Cilantro lime rice is the best rice for burrito bowls, and pretty much any Mexican food, right?

(Cilantro haters, kindly look away, this one’s not for you.)

It works well with Asian dishes too.

A white bowl of cilantro rice with a lime wedge and cilantro in the background

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Well, you could, but the rice wouldn’t be close to as good as it could be.

Cilantro lime rice made well is irresistible.

Or, “take your hands off my food, this is all for me” irresistible.

A bowl of cilantro lime rice with a cilantro and a lime wedge in the background

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Tips for making the best ever cilantro lime rice?

First, use basmati long grain rice.

It’s more aromatic than plain rice and the flavor complements the cilantro and lime.

A chip dipped into Pico de Gallo.

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Second, start by lightly browning the rice in some olive oil.

It’s how we normally makerice pilaforSpanish rice.

The browning brings out wonderful flavor in the rice that you’re able to’t get any other way.

Copycat Sofritas in a Pan with a Wooden Spoon and Lime Wedges, Surrounded by a Bowl of Lime Wedges, a Glass of Water, and a Couple of Forks

This is the main difference between this recipe and other recipes you may find online for cilantro lime rice.

The lime oils in the zest will infuse the rice with lime flavor as it cooks.

Add the raw rice and stir to coat with the olive oil.

Guacamole in a blue and white bowl, served with tortilla chips

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice has started to brown.

Add the garlic and cook a minute more.

Add water, salt, and lime zest to the rice.

Rice being cooked in a pot

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Fluff the rice with a fork.

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl.

Pour lime juice over the rice and toss with chopped cilantro.

Water, salt, and lime zest added to rice and simmering in a pot

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Serve with chicken, steak, shrimp, Mexican or Asian food.

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Cooked riced in a pot with a fork fluffing the rice

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Lime juice and cilantro being mixed in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer