Description
This Fresh & Easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe offers a vibrant, zesty, and fluffy side dish that’s perfect for elevating any meal. Made with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime juice, it delivers bright, fresh flavors and a perfectly light texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop with simple pantry ingredients, this cilantro lime rice is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and versatile enough to pair with tacos, grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, and more—making it an essential staple for summer 2026 and beyond.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 bay leaf
Flavorings
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer or large bowl and rinse under cool running water or by swirling and draining until the water runs clear, about 2-3 washes. This removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice, 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Stir to combine for even seasoning and to help keep rice from sticking.
- Add Bay Leaf: Place 1 bay leaf into the pot to infuse subtle aromatic flavor during cooking.
- Bring to a Boil: Set the pot over high heat and bring water to a rolling boil with lively bubbling. Watch closely to prevent boil-over.
- Simmer Gently: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let simmer quietly for 15 minutes without stirring or lifting the lid.
- Prep Cilantro and Lime: While rice simmers, roll lime firmly on the counter then slice and juice it, straining out seeds if desired. Remove cilantro leaves from stems and finely chop them.
- Fluff the Rice: After 15 minutes, turn off heat and remove the lid carefully. Remove the bay leaf and transfer rice to a large bowl. Use a fork to fluff gently, separating grains.
- Add Final Flavors: Drizzle remaining 4 teaspoons olive oil, pour fresh lime juice, and sprinkle chopped cilantro evenly over the rice. Gently fold everything together with a spatula to coat without mashing the grains.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the rice and add extra lime juice, salt, or cilantro if desired to customize flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the cilantro lime rice into bowls or serving dishes. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a versatile side to tacos, grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian plates.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the best vibrant flavor.
- Stick with jasmine rice for its floral aroma and fluffy texture; basmati is a good substitute but avoid short-grain rice.
- Do not lift the lid while rice cooks to ensure proper steam absorption and texture.
- Use a fork, not a spoon, to fluff rice gently to keep grains separate.
- Bay leaf adds subtle depth; be sure to remove it before serving.
- For a healthier twist, swap white jasmine rice for brown jasmine rice to increase fiber content.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to reduce fat if desired, or substitute with avocado oil for a lighter taste.
- This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be enjoyed as part of many dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, fresh cilantro rice, lime rice, easy rice side dish, Mexican rice recipe, vegan rice side, gluten free rice, jasmine rice recipe
