This Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect copycat recipe for all of you Chipotle lovers. It's full of fresh, zesty flavors and the perfect base for your next burrito bowl! Ready in under 30 minutes and couldn't be easier with this rice cooker method.
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This cilantro lime recipe is a copycat version of the rice that is served at Chipotle Mexican Grill!
Whether you want to cook this recipe in the rice cooker or stove top, I've got you covered with instructions for both methods!
Making rice in a rice cooker is my absolute favorite lazy dinner hack because you can set it and walk away and come back to delicious fluffy rice every single time.
Any recipe that can cook itself is a recipe that should be added to that dinner rotation immediately.
Ingredients
This is the best cilantro lime rice and it comes together very easily in a rice cooker. You only need a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes!
White Long-Grain Rice: This cilantro lime rice recipe requires long-grain white rice.
Bay Leaf: Bay leaves should be added to the rice cooker along with the water. They add an herbal, peppery flavor that is wonderful! I recommend using 2 large or 3 small ones but you can use more if desired.
Water: Rice cookers require less water than the stovetop method. Read more below.
Avocado Oil: Chipotle uses rice bran oil but I prefer avocado oil or olive oil. You can use vegetable oil or whatever you have on hand.
Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a fresh flavor but it is easy to go overboard with lime flavor. It's a very overpowering flavor when too much is added. I suggest starting with half the amount and adding more if desired after you are able to taste it.
Cilantro: Fresh finely chopped cilantro will add a ton of flavor! Use both the stems and leaves for the best results. If you dislike cilantro, you can omit it but it won't have the cilantro-lime rice flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
With this easy cilantro lime rice recipe, taco Tuesday never looked so good! You're going to love this super versatile and customizable recipe.
Stovetop rice is sometimes a 1 cup rice to 1 ½ cup water or even sometimes up to 2 cups water per 1 cup of rice. The ratio will depend on the brand of rice- be sure to read the package.
But you need less water when using a rice cooker.
For a rice cooker, I recommend a 1:1 ratio. It comes out perfect every time for me. But you know your rice cooker best.
Helpful Equipment
For this delicious cilantro lime rice recipe, you will need a rice cooker. This recipe can be cooked in an instant pot but the cooking method will need to be altered.
A lime squeezer is a handy kitchen gadget to have on hand when making this recipe but it isn't required.
Rice Cooker Instructions
Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
Add the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice, bay leaves, and water to the rice cooker. Secure the lid and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
When the rice is finished, discard the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. I recommend adding half the amount of lime juice and salt then tasting first and adjusting to your preference.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Stovetop Instructions
The water-to-rice ratio will change when using the stovetop instead of a rice cooker. For the proper rice-to-water ratio, check the instructions on the back of the package.
Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
Combine the rice, bay leaves, and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes or check the time listed on the package of your rice.
Uncover and fluff with a fork. Stir in avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. I recommend adding half the amount of lime juice and salt then tasting first and adjusting to your preference.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
You can add this flavorful chipotle copycat recipe to a burrito, burrito bowl, on a taco, as a filling for enchiladas, with a bowl of chili, fajitas, and more!
Serve with Chipotle Copycats: Chipotle Black Beans, Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa, Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa, and the Chipotle fajita veggies found in my recipe card for Vegan Tostadas.
Serve with Tofu Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Homemade Guacamole, Seasoned Beans, and Tofu Ground Beef in homemade burrito bowls, taco salad, or in tacos.
This copycat version would also be incredible with these Vegan Fish Tacos!
Substitutions & Additions
This easy side dish is perfect because it's completely customizable to what you have on hand! Try a different rice, more lime juice, or less cilantro!
Long-Grain White Rice: You can use brown basmati rice but the water-to-rice ratio will change so be sure to read the package instructions. White basmati rice and jasmine should work as well but the water-to-rice ratio might need to be altered.
Bay Leaves: If you don't enjoy the flavor of bay leaves, they can be left out.
Lime Juice: I recommend freshly squeezed lime juice but you can use store-bought lime juice if desired. I don't recommend lemon juice as that will change the overall flavor.
Cilantro: If you dislike cilantro, you can leave it out.
Tips & Tricks
Always rinse your rice. Packaged rice tends to come with a good amount of starch. It’s important to rinse it thoroughly to prevent it from turning gummy during the cooking process.
Wait to add the lime juice and cilantro! If you add those ingredients while the rice is cooking, your end result will lack flavor. For best results, add them right before serving.
Use fresh cilantro, not dried. Dried herbs are great but not for this recipe. Stick to fresh!
Refrigerate your leftovers fast. Cooked rice is moist and is known to be a breeding ground for bacteria. Store any leftovers within 1 hour to be safe.
Storage & Reheating
This copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice is a wonderful addition to your weekly meal prep.
Storage: Store your cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: This rice recipe reheats beautifully so it's great for meal prep! Just pop your rice in the microwave or heat it on the stovetop and you’re ready to go.
Freeze: Portion cool rice into serving sizes and freeze it in a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container. Defrost by refrigerating overnight to thaw or microwave right from the freezer until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipotle uses rice bran oil. I prefer using avocado or olive oil for this homemade recipe.
It's best served with chipotle-style black beans and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, corn salsa, and vegan sour cream.
Disclaimer: This was simply inspired by Chipotle and not an exact recipe but my copycat cilantro lime rice is an incredibly delicious and very flavorful way to make this recipe at home and easier with my rice cooker method.
Yes, the cilantro lime rice at Chipotle is vegan!
More Chipotle Copycat Recipes
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-Grain White Rice
- 2 cups Water see notes
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons Lime Juice
- ¾ cup Cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch. Add the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice, bay leaves, and water to the rice cooker. Secure the lid and cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
- When the rice is finished, discard the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. I recommend adding half the amount of lime juice and salt then tasting first and adjusting to your preference.
- Serve with Chipotle Copycat Black Beans, Chipotle Corn Salsa, Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo. Enjoy!
Notes
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