There’s something truly irresistible about a bowl of fluffy, fragrant rice kissed with fresh lime and a flourish of herbs. This Lime Rice Recipe is my go-to when I want a dish that feels vibrant, uplifting, and yet effortless. It’s quick, simple, and pairs beautifully with just about everything—get ready to fall in love with your new favorite side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Freshness: The citrusy pop of lime transforms everyday rice into a dish that practically sings with brightness.
- Quick and Effortless: Just 30 minutes, one pot, and a few ingredients—perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
- Pairs with Everything: From grilled chicken to spicy curries or roasted veggies, this lime rice recipe is the side that always shines but never steals the spotlight.
- Vibrant Color and Aroma: The flecks of green and golden toasted grain make for a feast for the eyes—and the nose!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this lime rice recipe is how it uses simple kitchen staples to create something special. Each ingredient has a starring role, adding its own unique flavor, aroma, or even a pop of color to this dish.
- Basmati rice: The long, slender grains cook up beautifully fluffy and bring an aromatic, nutty character—perfect for toasting!
- Butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps the rice pick up a golden color as it toasts.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth; vegetable broth works beautifully for a meatless spin.
- Cilantro: Its bright flavor and green speckles make every bite taste and look fresh.
- Kosher salt: Just enough to elevate the other flavors without overpowering the citrus notes.
- Cumin: A hint of this warm spice underscores the lime, lending the rice an irresistible, gentle complexity.
- Lime (zest and juice): The star ingredient! Zest guarantees pure, bright aroma, while juice infuses the whole dish with lively tang.
Variations
This versatile lime rice recipe is the perfect starting point for all kinds of delicious twists. Don’t be afraid to get creative or adapt it to what you have or your dietary needs—your bowl, your rules!
- Make it Vegan: Swap in olive oil or vegan butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a totally plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes along with the other aromatics for a gentle heat.
- Extra Herbs: Add chopped fresh mint or parsley alongside the cilantro for a unique herbaceous twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Sauté a minced garlic clove with the butter and rice for added depth and fragrance.
How to Make Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice and Butter
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the dry basmati rice and stir frequently, letting the grains toast gently. You’ll notice the grains take on a light golden color and start to release a warm, nutty aroma—this step unlocks so much flavor and really gives this lime rice recipe its signature touch.
Step 2: Add Broth, Herbs & Spices
Once that butter is sizzling and the rice looks slightly golden, pour in the chicken broth. Immediately stir in the chopped cilantro, kosher salt, cumin, lime zest, and lime juice. Give everything a big, thorough stir so those flavors blend together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—you’ll see the color deepen and the kitchen will begin to smell absolutely dreamy!
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let your lime rice simmer for 20–25 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! When it’s done, the rice will be tender, the liquid absorbed, and the grains wonderfully fluffy.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Time for the finishing touch—remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve right away to enjoy it at its peak: aromatic, steamy, with zesty brightness in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Lime Rice Recipe
- Rice Rinsing Ritual: For extra fluffy rice, rinse basmati under cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and keeps the grains from sticking.
- Choose the Juiciest Limes: Roll limes on the countertop before juicing to get every last drop of citrusy goodness from your fruit.
- Perfect Toast: Keep a close eye while toasting the rice—just a light golden color is all you need for rich flavor without bitterness.
- Rest Before Fluffing: Once cooked, let the rice sit (covered) for 5 minutes before fluffing to allow the steam to finish its magic—hello, perfect texture!
How to Serve Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top your lime rice with extra chopped cilantro, a scattering of lime zest, or even a wedge of fresh lime for squeezing. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions adds a fun twist if you want to mix things up!
Side Dishes
This lime rice recipe is dreamy with grilled meats (think chicken, salmon, or shrimp), pairs beautifully with black beans, or nestles perfectly under saucy curries and spicy stir-fries. It’s also an ideal backdrop for roasted veggies or Tex-Mex tacos on busy weeknights.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon this lime rice into a vibrant bowl, and top with avocado slices, grilled corn, and pico de gallo for a “burrito bowl”-inspired meal. Or, press it into a measuring cup and invert for an elegant dome shape—garnish with cilantro for a restaurant-worthy touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lime rice recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It stays delightfully fluffy and doesn’t lose that zingy citrus flavor!
Freezing
This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly—just let the rice cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months; perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat lime rice, either microwave it with a splash of water (and cover loosely!) or warm gently in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Fluff again with a fork and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of rice in this lime rice recipe?
Absolutely! While basmati gives the fluffiest and most aromatic result, jasmine or long-grain white rice also work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as needed for your chosen rice variety.
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Is this lime rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe, as written, is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s a certified gluten-free option if needed.
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How do I stop my rice from turning mushy?
The key is to stick to the suggested ratios and avoid stirring during cooking. Also, make sure you’re not overcooking; as soon as the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, take it off the heat and let it rest before fluffing!
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Can I prep this lime rice recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Lime rice holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Consider adding a dash of fresh lime juice and more chopped cilantro just before serving to revive the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your dinner routine, this lime rice recipe is a cheerful, crowd-pleasing choice. Give it a try and make it your own—either as a zesty side, a meal base, or the star of your next family table. I can’t wait for you to taste how lively rice can really be!
Print
Lime Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Lime Rice Recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The zesty lime flavor combined with fragrant cilantro and warm cumin makes this rice a standout side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/4 cups basmati rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- zest and juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add the butter and the dry basmati rice. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Add chicken broth, cilantro, salt, cumin, lime zest, and juice. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 4.4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
