Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

4 ½ cups
This cilantro lime brown rice recipe is the perfect side dish for Mexican meals! It tastes just like Chipotle's, and it's so easy to make. Recipe yields 4 1/2 cups, enough for 4 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain brown rice or brown basmati rice

    rinsed

  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice*

    from about 1 lime

  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

    from 1 small lemon

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Pour in the rinsed rice and drop in the bay leaf. Give the mixture a brief stir and let it boil for 30 minutes, reducing the heat if necessary to prevent overflow.

  2. 2

    Drain the rice, return it to the pot, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes off the heat. Discard the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.

  3. 3

    Add the cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt if necessary (I usually add an extra ¼ teaspoon). Cover until you’re ready to serve.

  4. 4

    Leftover rice will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

40 min4 ½ cups

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About this Recipe

Craving that signature tangy, herby rice from your favorite Mexican spot? This Cilantro Lime Brown Rice recipe delivers that exact flavor profile right to your kitchen, making it the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. You'll love how effortlessly it comes together, transforming simple pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful accompaniment.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its ability to replicate that beloved restaurant taste with such ease. By combining the earthy depth of long-grain brown rice or brown basmati rice with the bright, zesty notes of fresh lime juice and lemon juice, alongside fragrant fresh cilantro, you achieve a harmonious balance that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. A single bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic layer, elevating the overall complexity without any extra effort.

When you prepare this Cilantro Lime Brown Rice, expect a fluffy, tender texture characteristic of perfectly cooked brown rice, each grain infused with a burst of bright citrus and fresh herbal notes. It's a dish that awakens the palate, providing a refreshing counterpoint to richer main courses. The simplicity of its preparation belies the sophisticated flavor it brings to the table, making it a reliable and delicious staple for your home cooking repertoire. It’s an inherently satisfying side that tastes wonderfully fresh.

Feel free to adjust the citrus to your preference; if you like a more pronounced tang, you can slightly increase the lime juice. For an extra herbaceous kick, don't hesitate to add a touch more chopped cilantro. While the recipe specifies long-grain brown rice or brown basmati rice, you could experiment with other brown rice varieties, though cooking times might vary. The extra-virgin olive oil adds richness, but you can slightly reduce it if desired without losing much flavor.

This Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is an ideal companion for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or any grilled meats and vegetables, making it a fantastic addition to your next family dinner or casual gathering.

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