Save My roommate in college taught me this trick, and it completely changed how I thought about rice as a side dish. We were broke students trying to make a simple burrito bowl night feel less like cafeteria food, when she grabbed a bunch of cilantro from the fridge and started zesting a lime into our plain white rice. The kitchen instantly smelled like a restaurant, and that humble bowl of rice became the star of the meal.
Last summer I made this for a backyard taco bar, and honestly, people kept coming back for seconds just of the rice. My friend Sarah, who claims to hate cilantro, took a tentative bite and ended up asking for the recipe. Something about the way the lime zest cuts through the richness of whatever youre serving it with makes it more than just a filler side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Basmati or Jasmine work beautifully here because they stay fluffy and separate
- 2 cups water: You can swap half for vegetable broth if you want more depth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps keep the grains from clumping together
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust this based on your taste preferences
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Do not skip the fresh stuff, dried cilantro has zero soul here
- Zest of 1 lime: The oils in the zest carry way more flavor than just juice alone
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Add more if you love that bright acidic punch
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Optional but I honestly never skip it
Instructions
- Rinse until clear:
- Run your rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear, this removes excess starch that makes rice gummy
- Toast your aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add garlic if using, and cook for about 30 seconds until you can really smell it
- Coat the grains:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir it around for a minute so every grain gets a little coated in oil
- Simmer it down:
- Pour in your water and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the water disappears
- Let it rest:
- Remove from heat and keep the lid on for 5 minutes, this step makes such a difference in the final texture
- Bring it to life:
- Fluff with a fork, then fold in the lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro until everything is evenly distributed
- Taste and adjust:
- Taste a bite and add more salt or lime juice if it needs that extra pop
Save Now this is my go to whenever I need a side that actually makes people excited. Last week my partner said he could eat a bowl of just this rice for dinner, and honestly, I get it. Sometimes the simplest additions are the ones that make the biggest impact.
Building Better Flavor
Once you get comfortable with the basic recipe, try experimenting with different liquids. Half vegetable broth and half water creates such a savory foundation, and nobody will be able to put their finger on why it tastes so good.
Make It Your Own
A pinch of cumin or some diced green jalapeno takes this in a completely different direction while still keeping that bright cilantro lime base. I love adding a tiny bit of butter right at the end too, just enough to make everything glisten.
Serving Ideas
This rice works with practically anything from tacos to grilled fish to roasted vegetables. It is particularly good underneath something saucy because it soaks up all those flavors while still holding its own.
- Try it alongside black beans and avocado for a complete protein meal
- Use it as a base for burrito bowls instead of plain rice
- It keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for up to three days
Save Hope this becomes your new favorite side dish too, because honestly, everything tastes better with a little lime and cilantro.
Common Questions
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice works well but will require additional cooking time and liquid. Plan for about 40-45 minutes of simmering time and use approximately 2.5 cups of water per cup of brown rice. The texture will be nuttier and chewier, which pairs nicely with the bright cilantro-lime flavors.
- → How do I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or on the stovetop over low heat. The cilantro may darken slightly but the flavor will remain excellent. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and actually benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld together. Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week and portion it into containers for quick sides throughout the week. Just add a splash of water when reheating to restore fluffiness.
- → What can I serve with cilantro lime rice?
This versatile rice pairs beautifully with Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. It also complements Asian-inspired dishes, grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, and black beans. The bright flavors help cut through rich or spicy main courses.
- → My rice turned out mushy. What went wrong?
Mushy rice usually results from using too much water or overcooking. Make sure to measure accurately and check the rice a few minutes before the suggested cooking time is complete. Using a fork to fluff immediately after cooking also prevents continued steaming. For best results, let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes off the heat before fluffing.
- → Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro provides the best flavor and bright green color, but you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro in a pinch. The flavor profile will be different—less vibrant and more earthy. If possible, stick with fresh for this dish as it really shines with the herb's fresh, citrusy notes.