Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe — Flavorful Side Dish

My family absolutely loves this copycat Cafe Rio cilantro-lime rice. I serve it in tacos and burritos or as a bright, flavorful side with enchiladas or empanadas. We started making it more often and I wanted a healthier twist, so I swapped white rice for brown. It only adds about 20 minutes to the cooking time, and even my picky eaters didn’t complain.

If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh lime juice really makes a difference in flavor.

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

Allison McGee

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Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Course
Easy Dinner Ideas
Cuisine
Mexican
Servings
3 cups rice

Equipment

Instant Pot or large pot with lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander or strainer (optional)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth/water for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice from 1/2 lime (about 1 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp white sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Combine the rice, chicken broth, olive oil, and salt in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes for brown rice.
  3. When the rice is done, stir in the lime juice, sugar (if using), and chopped cilantro.
  4. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
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