One of the things that I liked about Chipotles burritos was the cilantro and lime rice. I often enjoy trying to replicate recipes that I remember having had somewhere else and I knew that I would have to try making the cilantro and lime rice. Of course the first way to make it that popped into my mind was the simplest way, just mix in some chopped cilantro, lime juice and lime zest after the rice is finished cooking. This way has the advantage of being quick and easy and you can use a rice cooker to make it even easier. But I thought, why not take the opportunity to make it better. I like the flavour that toasting the rice in oil before cooking adds and since I was going to be using some oil anyways, why not add some onions and garlic to fill out the rice a bit more. I like to use brown rice whenever possible and I thought this was the perfect time to do so. The cilantro and lime rice turned out really well. It was light and fluffy and the lime juice and zest added a nice freshness to the rice. Cilantro is one of the flavours that I associate with Mexican cuisine so it was right at home in the rice as well. I used the cilantro and lime rice in the burritos that I recently made, though it would also make for a great side dish.
Cilantro and Lime Rice
ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 cup long grained rice (I like to use brown)
- 2 cups water
- 1 handful cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (juice and zest)
directions
- Heat the oil in a pan.
- Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the rice and toast in the oil for a few minutes.
- Add the water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until tender, about 20 minutes for white rice or 40-50 minutes for brown.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the cilantro, lime juice and zest.
Debbie says
March 21, 2009 at 10:50 pmLime and cilantro will get me every time!!! Love the combo with the rice. It looks great.
Shari@Whisk: a food blog says
March 21, 2009 at 10:54 pmI love cilantro, and your combo with lime sounds great!
VeggieGirl says
March 21, 2009 at 11:10 pmLovely rice dish!! Love the added lime.
Steph says
March 21, 2009 at 11:16 pmI love flavoured rice dishes. The lime sounds like a tasty addition!
Su-Lin says
March 21, 2009 at 11:20 pmSounds good! They also have this rice at the Whole Foods in London – also for filling burritos!
Melissa says
March 21, 2009 at 11:20 pmI tried to duplicate their rice once but it didn’t work out. I’ll definitely give this one a try!
Laura P. says
March 22, 2009 at 12:10 amcilantro and lime rice is my fav part of the chipotle burrito…yum!
Michelle C says
March 22, 2009 at 12:52 amAh man … this sounds SO good. I can’t use fresh cilantro very often. My daughter gags when I use it 🙁
Jan says
March 22, 2009 at 1:17 amI can’t say I’m a huge fan of cilantro, but neither can I say I dislike it. (Though I do love corriander, which is made from seeds of the cilantro plant). I’m pretty sure I could go for this rice, the lime, garlic, and onion swung it for me.
Daziano says
March 22, 2009 at 1:20 amThis looks so good, you took Mexican rice to the next level!
Pam says
March 22, 2009 at 1:45 amThis is my favorite kind of rice. Did you do it in your rice cooker?
Pam says
March 22, 2009 at 2:31 amThey have the best rice and now so do you! It looks perfect.
Jennifer says
March 22, 2009 at 2:46 amThat sounds really light and yummy!
I am probably the last person who still hasn’t eaten at Chipolte! And there is one right in my town!
Ranjani says
March 22, 2009 at 2:50 amAnything from Chipotle is pretty addictive…love the addition of lime, sure the cilantro added a lot of brightness to it too.
Deborah says
March 22, 2009 at 3:07 amI just made something similar last week – yum!
Anonymous says
March 22, 2009 at 3:29 amFor sure a genuine choice…can guess how divine it can taste..love to try this
Mary says
March 22, 2009 at 4:16 amKevin, what a spectacular combination. This is on my must do list.
Julie says
March 22, 2009 at 4:35 amYum…looks super!
Noodlegirl says
March 22, 2009 at 4:39 amI love that rice I tried to make it a couple of times but it just seem to be lacking in something I am definitely going to try your recipe!
PG says
March 22, 2009 at 7:42 amnow this is already the second recipe with brown rice I have found on the blogsphere and would so want to try to make my family convince that brown rice can taste good. High time to start doing it. Sounds wonderful with the flavour of lime and with beans and, of all, cilantro in the burrito, yummy!
Jan says
March 22, 2009 at 9:48 amOoh now I’m loving the idea of lime flavoured rice!
