Cilantro Lime Rice

A garlic and herb white rice with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright herbaceous rice side or base.

This Cilantro Lime Rice is a flavorful side dish perfect for any Mexican or Latin-inspired meal. Fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and aromatic garlic and shallot create a delicious blend, while the rice is perfectly cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A touch of Italian seasoning adds a unique twist that complements the other flavors beautifully, making this rice a crowd-pleaser and a household favorite.

Servings

3-4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Fresh
1 diced shallot
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lime

Packaged
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon butter

Seasoning
½ teaspoon table salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Preparation

  • Dice the shallot finely.
  • Mince the garlic cloves.
  • Chop the fresh cilantro.
  • Zest and juice the lime.
  • Measure out the rice, butter, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning so everything is ready to go.

Cooking

  • In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, butter, and half of the salt.
  • Bring to a light boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes covered to finish steaming.
  • Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  • Stir in shallot, garlic, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, remaining salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
  • Return to low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, just until aromatics are warmed and fragrant.

Serving

  • Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed.
  • Serve warm as a side for grilled chicken, tacos, seafood, or stir-fry dishes.
  • Optional: garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges.