Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice 🍋🟩🍚 is a easy Latin American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Jenny Martinez on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $6.77 total, $1.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (extra‑virgin, for frying)
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Water (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Jenny's Chicken Bouillon (or any chicken bouillon paste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 3 tbsp avocado oil, then stir‑in the rinsed rice, diced onion, and minced garlic. Fry, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and the aromatics are fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Do not let the rice brown.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Liquid and Bouillon
Pour in 2 cups water and add 2 tbsp Jenny's chicken bouillon. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon completely.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Simmer Covered
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately cover the skillet with its lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes without lifting the lid.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: low
Fluff and Finish
Remove the skillet from heat. Using the wooden spoon, fluff the rice gently. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (if bouillon is gluten‑free), Dairy-Free
Allergens: Contains chicken bouillon (may contain MSG), Contains avocado oil
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Avocado Oil: olive oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Long Grain White Rice: basmati rice, jasmine rice
- Instead of Onion: shallots, green onions
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Water: low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Jenny's Chicken Bouillon: vegetable bouillon, soy sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley, fresh basil
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice (1 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet with Lid
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let the rice brown during the initial fry.
- Cover the skillet tightly and keep the lid on for the full 30‑minute simmer.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to prevent clumping.
- Use long‑grain rice for the fluffiest texture.
- Add a pinch of lime zest together with the lemon juice for extra freshness.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too mushy.
Reduce the water by ¼ cup next time or shorten the simmering time by a few minutes.
Rice is undercooked or crunchy.
Add an extra ¼ cup hot water, re‑cover, and continue cooking for 5‑10 more minutes.
Rice sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding rice and stir frequently during the first few minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice onion and mince garlic up to 24 hours ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Rinse and drain the rice beforehand to remove excess starch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cilantro lemon rice in Latin American cuisine?
Cilantro lemon rice reflects the Latin American love for bright, herb‑forward side dishes that accompany meat, beans, or seafood. The combination of fresh cilantro and citrus is common in coastal regions where lime or lemon adds a refreshing contrast to richer mains.
What are the traditional regional variations of cilantro lemon rice in Latin American cooking?
In Mexico and Central America, the dish often uses lime instead of lemon and may include peas or corn. In the Caribbean, coconut milk replaces part of the water, and Scotch bonnet peppers add heat. Each region tweaks the herb and acid to match local flavors.
How is cilantro lemon rice traditionally served in Latin American households?
It is typically served hot alongside grilled meats, tacos, or fish, and garnished with extra cilantro leaves. In many families it is a staple at family gatherings and weekend meals because it can be made in one pot with minimal effort.
What occasions or celebrations is cilantro lemon rice traditionally associated with in Latin American culture?
Cilantro lemon rice is a common side at birthday parties, holiday feasts such as Christmas and New Year's, and casual weekend barbecues. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for large gatherings where many dishes are served.
What other Latin American dishes pair well with cilantro lemon rice?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, carne asada, shrimp ceviche, black beans, and plantain fritters. The bright flavor cuts through rich, smoky proteins and balances spicier sauces.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cilantro lemon rice at home?
The biggest mistakes are letting the rice brown during the initial fry, lifting the lid before the 30‑minute simmer is complete, and using too much water. Both lead to uneven texture or mushy rice.
Why does this cilantro lemon rice recipe use avocado oil instead of traditional vegetable oil?
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that lets the rice toast without burning, while adding a subtle buttery note that complements the cilantro and lemon.
Can I make cilantro lemon rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the rice up to 4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, then stir in fresh lemon juice and cilantro before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jenny Martinez focuses on simple, flavorful home‑cooked meals that blend Latin American influences with everyday pantry ingredients, offering quick tutorials for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez's approach to Latin American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jenny Martinez emphasizes minimal equipment, fast prep times, and the use of fresh herbs like cilantro to brighten dishes, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