Núria says
March 22, 2009 at 10:27 amWow Kevin, what a fantastic blog you have!!! Wonderful recipes and pictures :D.
If a dish has rice involved in it… then it’s my kind of meal ;D. Rice, lime and cilantro makes a beautiful combo.
JEP says
March 22, 2009 at 11:53 amThanks for the recipe!
to2sassy says
March 22, 2009 at 12:13 pmLime Lime Lime! I LOVE lime and Cilantro.I am making an Asian Noodle salad with lime and cilantro today. I have planned a Chilli-Lime Steak Salad with a cilantro lime dressing for this week. I think I may have to work this in too! I wonder if lime trees are hard to grow?
Donna-FFW says
March 22, 2009 at 12:43 pmHow much like spring this must taste. Perfect side dish for a mexican grilled meat, Im thinking.. YUM!
Netts Nook says
March 22, 2009 at 12:51 pmKevin This rice looks great and lime to beat can’t wait to try.
zerrin says
March 22, 2009 at 1:24 pmI always find something new in your recipes. And cilantro and rice is another new recipe for me. Thank you for all these recipes.
Passionate About Baking says
March 22, 2009 at 1:32 pmYou got me on this Kevin. Anything Mexican, which has Indian flavours overlapping by the way, works magic.YUM!
Culinary Cory says
March 22, 2009 at 1:49 pmI’m sure the smell of lime hitting the rice was amazing.
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ChichaJo says
March 22, 2009 at 2:36 pmI’m a big fan of cilantro so I’m sure I would love this! My hubby love Mexican food so I am taking notes from this and you past few posts! Delicious!!!
Judy says
March 22, 2009 at 2:47 pmI’ve made rice like this also and love it. Cilantro is so great. I just planted seeds in empty eggshells and am hoping to have lots of cilantro right outside my door.
Kerstin says
March 22, 2009 at 2:57 pmThe cilantro and lime rice is my favorite part of a Chipotle burrito too! Love your version!
Cakebrain says
March 22, 2009 at 3:14 pmlime and cilantro are a fantastic combination! it looks delicious!
Food For Tots says
March 22, 2009 at 3:29 pmYour combo sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try it out! Yum!
Amy B says
March 22, 2009 at 3:31 pmNormally, I only fantasize about making your recipes (because I am such a dreadful cook) but this is one even I can make! Thanks for the inspiration, I love how you always make things a little “better.” I eat a lot of brown rice, but never thought of cooking it in oil first.
Sara says
March 22, 2009 at 4:06 pmI love anything that involves cilantro – I know some people don’t care for it, but I’m definitely a fan.
Elra says
March 22, 2009 at 6:04 pmI never tried rice cook this way, sounds pretty appetizing Kevin.
Cheers,
elra
Soma says
March 22, 2009 at 6:39 pmReal neat.. great refreshing flavors to enjoy in this season.. & yes brwon rice is goood:-)
Sippity Sup says
March 22, 2009 at 9:26 pmI like seeing how a cooks mind works. thanks for the insight. GREG
MaryBeth says
March 22, 2009 at 9:26 pmMy husband loves rice and OMG he would simply die for this rice, he can’t seem to get enough cilantro in his diet!!
meeso says
March 22, 2009 at 9:29 pmCilantro and lime are two amazing flavors! Rice looks delicious!
MainClove says
March 22, 2009 at 9:56 pmthanks for the sharing..have a nice day..
Melissa says
March 23, 2009 at 12:13 amI love rice in burritos – this sounds like it would be fabulous! I’m bookmarking it for my next Mexican night. Thanks!
Mrs Ergül says
March 23, 2009 at 12:34 amWhat a great way to brighten up plain ole rice!
Not Another Omnivore says
March 23, 2009 at 12:40 amMy sister loathes cilantro…I still haven’t figured out why…
NAOmni
Cate says
March 23, 2009 at 2:04 amMmm, say cilantro and I am there. Love the smell of fresh cilantro. The rice looks fabulous!
Diana says
March 23, 2009 at 2:05 amGreat idea to recreate the Chipotle rice! I think that’s the only thing I like about the place! Bet this would be awesome with some grilled carne asada and peppers/onions…
Arch says
March 23, 2009 at 1:09 pmMy first time here – your blog is awesome !! Nice look cilantro rice – has a very Indian feel 🙂
A_and_N says
March 23, 2009 at 1:20 pmHi Kevin, that looks simple and fresh. and yes, we happen to have a rice cooker 😉
Elizabeth says
March 23, 2009 at 2:34 pmI agree, I love the cilantro & lime rice at Chipotle. I haven't tried to make it at home though, now I'll have to give it a try! I also love the Burrito bowl and the tacos at Chipotle!
