Are you craving the zesty, vibrant flavors of Chipotle's famous cilantro lime rice but don't want to leave the comfort of your home? You're in luck! This Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is your ticket to recreating that delicious side dish right in your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up this fluffy, fragrant rice that perfectly complements any Mexican meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish that’s bursting with fresh lime and cilantro goodness!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to enhance the rice's nutty flavor.
- Pour in the 2 cups of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a full boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After the cooking time, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Uncover the rice and fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the warm rice and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Gently fold the herbs and lime juice into the rice to distribute evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot as a side dish or base for other Mexican-inspired recipes.
Tips
- Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse your long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch, helping to keep your rice fluffy and non-sticky.
- Toast the Rice: Don’t skip the toasting step! Lightly toasting the rice in olive oil for a couple of minutes enhances its nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your dish.
- Let it Steam: After cooking, allow the rice to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This steaming process helps the rice grains become even fluffier and more tender.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for the best flavor. The freshness of these ingredients is what really makes this rice shine!
- Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt can elevate the flavors, so feel free to tweak it to your liking.
- Versatile Serving: This cilantro lime rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a base for a burrito bowl. Get creative and enjoy it in various dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
