Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Today we are making a Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)! When it comes to recreating restaurant favorites at home, this Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a game-changer. Inspired by the beloved side dish from Chipotle, this recipe captures all the zesty, fresh flavors that make it so addictive. Whether you’re building a burrito bowl, wrapping up a burrito, or simply serving it as a side, this cilantro lime rice brings a vibrant, tangy twist to any meal. With a fluffy texture and perfectly balanced seasoning, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The beauty of this cilantro lime rice lies in its simplicity. Just a few key ingredients—fresh cilantro, lime juice, and fluffy white rice—come together to create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The lime juice adds a burst of citrusy brightness, while the cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re pairing it with Mexican-inspired cuisine or serving it alongside grilled vegetables, this rice is incredibly versatile.
What’s even better is that this recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a bowl of fluffy cilantro lime rice that’s just as delicious as Chipotle’s, if not better. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it to your liking—add a little extra lime for more zing, or toss in some garlic for added depth of flavor. Give it a try, and watch it become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Restaurant-Quality at Home: One of the biggest draws of this Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is that it allows you to recreate the beloved flavors of Chipotle right in your own kitchen. Often, the challenge of making restaurant-style dishes at home is achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures, but this recipe nails it. The rice comes out incredibly fluffy, with each grain perfectly cooked and seasoned. The key lies in the precise combination of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of salt, which mirrors the signature taste of Chipotle’s version. Not only does it bring that familiar, crave-worthy flavor to your meals, but it also allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience without leaving home. Plus, you have the added bonus of customizing the recipe exactly to your liking, making it even better than what you might get at the restaurant.
Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: In a world where dietary preferences and restrictions are increasingly important, this Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser that caters to a variety of needs. Being naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed by nearly everyone at the table, regardless of their dietary choices. For those following a plant-based diet, this rice adds a burst of flavor and satisfaction without any animal products. Meanwhile, those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy it without worry, as it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are naturally gluten-free. This inclusivity makes it an ideal recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, or dinner parties where you want to ensure that everyone can partake in the deliciousness. It’s a dish that brings people together, offering something tasty and satisfying that fits seamlessly into a wide range of diets.
Substitutions
Rice: For the best results, use long-grain parboiled rice. Swap in long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine. These varieties tend to cook up fluffy and separate, making them perfect for this dish. If you prefer a healthier option, brown rice can be used, but it will have a chewier texture and require a longer cooking time.
Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is great for cooking without lending its own strong taste like extra-virgin olive oil can. Vegetable oil can work as well.
Lime: Fresh lime juice is key to achieving the bright, tangy flavor of this dish. While bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, freshly squeezed lime juice will give you the best taste. Start with the amount listed in the recipe, and adjust to your preference for more or less zing.
Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Notes
- To achieve the fluffiest texture, make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the grains to set and separate nicely.
More Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
Vegan Beef Bulgogi (Korean BBQ) Rice
If you make this Chipotle Copycat Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Equipment
- Medium Stovetop Pot
- Citrus Juicer optional
- Fine Hole Grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup brown parboiled rice dry
- 2 medium bay leaves
- ½ tsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp pink salt
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Add the water, bay leaves and rice into a stovetop pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Keeping the pot covered, simmer until the rice is cooked. This will take 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice cool for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the lime, oil and salt. Stir this into the rice, then fold in the cilantro.
- Transfer into an airtight container. Allow the rice to fully cool, partly covered with a lid, for an hour. Once cooled, place in the refrigerator until ready to heat and serve.
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