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
March 23, 2009 at 3:08 pmThis is such a great rice and is a perfect compliment to anything tex mex!!
FoodJunkie says
March 23, 2009 at 3:51 pmThis must be really fragrant!
Lisa says
March 23, 2009 at 6:18 pmGreat combination of flavours here Kevin. Just the type of rice dish I would be sure to enjoy.
Cheryl says
March 23, 2009 at 6:44 pmI adore their rice, I love that you were able to duplicate it!
Passionate Eater says
March 23, 2009 at 8:24 pmI adore Chipotle’s rice, thanks for giving us the recipe!
Colin's Mom says
March 23, 2009 at 8:58 pmThis reminds me of a recipe from epicurious for Mexican rice with a cilantro dressing. I bet the addition of the lime really bumps it up a level. Sounds great.
Anonymous says
March 23, 2009 at 9:43 pmSo funny that we never noticed these flavors in the Chipotle rice. Guess we’re not real foodies! We should make a trip there just to confirm. 🙂
Anonymous says
March 23, 2009 at 9:52 pmLove lime and cilantro so next time I have my mexican fiesta, I can assure you this will be on the menu!
Thanks Kevin!
Bridgett says
March 23, 2009 at 10:19 pmA delicious combo of flavors. Looks wonderful!
Katie says
March 23, 2009 at 10:31 pmI love their rice and it looks like you are spot on! Good luck on the rest of your burrito quest.
Maya says
March 23, 2009 at 11:06 pmLime, cilantro and a plate of frijoles and I would be happy!
TINTIN says
March 23, 2009 at 11:23 pmYummy,…by just looking at the picture, I’m hungry already~:P
Chocolate Shavings says
March 24, 2009 at 1:13 amI’m always looking for new ways to hype up rice. This looks great!
Jennifer says
March 24, 2009 at 2:09 amOne of my favs to make as well. PLease drop by soon Kevin.
chez aurora says
March 24, 2009 at 1:08 pmThis sounds good. It reminds me of a dish I made recently ..Baked Striped Bass with Coconut Chutney. It was served over brown basmati rice. The chutney had similar ingredients, plus grated coconut. Yum!
cheers!
Barbara
Catherine says
March 24, 2009 at 7:23 pmWe are definitely on the same page. Just posted about my love of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime rice: http://fishandveggies.blogspot.com/2009/02/cilantro-lime-rice.html
Maki says
March 24, 2009 at 10:01 pmI love the cilantro+lime combination, i’ll try this up.
Anonymous says
March 24, 2009 at 10:04 pmHmmm, love your rice, great combo, cilantro and lime, my all time favorites.
Heather says
March 25, 2009 at 12:41 amThis was FABULOUS! I added a diced jalapeno with the cilantro to spice it up. YUM!
Mochachocolata Rita says
March 25, 2009 at 9:30 amI never thought of combining rice with lime. Sounds great!
Cooking and the City says
March 25, 2009 at 9:31 pmI love rice! looks good 🙂
Mrs. L says
March 25, 2009 at 10:22 pmNever actually been to a Chipotles (I don’t think the little stand they have at the Sharks Arena counts). May have to not only make a trip there, but try your rice recipe!
Michelle says
March 25, 2009 at 11:45 pmI love this rice too! I want to make it soon.
heidileon says
March 26, 2009 at 5:08 amCilantro rice is one of my favorites, even though I have never made it with lime. Sure is delicious.
Bamboo says
March 26, 2009 at 6:38 amCombining the two will surely give a yummy result. It looks nice!
Nicole says
March 26, 2009 at 4:06 pmThis looks really good. Mention cilantro and lime and I am there!
Kathy - Panini Happy says
March 28, 2009 at 5:02 amI’ve always wondered what Chipotle uses in its rice to make it so darn tasty and addictive! I’m going to have to try this one at home.
Anonymous says
March 30, 2009 at 9:18 pmHi
Lime or Lemon rice is pretty common in south India. If you are interested I can send you the recipe.
