Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat) Recipe
This easy and flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a perfect copycat of the popular Chipotle side dish. Made with fragrant long-grain white rice, fresh lime juice and zest, and finely chopped cilantro, this rice is the ideal accompaniment to Mexican dishes or any meal that needs a bright, herby touch. The rice is toasted briefly with garlic and then simmered until tender, resulting in fluffy, aromatic rice bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Set the rinsed rice aside.
- Saute and Toast: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and kosher salt, stirring continuously for about a minute to lightly toast the rice and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed and the rice grains are tender.
- Steam Off Heat: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice steam undisturbed for an additional 10 minutes to fully cook and fluff up.
- Add Flavor: Uncover the pot and stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and finely chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to combine the bright citrus and fresh herb flavors evenly throughout the rice. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Toasting the rice briefly enhances its flavor and texture.
- You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for water to add more depth of flavor.
- Adjust lime and cilantro quantities to taste for more or less brightness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated.
