Viral TikTok Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Introduction

This viral TikTok cilantro lime rice is a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Light, zesty, and fluffy, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home and sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati work best)
• 1.75 cups Water (Or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice (From about 1-2 limes)
• 1/3 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped, packed measurement)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or butter (Optional, for extra richness)
• 1 clove Garlic (Minced, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup of rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the grains stay separate.
2. Step 2: Combine the rinsed rice, 1.75 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for 18 minutes without stirring.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish cooking and absorb steam.
5. Step 5: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and create a light texture.
6. Step 6: Stir in the fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic if using. Add olive oil or butter at this stage for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately while warm. This rice pairs beautifully with tacos, burrito bowls, or any Mexican-inspired dish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, cook the rice in low-sodium chicken broth instead of water.
• Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a subtle smoky twist.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
• If you prefer a buttery texture, melt the butter into the cooked rice before stirring in the cilantro and lime.

Storage

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply omit the butter or use olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly.

Why should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch from the surface of the rice grains, preventing them from sticking together and ensuring a fluffy, separate texture.

Viral TikTok Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Viral TikTok Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for pairing with Mexican meals like tacos and burrito bowls. Featuring fluffy long-grain rice infused with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and optional garlic and olive oil, it’s an easy way to brighten up your plate with vibrant citrus and herb flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati work best)
• 1.75 cups Water (Or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt preferred)

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice (From about 1–2 limes)
• 1/3 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped, packed measurement)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or butter (Optional, for extra richness)
• 1 clove Garlic (Minced, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Your Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve perfectly separate grains when cooked.
2. Perfect Rice Cooking Method: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1.75 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 18 minutes without stirring.
3. Rest and Fluff: After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, creating a light and airy texture.
4. Add the Magic Ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro into the warm rice. If desired, add the minced garlic and olive oil or butter for extra flavor and richness. Taste and adjust the lime juice or salt as needed to suit your preference.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cilantro lime rice immediately while warm, or keep it covered until ready to serve. This rice is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or any Mexican-inspired dish.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice is crucial for preventing sticky or gummy rice.
• You can substitute water with low-sodium chicken broth for more depth of flavor.
• Adding olive oil or butter is optional but adds richness and helps coat the grains.
• Adjust lime juice and salt to taste after mixing in ingredients.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, viral TikTok rice, Mexican side dish, easy rice recipe, lime and cilantro rice