This fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Served with sautéed onions, garlic, and of course plenty of fresh cilantro and lime juice! This is a hearty side dish that adds color to your dinner.


Why you’ll love this Cilantro Lime Rice
This Homemade Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice is an easy way to add more Tex-Mex flavor to your weeknight dinners.
- Tex-Mex style inspiration. The herbaceous cilantro and lime flavor combination is a classic choice for Tex-Mex recipes.
- Fast. Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Perfect for weeknights. Rice is a super versatile side dish that you can pair with different main dishes throughout the week.
- Refreshing. Cilantro and tangy lime juice turn Cilantro Lime Rice into a refreshing summer recipe.


Recipe ingredients
Sweet onions and garlic add lots of flavor to this Tex-Mex rice. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.
- avocado oil – Olive, coconut and vegetable oils also work.
- onion – Use white or yellow onions.
- garlic – Fresh garlic and minced garlic are best.
- jasmine rice – Basmati rice is a great substitute.
- chicken soup – Feel free to use vegetable stock or water.
- lime zest – Must be fresh enthusiasm.
- lime juice – Lemon juice can be substituted.
- coriander – Avoid using dried coriander as it can give the rice a slightly bitter taste.
Can I use other types of meters?
Absolutely! However, just follow the package instructions for preparation. Brown rice and basmati rice are my favorites. Wild rice works too, but it has an earthy, slightly bitter taste that might overpower the rest of the meal.
How to Make Cilantro and Lime Rice
It's like making your favorite rice dish, but with a rich flavor at the end. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.




- Cook the onions. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in rice.




- Bring it to a boil. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Serve. Use a fork to lightly fluff the rice. Add lime zest, lime juice and cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and variations
Spicy jalapeños and juicy chicken can turn this side dish into the star of your dinner menu.
- Exchange grain. Cook millet, quinoa or bulgur according to package directions, then add sautéed onions and garlic. Finally add the lime juice, zest and cilantro.
- Use a non-stick pan. While stainless steel pots are great, rice is more likely to stick and burn. Using a nonstick pan makes this recipe nearly foolproof.
- Add vegetables. Stir 1/4-1/2 cup of corn, peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms into the onion-garlic mixture for a heartier texture.
- Make it spicy. Thinly slice 1/4-1/2 a fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it into the rice once cooked for extra heat.
- Cover it. When the rice is done, remove it from the heat but cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Doing this will help it cook properly and prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Add protein. Add leftovers to turn rice into a main dish Air Fryer Chicken Breastsshredded turkey, or Air Fryer Shrimp.


What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is an easy side dish for a Tex-Mex dinner. Serve with me Roast beef with pesto sauce or Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa. mine Turkey Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Grilled Ribeye Steak Also great. I also like using it on mine Chicken Burrito Bowl. Side dish ideas, try mine Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos or Avocado Corn Salad.
Store correctly
I don't recommend freezing as the rice will lose its texture when thawed.
- refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If the rice feels sticky, discard immediately.
- To reheat: Place in the microwave and heat in 15 second increments until hot. Alternatively, heat in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes.
More Tex-Mex Recipes
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This delicious Cilantro Lime Rice recipe with pesto and sautéed onions is an easy 20-minute side dish for a weeknight meal.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and onions to pan. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add garlic. Saute for 30 seconds.
- Stir in jasmine rice. Cook for 30 seconds and add chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice and add the lime zest, lime juice and fresh cilantro.
- Serve.