Creamy Cilantro Lime Rice

A close-up of cilantro lime rice garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. A gold spoon holds a portion, showcasing visible zest and herbs throughout.

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Fluffy rice with bright lime, fresh cilantro, and a lightly creamy finish that makes it rich without being heavy.

Course Dinner, lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Mexican

Diet Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegetarian

Keyword celantro rice, cilantro lime rice, Creamy Cilantro Lime Rice

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 163

Author Erren Hart

Ingredients

1 cup rice uncooked parboiled
2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime
2-3 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
black pepper or a pinch of cumin optional, to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the parboiled rice and stir to coat it in the garlic oil. Toast the rice for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden and aromatic.
Add stock and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and sour cream or yogurt. Season with black pepper or cumin if using. Adjust salt to taste. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Don’t skip toasting the rice. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that makes a noticeable difference.
Use fresh lime zest and juice. The zest is where most of the citrus flavor lives, and it really lifts the dish.
Let the rice rest before fluffing. If you rush this step, the texture can turn gummy instead of light.
Add the creamy element off the heat. This keeps it smooth and prevents it from separating.
Season at the end. Lime can dull salt slightly, so always taste and adjust before serving.

Variations & Add-Ins

Stir in black beans and corn for a quick rice bowl base that feels like a full meal.
Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a subtle smoky depth.
Mix in diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and richness.
Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a salty, tangy finish.

Storage & Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to bring back the texture.

Freezing is possible, but the creamy element may slightly change texture. If freezing, do so before adding the sour cream and stir it in after reheating.

Nutrition