice steamer or instant pot.

In this post we offer a low carb version of this rice. Switch out the basmati rice for cauliflower rice. We have also added some helpful tips and tricks for cooking basmati rice to perfection.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

What Goes with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Cilantro Lime Rice pairs really well with Mexican flavored dishes. Here are a few examples of great dish pairings

  1. Fish Tacos
  2. Chicken Breast
  3. White Fish
  4. Chili Verde
  5. Burritos
  6. Blackened Salmon
  7. Chicken Tortilla Soup
  8. Shrimp
  9. Carne Asada
Drizzling Shrimp Tacos With Sauce

How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge?

When kept in an airtight container, cooked rice can last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Make sure that the rice cools to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator. Place rice in a separate bowl, do not leave it in the same hot pan that was used for cooking. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can you Freeze Cooked Rice?

Cooked rice can be frozen and lasts for one month in the freezer. Both brown and white rice can be frozen. To freeze rice simply place it on a baking sheet. Spread the rice out in an even layer being careful not to mash it down. Next, add the pan to the freezer and freeze for 20-30 minutes until the rice is completely frozen. Remove the frozen rice from the baking sheet and add to airtight freezer ziplock bags. Make sure you label and date the frozen rice.

Cilantro Lime Rice
Basmati rice is our preferred rice for this cilantro lime rice recipe

Favorite Mexican Style Cocktails:

Tequila drinks are the perfect compliment to cilantro lime rice and a good Mexican spiced entré.

Try our chicken enchiladas casserole, Mexican Manicotti or A Simple homemade Taco Bell CrunchWrap Supreme or baby back ribs with cilantro lime rice and a refreshing cocktail.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:

This recipe also works well with cauliflower rice in stead of the basmati rice. You can cut the carbs down to nothing with this substitution.

  • Steam the cauliflower rice according to package instructions
  • Add the fresh squeezed juices and cilantro.
  • Toss well and serve.

If you have a rice cooker or want to use your instant pot to make this recipe follow the instruction manual with your appliance to make a batch of long grain white rice.

Juicing Lemons And Limes

Yes you can use bottled lemon and lime juice. But. The fresh flavor is so much better it’s worth squeezing them fresh. Buy a bunch of lemons and lime so you have plenty for those margaritas.

How to make Cilantro Lime Rice:

  1. Add 8 cups of water to large pot
  2. Bring water to a boil
  3. Add 2 cups uncooked basmati rice
  4. Boil rice for 10 minutes on the stove
  5. Strain cooked rice and rinse with hot water
  6. Once rice is drained add it to a large bowl
  7. Stir in lemon and lime juices
  8. Toss rice with cilantro and mix
  9. Serve with a garnish of chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedge

We have put together a printable recipe card so you can always have the recipe with you! Just hit the print button and save the recipe for the Cilantro Lime Rice.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Yield: 12 servings

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Fluffy long grain white rice cooked to perfection with a simple Mexican twist. Cilantro lime rice appeals to cilantro lovers. Chop the fresh cilantro and squeeze those lemons and limes. This lime rice recipe brings out the south of the border vibe.

Ingredients

  • 8 Cups water
  • 2 Cups Basmati Rice
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1 Tablespoon cilantro (freshly minced

Instructions

  1. Pour the water into a large pot on the stove.Pouring Water Into Large Pot On Stove
  2. Bring water to a boil on high heat.
  3. Add the uncooked riceAdding Rice To Boiling Water
  4. Boil for 10 minutes
  5. Strain the cooked rice and rinse it with hot water. Straining Cooked Rice
  6. Drain rice completely and pour into large bowl.
  7. Stir in the lemon and lime juices. Juicing Lemons And Limes
  8. Toss the rice with cilantro until thoroughly mixed.Adding Cilantro To Lime Rice
  9. Serve with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.Cilantro Lime Rice With Limes

Notes

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:

This recipe also works well with cauliflower rice in stead of the basmati rice. You can cut the carbs down to nothing with this substitution.

  • Steam the cauliflower rice according to package instructions
  • Add the fresh squeezed juices and cilantro.
  • Toss well and serve.


Rice Steamer or Instant Pot lime Rice:

If you have a rice cooker or want to use your instant pot to make this recipe follow the instruction manual with your appliance to make a batch of long grain white rice.

Then proceed with this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 35Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 201mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g

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Simple Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe-Pin Image
Cilantro lime rice appeals to cilantro lovers. Chop the fresh cilantro and squeeze those fresh lemons and limes.

Recipe Source: Culinary Hill

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