Simple Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
If you want to add some zing and flavor to your rice, then Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is the perfect side dish! This simple yet delicious recipe is a great way to elevate your rice and excite your meal.
Chipotle made this delicious brown rice flavor popular! So if you love theirs, you can make your own copycat cilantro lime brown rice! So, whether you are looking for a tasty side dish or a base for your next grain bowl, Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is a versatile recipe you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Naturally gluten-free and low in FODMAPs!
- Easy to make with only six simple ingredients.
- Makes a perfect side dish for different cuisines, such as Mexican or Thai.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Long-grain brown rice or brown basmati or jasmine rice
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
- Extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starches. Next, combine the rinsed rice, water, and olive oil in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Or you can cook in a rice cooker.
Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for ten more minutes. Then fluff with a fork. Once the rice is cooked and fluffed with a fork, add the cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
Serve the copycat chipotle brown rice with your favorite protein and/or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Copycat Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is a perfect side dish for beef, fish, chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables. Try it with these Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini!
- Cilantro lime rice also makes the perfect base for a salmon nourish bowl, like this Salmon Nourish Bowl with Roasted Broccoli.
- And, of course, try it with your next burrito bowl. You can swap out the cauliflower rice for Cilantro Lime Brown Rice in this Easy Ground Turkey Burrito Bowl recipe!
Common Questions
Cilantro lime brown rice is a healthy side dish. Brown rice is a whole grain high in fiber that helps with digestion and is also a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Brown rice does not need to be soaked before cooking; however, it can help speed up cooking time and reduce the phytic acid content, making it easier to digest. If you prefer to pre-soak brown rice, soak 1 cup of rice in 2-3 cups of water overnight or for at least 2 hours in a pot. Then drain and rinse the rice before cooking. This may reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes or so.
Nutritional Benefits
Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain that offers several health benefits. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:
- Brown rice is high in dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and help you to feel full. Eating a high-fiber diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, brown rice is a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin B-6.
- Brown rice helps prevent blood sugar spikes because of the lower glycemic index than white rice. This helps to control glucose levels in people with diabetes.
- Brown rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Storage Instructions
Leftover rice will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep covered in an airtight container.
Reheating Tips
Reheat leftover rice in the microwave for 1 minute. Or cook on the stovetop in a nonstick skillet with one teaspoon of oil. Cook until warmed through, stirring regularly.
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Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- â…“ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 limes juiced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starches. Next, combine the rinsed rice, water, and olive oil in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes, Or you can cook in a rice cooker.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for ten more minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
- Once the rice is cooked and fluffed with a fork, add the cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Serve with your favorite protein, vegetables, or burrito bowl toppings.
Delicious recipe.
Thank you, glad you liked it!