Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat Recipe) is the easiest way to elevate plain white rice! The addition of cilantro, lime and lemon juice is a match made in heaven. No need to drive out for takeout, save the gas and make this budget friendly cilantro lime rice at home.
2cupsBasmati Rice, uncooked, rinsed well and drained (or long grain rice of choice)
2cupswater
2tbspExtra Virgin Olive Oil or unsalted butter, optional
2bay leaves
3/4cupcilantro , finely chopped
4tbsplime juice
1tbsplemon juice
1/2tbspsalt
Garnish (Optional)
2tbspcilantro, finely chopped
Lime wedges
Instructions
Rice Cooker Cooking Method
Wash rice well in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
Add the washed rice to the rice cooker with 2 cups of water and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Place the lid on the rice cooker and set to “cook”. The rice cooker will take approximately 15 minutes to cook the rice.
Once the rice cooker finishes cooking remove the lid and carefully remove the bay leaves. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Optional: stir in the olive oil or butter if using.
Add in the lemon juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Fluff the rice until evenly combined. I recommend adding half the amount of lemon and lime juice and tasting first as this flavor can be strong depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Adjust to your personal preference. Tip: add the cilantro in right before serving the rice. If the cilantro is added into the warm rice the cilantro will turn brown. If making the rice ahead of time or for meal prep, follow the recipe as per usual but omit the cilantro. Allow the rice to cool at room temperature or in the fridge and then stir in the cilantro.
Garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately in bowls or keep warm in rice cooker until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Stove Top Cooking Method
Wash rice well in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. Add the rice to a pot and cook stove top according to package directions.
Once the rice is cooked fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaves.
Optional: stir in the olive oil or butter if using.
Add in the lemon juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Fluff the rice until evenly combined. I recommend adding half the amount of lemon and lime juice and tasting first as this flavor can be strong depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Adjust to your personal preference. Tip: add the cilantro until just before serving or the cilantro will brown from the heat of the rice.
Garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately in bowls or keep warm in the pot until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
StorageAllow the rice to cool and then store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.ReheatingTransfer the cooled rice to a microwave safe bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of water over the rice and microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring after each until warmed through.FreezingYes you can freeze cilantro lime rice. Transfer the cooled rice to a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag. If using a bag flatten the rice so it takes up less space in the freezer. Nutrition information does not include optional oil or butter.