I remember the first time my lips closed around a forkful of cilantro lime rice.
Weird? Maybe. BUT it’s true! It was when my friend Amanda and I tried Chipotle for the first time. I ordered the 8 pound burrito (now I’m more of a fajita bowl kind of girl) and inside was the most amazing and flavorful rice ever.
Back then only white rice was an option, as of a few years ago cilantro lime brown rice has been added. I typically get brown rice when I’m there, Pat and the rest of my crew get the white. So when I make it at home, I usually pull out the long grain white rice, because I’m forever sacrificing. 😉
Last week I told you about my mad love for my rice cooker, so I’ll spare you on that. BUT I will say this recipe is SO much easier because of it.
Toast rice, add to pot and cook, toss with fresh cilantro and lime. Seriously, it’s as simple as that.
I start by toasting 2 cups** of long grain white rice. Heat a 10-inch skillet on medium heat, add in 1 to 2 teaspoons light flavorless oil (extra light olive oil or safflower oil works) and the rice. There’s no need to rinse it, although you certainly can, just drain well and pat excess water of with a kitchen towel until mostly dry. Toast, stirring occasionally to keep from burning for about 5 to 8 minutes or until lightly golden and aromatic.
**note that most rice cookers come with their own specific measuring cup. If you don’t have one or (like me) have lost it, measure out two 3/4 cups. 3/4 of a cup is equivalent to the “cup” that is used with most rice cookers.
Then I just add the toasted white rice into the pot, add a teaspoon of kosher salt and fill the water up to the correct waterline, for me it was line 2.
Then, like your slow cooker, set it and forget it. Well, for at least 20 minutes or so. Here’s the rice cooker I use and love!
Once the rice is cooked, I fluffed with a fork and transferred it to a bowl and added a couple tablespoons finely chopped cilantro and the zest of an entire lime. Then I squeeze in the juice of half the lime and stir to combine.
Done and done. This may be better than Chipotle’s… I’m just sayin.
Haileigh and I stood over the bowl and taste tested and taste tested and taste tested…
Fun Fact: Malloree (you know her as my youngest and pickiest of eaters) hates rice. I know RIGHT?! She is the only person I know that doesn’t like rice. Pasta? YES. Couscous? YES. Rice? That’s a big, fat NO. But I still make her try it, because I am bound and determine to change that stubborn mind of hers.
So like I always do, I put a small spoonful on to her plate next to her chicken and broccoli and guess what?! She said “Okay Mom, this is really good! It doesn’t taste like rice at all!” I’m a little miffed on the last part, because it indeed tastes like rice, but who am I to argue? SHE ATE HER RICE!!
Until next week when she’ll deny it even happened.
My cookbook Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy is now available! CLICK HERE for details and THANK YOU in advance!
Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoons light olive oil
- 2 cups long grain white rice, (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, zested
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add in oil and rice, stir and toast for 5 to 8 minutes or until the rice is lightly golden and aromatic.
- Place the toasted rice and salt into your rice cooker. Following the manufacturers instructions, fill to the appropriate waterline (for me it is 2), close the lid and set to cook.
- Once the rice is cooked, open the rice cooker and fluff with a fork. Then transfer to a bowl and add in the cilantro, lime zest and juice. Taste and add more cilantro, zest or juice to your preference.
Notes
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Can this be done in a pan on the hob? We don’t have a rice cooker!
This came out great. The whole family loved it. I’d say it’s probably the best rice I’ve ever made. Thanks! 😀
And to anyone looking for a couple of cheats, I did rinse my rice but did not towel dry it, and I didn’t use a fresh lime, but rather a good sized splash of organic lime juice. Cheers!
That’s music to my ears! Thanks for leaving such a wonderful review! 🙂
Regarding your cilantro lime rice…do you have the nutritional facts? Im looking for sugar/carbs for a Diabetic. Thankyou
Do you have the nutritional facts? Looking for sugar/carbs for a diabetic. Thankyou
Hi Roberta! Sorry, I do not. You could however easily upload the recipe in the MyFitnessPal app and it will give you that info I believe. All you would need is the link to the recipe. I hope this helps!
I brown or toast my rice with most of my rice recipes. It adds flavor and texture to the rice.
I use a little better than bouillon chicken base and it comes out great.
Also do a lemon basil version
Great tips!
Can this be put in a slow cooker instead of a rice cooker?
Hi Sally! Unfortunately, no it cannot.
I followed the recipe as it is except for the rice. I used brown rice and it turned out really good. So I have no regrets. Thank you for the simple recipe. Now I will add this in my daily menu.
Glad you enjoyed it, Gerry!
wow so yummy! Thanks for sharing you recipe
Didn’t you use water or chicken stock when making your rice in the rice cooker?
Hi Brianna, you can use either!
Can you use jasmine rice?
sure!
can i make this a day in advance
Thank you! This actually looks simple enough that even I can pull it off 🙂
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