Cilantro Lime Rice - Chicken Burrito Bowl 3 of 3
Cilantro Lime Rice - Chicken Burrito Bowl 3 of 3 is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by PrepWhisperer on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $2.00 total, $0.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brown Rice (uncooked, long grain brown rice)
- 4 cups Water (for cooking the rice)
- 1 Bay Leaf (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 2.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 teaspoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (loosely packed, minced; or 0.25 cup cilantro paste (1:1 substitution))
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
Place the 2 cups of brown rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Time: PT2M
Boil Water
In the saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the rinsed rice, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2.5 tsp kosher salt, and 1.5 tsp olive oil.
Time: PT1M
Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let the rice simmer.
Time: PT10M
Check and Drain Excess Water
After 10 minutes, uncover. If there is still liquid, carefully drain it off.
Time: PT2M
Fluff the Rice
Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Time: PT1M
Add Citrus and Cilantro
Stir in 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, the minced cilantro (or cilantro paste), and taste for additional salt if needed.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Cover the pot to keep warm until serving, or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brown Rice: Long grain white rice, Basmati rice, Jasmine rice
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried thyme, Dried oregano
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro paste, Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan with Lid
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove starch.
- Use the correct water‑to‑rice ratio; adjust for brown rice.
- Drain any excess water to avoid soggy rice.
- Add lime and lemon juice after cooking to keep the citrus bright.
- Mix in fresh cilantro (or paste) just before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cumin briefly in a dry pan before adding for extra aroma.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, use a high‑quality cilantro paste; it stores longer.
- For extra fluffiness, let the cooked rice sit off the heat, covered, for 5 minutes before adding the citrus.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too soggy.
Drain any remaining liquid, return the pot to low heat uncovered for a few minutes, and fluff.
Rice is under‑cooked or too firm.
Add a splash of water (2‑3 tbsp) and continue simmering covered for another 2‑3 minutes.
Citrus flavor is overpowering.
Stir in a little extra cooked rice or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized bags for up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with a splash of water.
- Adjust citrus levels after refrigeration; a little extra lime brightens leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cilantro lime rice in Mexican cuisine?
Cilantro lime rice is a modern twist on traditional Mexican rice, adding fresh herbs and citrus to brighten the dish. It is commonly served alongside tacos, burritos, and grilled meats, reflecting Mexico’s love for vibrant, fresh flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of cilantro lime rice in Mexican cooking?
In coastal regions, rice may be cooked with additional lime zest and sometimes a splash of orange juice. Some areas add roasted tomatillos for a tangy green hue, while others keep it simple with just cilantro and lime.
How is cilantro lime rice traditionally served in Mexico?
It is typically served as a side dish, spooned onto plates beside beans, grilled meats, or used as the base for a burrito bowl. It is often garnished with extra cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime for extra brightness.
What occasions or celebrations is cilantro lime rice associated with in Mexican culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, cilantro lime rice appears at family gatherings, weekend taco nights, and festive celebrations like Día de los Muertos where fresh, colorful dishes are prized.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional cilantro lime rice versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include long‑grain rice, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of cumin. Substitutes can be brown rice for a healthier version, cilantro paste for convenience, or bottled lime juice if fresh limes are unavailable.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?
Cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully with Chipotle‑style chicken, carne asada, black beans, grilled shrimp, and roasted vegetables. It also works well in layered burrito bowls with avocado, salsa, and cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cilantro lime rice?
Common mistakes include using too much water, adding citrus too early (which can make the rice mushy), and not rinsing the rice, leading to a gummy texture. Also, over‑salting can mask the fresh cilantro flavor.
Why does this cilantro lime rice recipe add lime and lemon juice after the rice is cooked instead of during cooking?
Adding the citrus at the end preserves the bright, fresh acidity. Heating citrus for a long time dulls its flavor and can cause the rice to become soggy.
Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the rice a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water and stir in a little extra lime juice before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making cilantro lime rice?
The rice should be fluffy, with each grain separate, and a light green hue from the cilantro and lime. It should be moist but not wet, and the cilantro should be evenly distributed.
What does the YouTube channel PrepWhisperer specialize in?
The YouTube channel PrepWhisperer specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on quick, budget‑friendly meals and meal‑prep strategies for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel PrepWhisperer's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
PrepWhisperer emphasizes using pantry staples, flexible ingredient swaps, and concise explanations, making Mexican dishes accessible for beginners, whereas many other channels focus on traditional techniques or elaborate presentations.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
