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The BEST Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

A perfectly molded mound of fluffy cilantro lime rice topped with fresh cilantro and lime zest, served with a lime wedge.
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Make restaurant-style Cilantro Lime Rice at home. This recipe yields fluffy, bright, and zesty rice that pairs well with tacos, bowls, and grilled proteins.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This step helps prevent sticky rice.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  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 pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  6. Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork.
  7. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until evenly combined.
  8. Serve immediately as a side dish or base for your meal.

Notes

  • For a rice cooker method, combine rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt. Cook on the white rice setting. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing and adding the lime and cilantro mixture.
  • If you are busy planning meals, this quick side dish saves time compared to using meal planning services.
  • To keep the rice fluffy, avoid over-mixing after adding the liquids.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-fluffy-easy/