Cilantro Lime Rice – Chipotle Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Fluffy, zesty, and fresh, this Cilantro Lime Rice – Chipotle Copycat is the perfect base for burrito bowls, tacos, or easy weeknight dinners. Made with fragrant long-grain rice, fresh lime juice, and cilantro, it comes together in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups extra long grain rice (basmati, jasmine, etc.)
- 3 cups water
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or more to taste)
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 5 teaspoons oil, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, 2 teaspoons of the oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2: When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let it steam for 5 more minutes with the lid on—avoid lifting the lid during this time.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice with chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and the remaining 3 teaspoons of oil. Toss gently until the rice is evenly coated with the zesty, herby mixture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra lime flavor, add zest from one lime along with the juice.
- You can use a rice cooker or Instant Pot to simplify cooking the rice.
- Substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a lighter taste.
- Rinse the rice before cooking to achieve fluffier grains.
Storage
Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, basmati or jasmine rice works best for fluffy texture, but you can use other long-grain rice varieties. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to be stickier.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. Just ensure the oil you choose is plant-based, such as vegetable or olive oil.
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Cilantro Lime Rice – Chipotle Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Lime Rice – Chipotle Copycat recipe offers a fluffy, zesty, and fresh rice side dish perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or weeknight dinners. Made with extra long grain rice, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro, it comes together easily in about 30 minutes for a flavorful base without the takeout price.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups extra long grain rice (basmati, jasmine, etc.)
- 3 cups water
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 5 teaspoons oil, divided
Flavorings
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or more, to taste)
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Combine and boil rice: In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, 2 teaspoons of oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer and steam: Once the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the lid on and let the rice steam for an additional 5 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Mix in flavorings: Transfer the cooked rice to a medium bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and the remaining 3 teaspoons of oil. Toss gently to coat each grain evenly with the herby, citrusy mixture.
Notes
- For extra lime flavor, zest one lime and mix it in with the juice for additional brightness.
- Make it even easier by cooking the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot instead of stovetop.
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a lighter, fruitier taste.
- Rinse the rice before cooking to achieve extra fluffy rice texture.
- Excellent paired with Baja Shrimp Tacos, Crockpot Shredded Beef Tacos, Country Style Pork Tacos, Chicken Ranch Tacos, or build your own burrito bowl with grilled chicken, beans, corn, and salsa.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, chipotle copycat, Mexican side dish, burrito bowl rice, cilantro rice, lime rice, easy rice recipe, cilantro lime, side dish recipe
