I love Chipotle. It’s delicious, they are working to have more sustainable food production practices, and I can feed my family of five relatively healthy food for less than what we spend at McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s great and I happily partake!
One of the best parts of Chipotle is the white cilantro-lime rice (yeah, yeah, I skip the brown rice). I love it. It’s simple, it’s so good, and it’s a great base for a burrito.
Well, I finally figured out how to make it at home and I am SO excited! It’s really simple and oh-so-tasty. I’ve made it twice already this week!
You’re welcome.
Cilantro Lime Rice {Chipotle Knock-Off}
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: Jane Maynard
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white jasmine rice
- About ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 - 2 tablespoons of chopped onion
- A swig of olive oil
- About 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice from half of a fresh lime
Instructions
- Heat a swig of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Add jasmine rice and fry it up for a few minutes in the pan. Add 2 cups of water and the salt, raise heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer (low) and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring the rice halfway through cooking time.
- Remove from heat, add the chopped cilantro and lime juice and mix well.
- Voila!
Props to Ari, my Mexican neighbor who taught me how to cook good, basic Mexican rice, from which I derived this recipe.
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
I was just thinking I needed a better rice recipe. Thanks!
Delicious side dish for all kinds of southwestern recipes. Fantastic!
Yuuuuuummmmm!!
Um yeah… we ate at Chipotle TWICE last week (yes, twice in one week! what can i say – it was one of those crazy weeks and if i’m gonna eat out, that’s the best option). Love that place… Thanks for the recipe! It will obviously be very helpful to me. Haha! 🙂
you are not alone, my friend. 😉
Man that looks good!
The rice is my favorite part!
Lovely recipe! I enjoy the ingredients, so I’ll give it a whirl. Hello from Alaska — and thanks!
hello in alaska! 🙂
I’ve been looking for a good cilantro lime rice recipe for a while. Thanks!
hope you like it! 🙂
My family loves eating this, I make it almost once a week, even if we aren’t having Mexican.
it is a good staple for all kinds of things, totally agree!
hi this looks soo yummy but I was wondering if I can use long grain rice instead so I don’t have to go out and buy the jasmine rice? I wanna make this asap haha thank you
hi julie!
I think using a long grain rice would work, too! as long as it’s white and not super strong in flavor, it should pair nicely with the cilantro and lime! 🙂
Is it possible to do this in a rice cooker?
I have never tried. I would recommend cooking the rice as you normally would, then adding a bit of sauteed onion in along with the cilantro and lime at the end before serving. hope that’s helpful – I’m sure it will taste great!
This sounds like a great way to mix it up! I usually just cook all my rice in a rice cooker, but I’m going to make this next time. I even have some fresh cilantro in my fridge at this moment!
I’m throwing a party and serving tacos and I would love to use this as it would pair perfectly but I was planning to make this the day ahead. Does it stay well leftover? Looks like a perfect replica! Thanks!!
Hi Sierra! Yes, it does stay well as leftovers once you heat it up again – in fact, I just reheat in the microwave. I think it’s really best the day of, but it’s great later, too!
Thank you SOO much Jane!! 😀 I am so excited to try this recipe out!! Take care!
-Miranda
you’re very welcome! 🙂
Do I need to rinse the rice before frying it, or can I just use it straight from the bag?
I think most jasmine rices come pre-rinsed these days, but if your bag does NOT say it’s pre-rinsed, a quick rinse can’t hurt! 🙂
Hi Jane,
I love this recipe, but why does my rice always come out so sticky when I make this? What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!
I would guess that it’s the type of rice you are using. what kind of rice have you tried the recipe with? I use jasmine, and it’s a little sticky but not much. lmk! we can figure it out! 🙂
As far as measurements go, what does a swig of oil look like? I honestly don’t know!!!
probably like 1/2 to 1 tablespoon or so – just do a quick pour in a swish motion in the pan, enough for the onions not to stick. 🙂
Thank you so much! I felt so silly asking, but you can’t know if you don’t ask, right? Thanks again!!!
you’re welcome! it never hurts to ask and that’s what I’m here for…to help! not silly at all! 🙂