Go Back
Close-up of fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Restaurant Style garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Cilantro Lime Rice Restaurant Style

This recipe shows you how to make cilantro lime rice similar to what you find in restaurants.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dishes
Calories: 194
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup extra long grain rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice
  • 1/2 lime, juice of
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided

Equipment

  • Small or medium heavy pot with a tight fitted lid
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small or medium heavy pot with a tight fitted lid, add the rice, water, 1 teaspoon of oil and salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat until most of the water evaporates and just skims the top of the rice. Cover and reduce the heat to low for 15 minutes, without stirring or lifting the lid.
  3. Shut off the flame and keep covered an additional 5 minutes. Do not open the lid. After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice, and remaining oil. Toss until everything is completely mixed.

Notes

For a variation, use brown rice instead of white rice. Adjust the cook time according to the brown rice package directions, then season with lime juice, oil, and cilantro. If you have leftover rice, warm it up and stir in the lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro for a fast version.