by 
Cilantro Lime Rice is a perfect side dish to accompany any dinner.
We eat Mexican food in our family at least once a week....sometimes twice! No matter the entrée, you need some great side dishes to serve too.
My crock pot refried beans are a staple that I make often. The beans make a huge batch that I freeze in smaller portions. This Cilantro Lime Rice is another go to side dish for us. It's packed full of flavor and can be made quickly.
The rice goes nicely with black bean flautas, beef chimichangas and baked corn chips.
Last night we attended the high school football game. Luckily we had fueled up with a filling dinner of tacos with shredded chicken and this cilantro lime rice.
Just before the end of the first half the game was delayed by lightning. Apparently once a lightning delay is called, you have to wait 30 minutes before play can resume....that's 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.
And wouldn't you know it....we had a doozy of a storm. We ended up with a 1 ½ hour delay. Yikes! Then once they played they finished the first half and had to take a ten minute break for half time!
Let me tell you, it was hard work sitting up in those bleachers for entire 3 ½ hour game, but at least we were in a covered section. The away team had to take shelter during the deluge of a rain storm. The game was fun even though it ended 10-13 🙁
If you love the taste of fresh cilantro, you might also enjoy this Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 whole bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 whole juice from 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place the rice in a large bowl. Cover with water. Swish rice with your hand. Drain and repeat 3 times.
- Put 2 cups water into a pot along with rice, bay leaf, and salt
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Place in a bowl and pour lime juice over rice.
- Add chopped cilantro and mix lightly.
- Serve while still warm.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
We love Mexican meals, too! I've tried cilantro lime rice, but hadn't quite perfected it - can't wait to try this version 🙂
Kathy says
Be prepared to fall in love with it! 🙂
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Kathy, looks lovely with the green bits and I do love the taste of cilantro and lime.
Kathy says
It tastes great and looks so fresh too!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
It reminds me of one such college football game I attended..
I love all the flavors in this rice, addition of bay leaf does add a little something earthy to the rice.
Kathy says
You'd never know it was in there, but it definitely adds flavor.
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
As a huge fan of Mexican food, I can see this lime rice becoming a staple.
Kathy says
So quick, easy, and delicious!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Us too! We eat mexican at least once a week (and usually more). Pass me a bowl of this cilantro rice!
Kathy says
A big bowl is coming your way!
annie@ciaochowbambina.com says
So, something is happening to my tastebuds...I could never (I mean ever) eat cilantro, for some reason it always tasted soapy to me, however, I am slowly but surely beginning to enjoy it. I'm going to have to try this!
Kathy says
Cilantro is one of those herbs that people love or hate....glad you are coming over to the love side 🙂
Amanda says
Oh my goodness. I need this rice right now! These are the flavors I crave, and I love jazzing up rice!
Kathy says
Lime....cilantro....and other Mexican food! Yes!!! 🙂
Balvinder says
This looks absolutely delicious and fresh! I often make this rice at home and also get it when ever we order Mexican.
Kathy says
It is really delicious!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I wish I liked cilantro...I do like lime though! I think I will sub in parsley and give this a whirl!
Kathy says
Using parsley instead sounds like a good idea. Let me know how it turns out!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
The delay is worth it for football!!! The season has begun with quite a "spark"! This rice looks over the top delicious, I have never made cilantro lime rice - but I shopped at Aldi yesterday and picked up limes and cilantro...so...naturally I've to try this! Perfect side for taco night!
Kathy says
I hope the rice was a hit in your house! We are hoping no more delays to the game!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Wow, an hour and 1/2 delay?? That's crazy.. I can imagine it would be hard for the players to get back in the game after that! Anyways, we eat Mexican A LOT too and cilantro lime rice is like a requirement for a side. 😉 LOVE yours, Kathy!! Looks just perfect! Cheers, friend!
Kathy says
So truly the hardest part was sitting in those bleachers....who designs those things? So hard to sit and watch a game!
David @ Spiced says
Ah, yes! The return of football season! 🙂 Sorry for the early season loss, but it sounds like it was a good game...delays and all. Speaking of good, this rice is definitely a keeper of a recipe. Perfect side dish for so many different recipes. Hope you guys had a great weekend!
Kathy says
This rice is a keeper! We've made it several times and it's always a hit.
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I'm not a football fan, but love all the food that usually goes along with the festivities.
I love Mexican food too, Kathy, and love the addition of cilantro and lime that you've added to this rice. Your crockpot refried beans sounds like something I would love too! Both of them would be fabulous sides 🙂 Yum!
Kathy says
Great side dishes are the best! They just make a main dish even more complete!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Lovely flavors for this rice dish, Kathy! We have Mexican quite often, too, at our house, but never had cilantro lime rice...it's time to start! 🙂
Kathy says
It is time to start! You are going to love it!
Velva says
What a great way to liven up rice! Love it. Looks really good.
Velva
Kathy says
Thanks! 🙂
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com says
It sounds like an intense game! Side dishes are often overlooked but are so important for a great meal. Your Cilantro Lime Rice sounds so flavoursome!
Kathy says
Nothing like a great high school football game! 🙂
Kaylene @ The Links Site says
I often have rice as a side dish but never think to add some extra flavor. This looks delicious, I'll have to give it a try next time!
Kathy says
There are times you need plain rice and then times when you need it dressed up a bit!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
3.5 hours for a football game?- you must have arrived home at about midnight! This rice dish looks like a good soothing accompaniment to offset a spicy dinner!
Kathy says
It was a late night! I was glad to get home and tucked into bed!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I never really think of jazzing up my boring old white rice Kathy, but this sounds delicious! I'll definitely try this next time I serve tacos.
Kathy says
Sometimes we need a little sprucing up!