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    Home » Rice

    Cilantro Lime Rice (Arroz con cilantro y limón)

    Published: Jun 12, 2024 · by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy. · Leave a Comment

    RECIPE PRINT PIN

    Cilantro lime rice is a tasty side to brighten up any dish. The color of the rice shows it's loaded with cilantro while the zest and juice of the lime create an explosion of flavor. Serve as a side, in a wrap, or to make a burrito bowl.

    A bowl of cilantro lime rice.

    Combining cilantro with rice is a common thing in Peruvian cooking so it's no surprise that combination is a winner. What did surprise me was the addition of lime. The first time I tried it was at Chipotle’s, probably like everyone else.

    Jump to:
    • Blend the cilantro with the water
    • More delicious rice dishes
    • Serving suggestions
    • How to make it video
    • Have you seen these?
    • Cilantro Lime Rice

    Being a connoisseur of cilantro rice already, I can tell you this version is superb and I state that with confidence. Well, unless you don’t like cilantro...or lime...

    Cilantro leaves in a strainer.
    Lime zest on parchment paper.

    The rice is made slightly different to my aptly named perfect rice. I use minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant. Then the rice is added and stirred, coating it with the garlic and oil giving it a head start in flavor.

    Blend the cilantro with the water

    Instead of adding plain water, I blend the water with half of the cilantro then add it to the rice. The cilantro is pulverized bringing out all that flavor which gets absorbed by the rice.

    Cooked cilantro lime rice in a pot.
    A bowl of cilantro lime rice.

    But wait, there’s more. You chop the other half of cilantro and mix that in after the rice is cooked. Now, you’re adding a fresh cilantro taste to the already cilantro flavored rice.

    Same goes for the lime. The lime zest is added to the rice along with the cilantro water and salt. After the rice is cooked and fluffed with a fork, the lime juice is added with the reserved chopped cilantro to bring out a fresh citrusy flavor.

    This rice is delicious and makes a great side to any dish. If serving more than four, I recommend making double.

    A bowl of cilantro lime rice.

    More delicious rice dishes

    Perfect Rice

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    A bowl of cilantro lime rice.

    Cilantro Lime Rice

    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Cilantro lime rice is a tasty side to brighten up any dish. The color of the rice shows it's loaded with cilantro while the zest and juice of the lime create an explosion of flavor. Serve as a side, in a wrap, or to make a burrito bowl.
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Natalie Gregory

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup packed cilantro leaves and tender stems divided
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 cup long grain rice rinsed well and drained
    • 1 teaspoon fine salt
    • Zest of 1 lime
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
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    Instructions

    • Add half of the cilantro into a blender and blend with the water and set aside.
    • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil into a 1½ or 2 quart saucepan over medium high heat.
    • Saute garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • Stir in the rice until rice is coated with oil then slowly add in cilantro water, salt, and lime zest.
    • Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes then remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork. 
    • Chop remaining cilantro. Stir in lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro. Toss with a fork until distributed.
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    Nutritional Information

    I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me about it!

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    I'm Natalie a.k.a The Genetic Chef. Here you will find from scratch family recipes coupled with humor, helpful tips, and product recommendations.

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