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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes and Drinks » Side Dishes » Cilantro Lime Rice

    Published: Apr 14, 2018 Modified: Aug 11, 2024 by Catherine Arena Leave a Comment

    Cilantro Lime Rice

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    Brighten up your meals with this easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Fresh, zesty, and perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or any Latin-inspired meal, like these Puerto Rican pinchos de cerdo (pork skewers).

    Cilantro Lime Rice (Arroz con Cilantro) served in a white bowl and topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

    Cilantro lime rice, or arroz con cilantro y limón, is the perfect vibrant and zesty side dish that adds a burst of fresh flavor to any meal. The combination of fragrant cilantro and tangy lime creates a refreshing twist on traditional rice, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or any of your favorite Latin-inspired dishes. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or alongside your weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make rice dish is sure to become a family favorite.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients 
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Instructions
    • What Dishes Go Well with this Rice?
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Rice Recipes You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Reasons to Love this Recipe

    • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime adds a bright, refreshing taste that’s so delicious.
    • Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish that complements a variety of dishes.
    • Versatile: This rice pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, from grilled chicken and fish to tacos and burritos.
    • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is always a hit. Its vibrant, refreshing flavor makes it a favorite at any gathering.

    Ingredients 

    Ingredients to make cilantro lime rice.
    • Cooked White Rice: If you don’t have cooked white rice on hand, you can easily prepare it by following our Puerto Rican arroz blanco recipe—it’s an excellent option for this dish.
    • Cilantro: Cilantro adds fresh flavor to this dish, with subtle peppery notes.
    • Limes: Lime juice adds a tangy, citrusy brightness that complements the fresh cilantro, rice and garlic, balancing the flavors and giving the rice a refreshing, zesty twist.
    • Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth and richness to the rice.

    See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Rice: Instead of white rice, you can use brown rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice.
    • Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using parsley or fresh basil for a different twist.
    • Lime: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice if you prefer a slightly different citrus flavor.
    • Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil can be replaced with butter or coconut oil for a richer or slightly tropical flavor.
    • Add Veggies: Mix in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, shredded carrots, or peas for added color, flavor and nutrition.
    • Make it Spicy: Add a kick by stirring in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

    Instructions

    Cooked rice in a pot and a side of the ingredients to make the cilantro lime rice.

    Step 1: Heat the rice until heated through. Fluff rice with a fork. Combine the oil, lime juice, garlic puree, cilantro and water in a bowl.

    The ingredients mixed in a small bowl to make the sauce for the rice.

    Step 2: Mix the ingredients thoroughly and pour over the rice. Stir well to combine everything evenly. The rice is ready to be enjoyed.

    For a different variation, you may also like this recipe from Julia’s Album: Cilantro Lime and Black Bean Shrimp and Rice.

    Cilantro Lime Rice (Arroz con Cilantro) served in a white bowl and topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

    What Dishes Go Well with this Rice?

    Here are some dishes that pair perfectly with this rice:

    • Pavochon (Puerto Rican style turkey)
    • Bistec Encebollado (cube steak with onions)
    • Mojarra Frita (fried fish)
    • Chuletas a la Jardinera (Puerto Rican garden style pork chops)
    • Tacos Gobernador (governor’s tacos)

    Expert Tips

    • Fluff the Rice: Fluff rice with a fork to separate the grains and prevent it from sticking or becoming mushy.
    • Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are key. Do not use bottled lime juice or dried cilantro, they will not deliver the same vibrant taste.
    • Zest: For an extra burst of lime flavor, add a bit of lime zest.
    • Season to Taste: Before serving, taste rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a bit more lime juice, garlic or olive oil if needed.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make cilantro lime rice in advance?

    Yes! After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and add a little extra lime juice and fresh cilantro to refresh the flavors before serving.

    Can I freeze cilantro lime rice?

    Yes, this rice freezes well. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat, by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight. Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a few minutes. Add a little extra lime juice and cilantro if needed.

    What if I don’t like cilantro?

    If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute or experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even mint for a different flavor profile.

    Can I make this recipe without garlic?

    Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer or substitute it with a milder flavor like shallots or scallions. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the fresh lime juice and cilantro.

    Other Rice Recipes You Will Love

    • Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas) served in a small white platter with a side of platanos maduros (ripe plantains) and the pot of rice beside it.
      Rice and Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas)
    • Arroz a la Jardinera (Arroz con Vegetales) cooked in a cast aluminum pot, (caldero), a side of olives and a serving of rice.
      Arroz a la Jardinera
    • Arroz con Carne cooked in a caldero and a separate plate of rice on a small white plate.
      Arroz con Carne
    • Arroz con Camarones (Puerto Rican Rice and Shrimps)served on a white plate with a side of habichuelas guisadas (puerto Rican Stewed Beans), avocado slices, and tomatoes slices.
      Arroz con Camarones

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!

    Click any of the images in the post to PIN this Recipe and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

    📖 Recipe

    Cilantro Lime Rice (Arroz con Cilantro) served in a white bowl and topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Brighten up your meals with this easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Fresh, zesty, and perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or any Latin-inspired meal
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sides
    Cuisine: Mexican, Puerto Rican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 187kcal
    Author: Catherine Arena

    Ingredients

    • 3½ cups cooked rice
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro rinsed under cool water and finely chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves or 4 teaspoons of garlic puree or paste
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
    • 4 tablespoon fresh lime juice equal to about two limes
    • salt if needed
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • extra limes wedges for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    If Using Garlic Puree or Paste

    • Heat the rice until heated through. Fluff rice with a fork. Combine the oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro and one tablespoon of water in a bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and pour over the rice. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Serve immediately.

    If Using Whole Cloves of Garlic

    • Add the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, oil, and two tablespoons of water in a blender. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe.
    • Heat the rice until heated through. Fluff rice with a fork.
    • Pour the blended cilantro lime sauce over the rice. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Recipe Notes: 
    Cilantro: If you do not like cilantro, try substituting or experimenting with other fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint for a unique flavor twist.
    Freezing: Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4 | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Click the stars above or below to rate or leave a comment down below!

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