Tara Teaspoon

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Newsletter
    • Shop
    • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    TaraTeaspoon » Recipes » Side Dishes

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Published: Jun 2, 2021 · Updated: Jul 9, 2022 by Tara T.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Pin
    Cilantro and lime rice pin
    cilantro lime rice recipe pin

    Step aside, Chipotle! This easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe can be made on the stove top or in an Instant Pot. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, and more!


    close shot of cilantro lime rice with herbs and scallions

    Chewy and hearty, yet fresh and zingy — this cilantro lime rice recipe is the perfect base for homemade burrito bowls. I took inspiration from Chipotle's signature cilantro lime rice when creating this recipe, but I added a few extra ingredients to make the flavors really pop.

    In my version, long-grain white rice is cooked in broth for added flavor. Once the rice is done cooking, I stirred in a pat of butter, fresh lime juice, and a chopped scallion.

    The scallion takes this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe to the next level. I think my version is even better than the original!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients in the Cilantro Lime Rice
    • How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
    • Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Rice
    • What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    ingredients on cutting board for cilantro lime rice

    Ingredients in the Cilantro Lime Rice

    I kept this lime and cilantro rice recipe as simple as possible, while trying to maximize the flavor in the dish. Because no one wants to make a burrito bowl with bland rice!

    You can use converted rice (aka parboiled rice) or a standard long-grain rice to make this recipe. I don't recommend using basmati, jasmine, or short grain rice as they require different cooking methods.

    The rice is cooked in your choice of chicken or veggie broth and a sprinkling of garlic powder.

    lime rice with lime slice and cilantro

    I prefer using garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic. It saves me a prep step so it's super easy, plus the garlic powder adds a balanced, savory flavor to the rice.

    Melted butter is also stirred into the rice. And who can forget the stars of the dish, freshly squeezed lime juice and cilantro?

    A chopped scallion rounds things out and makes this incredibly easy cilantro lime rice taste like it came from a restaurant.

    adding butter and lime to cooked rice

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

    This simple recipe comes together in just three steps. The rice, broth, and garlic powder are added to a saucepan and brought to a boil.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the rice simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and you see holes form in the rice.

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes, covered. This final step helps the rice become super fluffy, so don't skip it!

    Melted butter, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a chopped scallion are stirred in last. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

    Can This Be Made in an Instant Pot?

    Yes! If you'd like to make Instant Pot cilantro lime rice, you may certainly do so. I've given step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below on how to convert this into an Instant Pot recipe.

    How to Prevent Rice From Boiling Over

    I use this spill-stopper lid when I cook rice on the stove and I love it. Using it yields perfect rice every time! It not only prevents the rice from boiling over, but it also allows just the right amount of steam to escape and stay inside the pot.

    adding cilantro to lime rice

    Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Rice

    • You can add up to 2 tablespoons of lime juice to the rice. I typically start with 1 ½ tablespoons but feel free to add that extra ½ tablespoon to taste if you want the lime flavor to be very pronounced.
    • I prefer cooking the rice in chicken or veggie broth, but you may cook it in water if desired. Just note that water will not impart the same rich flavor that broth will.
    • Because this rice contains fresh herbs and scallions, it's not the best for freezing. As such, I recommend enjoying it within five days of making it.

    What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice

    Chipotle uses this rice as a base for burrito bowls and inside burritos, but you can enjoy it so many different ways!

    I'll serve it as a side to chicken or other proteins, with meatballs, roasted veggies or on the side of enchiladas.

    Here are some of my favorite recipes to enjoy with this easy cilantro lime rice recipe:

    • The Best Mexican Meatballs
    • Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde
    • Creamy Black Beans
    • Cilantro and Jalapeño Salsa
    • Corn and Chorizo Tacos

    📖 Recipe

    cilantro and lime rice in a bowl

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    Tara Teaspoon
    Step aside, Chipotle! This easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe can be made on the stove top or in an Instant Pot. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, and more!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Work Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Servings 3 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup long-grain white rice ((use converted rice if desired))
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth ((optional: water)*)
    • 1 tablespoon melted butter
    • 1½ tablespoon fresh lime juice ((optional: 2 tbsp)*)
    • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 small scallion (chopped (2 tbsp))

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium saucepan, combine rice, salt, garlic powder and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer adn cover with a lid or silicone pot lid. Let simmer, covered, 13 to 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and you see holes in the surface of the rice.
      adding butter and lime to cooked rice
    • Remove the rice from the heat and let sit, covered, for 2 to 5 minutes.
    • Stir in butter and lime juice, then fluff rice with a fork. Stir in cilantro and scallions and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cilantro and callions if desired.
      adding cilantro to lime rice

    Notes

    NUTRITIONAL information is for a 1 cup serving.
    * using WATER is just fine but won't impart the rich flavor that broth will.
    * Using 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice make mildly tangy rice. Up the lime juice to 2 tablespoons for very lime-flavored rice.
    To cook this in an Instant Pot: 
    Combine rice, salt, garlic powder and broth in a 6 qt or smaller Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Seal lid and use the rice setting to cook the rice. Let the steam release naturally, not manually. Remove lid, stir in butter, lime juice, cilantro and scallions and serve. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 473mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 257IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
    Get exclusive recipes sent to your inbox!Sign up for Tara's newsletter for more.

    Side Dish Recipes

    • A bowl of 4 cheese mac and cheese with ground pepper on top.
      4 Cheese Mac and Cheese
    • Close up of a partially unwrapped honey cornbread muffin with honey dripping off the top.
      Honey Cornbread Muffins
    • Close up of slice of sweet potato cornbread with honey drizzle.
      Sweet Potato Cornbread
    • Cranberry sauce from craisins in a bowl with turkey.
      Cranberry Sauce Using Dried Cranberries
    • Feature image of a square of cheesy cornbread on a plate.
      Cheesy Cornbread
    • close up of cashew crunch salad feature
      Asian Crunch Salad
    • Bowl of mashed potatoes with butter and scallions on a Thanksgiving table.
      Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
    • Close up spoon full of mashed potatoes with melty cheese on top.
      Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    Tara in kitchen making salad

    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Review Or Ask A Question! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Jazmin G. says

      June 08, 2023 at 9:56 am

      One of my favorite types of rice! And the instant pot option makes it so easy.

      Reply
    Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Pin
    Cilantro and lime rice pin
    cilantro lime rice recipe pin

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • square feature image of turkey pot pie with biscuits on top in a cast iron skillet.
      Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
    • featured image of the perfect slice of lemon lush icebox dessert.
      Lemon Lush
    • feature square of swiss meringue buttercream from Live Life Deliciously cookbook.
      Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe
    • Three stacked Easter blondies on a small white plate.
      Mini Egg Cookie Bars

    Cookbooks

    Tara Teaspoon Cookbooks

    Footer

    Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Pin
    Cilantro and lime rice pin
    cilantro lime rice recipe pin

    Subscribe for emails and exclusive updates!

    Sign me up!
    Tara Teaspoon horizontal logo

    ↑back to top

    Explore

    • Recipe Index
    • Cookbooks
    • New Posts
    • Newsletter Subscribe

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refund Policy
    • Disclaimer & Terms

    Copyright © 2025 Tara Teaspoon, Inc • Powered by Feast+

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.