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Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
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This copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice is fluffy, fragrant, and bright with fresh lime and cilantro. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic, it’s the ideal side for burrito bowls, tacos, or grilled meats. Simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice (from about 1/2 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (from about 1/2 lime)
  • 1/3 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for 30-60 seconds, swirling with your hand, until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch so the grains cook up separate and fluffy, not sticky.
  2. In a medium saucepan (2-3 quart capacity), heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown, as it will become bitter.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat every grain with oil. Toast the rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes until the grains become slightly opaque and you smell a nutty aroma. This step enhances the rice’s flavor and helps prevent clumping.
  4. Pour in the water and add the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir once to combine, then increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a full boil. You should see vigorous bubbles across the entire surface.
  5. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid (use a lid with a steam vent or cover with foil if needed), and simmer gently for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as steam is essential for even cooking.
  6. After 18 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This steaming period allows the rice to finish absorbing moisture and become tender and fluffy.
  7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Avoid stirring vigorously with a spoon, which can break the grains and create mushy rice.
  8. While the rice is still warm, sprinkle the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro over the top. Fold them in gently with a fork or spatula until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt or lime if desired.
  9. Serve immediately as a side for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled chicken, or fajitas. The rice is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a few drops of water and microwave covered on high for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until heated through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become mushy.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/chipotle-cilantro-lime-rice/