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, 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.
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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
- 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
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.
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.
What Dishes Go Well with this Rice?
Here are some dishes that pair perfectly with this rice:
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice
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.
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