HR
Gina says
April 26, 2009 at 9:39 pmI love their rice! It’s an addiction! I love that you made it healthier with brown rice 🙂
Seth says
May 2, 2009 at 6:52 amI just came across your blog and made this rice dish… sort of. I used organic brown jasmine rice and since I didn’t have cilantro, I used these great frozen cubes of chopped basil (equiv of 2 tsp). You would think the frozen basil would be terrible, but it adds so much amazing and fresh flavor with zero stress! Anyway, the dish was delicious! Thanks!
Lisa@BlessedwithGrace says
May 28, 2009 at 8:28 pmHey Kevin. I googled cilantro and lime rice and found your site. Yeah for me! I am going to make your rice recipe tonight with pulled pork tacos. It will be a great meal with the addition of your rice. Thanks! I look forward to following your site!
ANI says
June 3, 2009 at 2:32 pmWow. Nice pictures & simple recipes.. First time in your blog.
Beth M says
July 22, 2009 at 9:58 pmI can not wait to try this! Rice is one of the most simple, satisfying and inexpensive "meal fillers" around. Also, it's a great use for all of the left over cilantro that I have from other recipes. I like to make sure nothing goes to waste!
Anonymous says
August 11, 2009 at 5:26 pmTerrific recipe! Tried it last night as a compliment to chopped avocado and black bean salad from Vegatarian Times.It was great with the salad, and I tossed all the leftovers together and had it cold for lunch today. Yummy!
Levinson Axelrod says
April 14, 2010 at 3:31 pmThanks for this Chipotle inspired rice recipe. Looks great.
Lourdes says
May 5, 2010 at 3:22 pmHi,
I was looking for cilantro and rice recipe to make today for Cinco De Mayo. Stumbled onto your website and recipe. Your recipe sounds easy enough and so I will cook it tonite.
Also, NICE website! Very colorful and informative.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Paisley says
August 21, 2010 at 1:48 amI love Chipotle's rice too! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
MO says
October 11, 2010 at 12:39 amI just googled "cilantro rice" and found your recipe. Looks good!
Kareen says
December 5, 2010 at 5:38 amI tried this recipe on cooked red rice. I just sauteed the onions and garlic, added the cooked rice but added a little chicken stock and then used lemon (since I didn't have lime. PERFECT! Thanks for posting this. 🙂
Stephanie says
April 9, 2011 at 4:50 pmThis was the best rice I have ever made. It was way more flavorful than the cilantro lime rice you'd find at Chipotle. Loved it!
My Greenbrae Cottage says
April 11, 2011 at 12:05 amThanks for a great recipe! I just found your blog looking for cilantro lime rice….and then found myself browsing your blog when I should have been cooking dinner!!! hee heee
Anonymous says
November 4, 2011 at 1:44 pmAbsolutely fabulous blog. You could use a sauce to make lime rice. Into two tsp of hot veg oil add 1/2 tsp each of mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal,pinch of turmeric and asafoetida when they splutter and allow to cool. into this add some lime juice,salt ,green chillies,slivers of ginger,fresh cilantro, curry leaves, and pour over a cup of cooked rice and mix. Fresh and zingy.
Abbi Harpe says
February 20, 2014 at 5:17 pmMade this for lunch today. I added an extra clove of garlic and two bouillon cubes – loved it! Thanks for an awesome recipe.
Pal Ashford says
March 7, 2017 at 4:37 pmI wish I could give this a good review but I found this cilantro lime rice rather bland which surprised me because a lot of your recipes are quite good and with onion you'd think it would give it more taste, but it didn't. I went back to one of my other cilantro lime recipes that I made that was quite good and compared it to see what this needed to make it more flavorful. Surprisingly I didn't even use onion. I just cooked the rice separately and put 1 cup cilantro 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbs oil, about 2 garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup water and blended until smooth. After rice was done, I let sit covered for 10 minutes. Then I stirred cilantro sauce into cooked rice and seasoned with cumin and ginger and coarse salt for added flavor. It was really good.
So I think your rice recipe needs more flavor but I do appreciate you sharing all your recipes.
BTW Kevin you should show some pictures of yourself cooking your recipes, or the different steps taken to reveal the finished product which always looks so appetizing, especially since your blog is based on cooking in such a small kitchen, you can reveal your methods and skills to others who are stymied by cooking in small kitchens.