Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

Discover the vibrant essence of a classic dish revived. A delightful medley of aromatic white rice, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, this Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe ignites the senses with lively flavors and inviting aromas. Perfect for brightening any meal and sparking conversations among those you hold dear.

I’ve been experimenting with flavors lately and stumbled on a twist for the best cilantro lime rice you’ll ever make, and I’m excited to share it with you. This recipe uses simple ingredients like 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly, paired with 2 cups water and a splash of 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to keep every grain from sticking together.

I add a burst of freshness by zesting and juicing one lime and tossing in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh cilantro. The balance of salt and lime really brings out a vibrant taste that makes this dish stand out among other lime rice recipes and even your favorite Chipotle recipes.

Some say it’s healthy cilantro lime rice that can compete with even innovative versions like cilantro lime cauliflower rice. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this cilantro lime rice recipe for a few reasons. First, I like how easy it is to make. I just rinse the rice, boil it, and then mix in the lime and cilantro. It doesnt take long to prepare and its a no-fuss recipe thats perfect when Im in a rush. Second, I love the fresh flavors. The lime zest and juice give it a zesty kick that wakes up my taste buds, and the chopped cilantro makes every bite taste light and refreshing. Third, this dish reminds me of home and family meals. There’s something comforting about a simple recipe that still tastes amazing, and honestly, it even beats out restaurant versions like Chipotles every time for me.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice supplies ample carbohydrates for energy and forms a light, fluffy base.
• Water steams the rice perfectly ensuring even cooking while merging flavors smoothly.
• Vegetable oil enhances texture by preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Salt boosts flavor exquisitely; a small pinch perfectly ties all ingredients together with gentle balance.
• Lime zest and juice impart a bright tangy touch and a natural vitamin C boost.
• Fresh cilantro delivers vibrant color and herbal notes along with antioxidants for an extra kick.
• Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish that is delicious, healthy, and satisfying.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
• 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons lime juice)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

How to Make this

1. Rinse the rice well until the water runs clear.

2. Pour 2 cups of water into a medium pot and add the rinsed rice, the vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. Turn the heat on high and let the water come to a boil.

4. When it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.

5. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

6. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit with the lid on for 5 minutes.

7. Fluff the rice with a fork.

8. Add the lime zest and lime juice, stirring them into the rice.

9. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and taste to check if you need more salt.

10. Serve up your rice warm and enjoy the zesty, fresh flavors!

Equipment Needed

1. Fine-mesh strainer for rinsing your rice
2. Medium-sized pot with a lid
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Citrus zester and juicer for the lime
5. Knife and cutting board for chopping the cilantro
6. Fork to fluff the rice once it’s cooked

FAQ

Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe) Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of long-grain white rice, you can use Basmati rice – it might give a slightly different flavor though.
• If you dont have vegetable oil, try using olive oil instead. It works pretty well in a pinch.
• If you’re out of regular salt, you can use kosher salt or sea salt. Just adjust the quantity since they can be a bit saltier.
• If fresh cilantro isn’t available or you dont care for its flavor, parsley is a solid substitute.
• If you dont have lime, lemon juice and zest can be used as a replacement. It gives a tangy kick too.

Pro Tips

1. Try lightly toasting the rinsed rice in the oil for like a minute before you add your water. It gives the rice this cool nutty flavor but watch it so it doesn’t burn.
2. Let the rice sit covered for a few extra minutes off the heat. This extra steam time really helps make it extra fluffy and keeps it from being too dry.
3. When mixing in the lime, consider juicing it into a small bowl with the zest first so you can make sure every bit of flavor gets spread out evenly.
4. If you want it even fresher, toss the chopped cilantro with a pinch more salt right before you serve. This little hack can really boost the final taste.