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The BEST Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle Copycat)

A white bowl filled with fluffy cilantro lime rice, garnished generously with chopped green herbs.
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Make bright, zesty cilantro lime rice that is fluffy and flavorful. This easy recipe is ready fast and tastes better than the restaurant version, perfect for burrito bowls or tacos.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, vegetable oil, salt, and cumin.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  6. Remove the lid. Add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to the rice.
  7. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, mixing in the lime juice and cilantro until evenly distributed. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

  • For an Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice version, combine rice, 1.5 cups of water or broth, oil, salt, and cumin. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes, then allow for a Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Fluff and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
  • To achieve the best fluffy cilantro lime rice texture, do not skip the 10-minute resting period off the heat.
  • Use fresh lime juice; bottled juice changes the bright flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-better-than-chipotle/