Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe

Introduction

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a fresh, zesty side dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals. With fragrant cilantro, tangy lime, and a hint of smokiness, this rice is a flavorful addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 6 teaspoons rice bran oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice and 2 tablespoons of rice bran oil to the boiling water.
4. Step 4: Stir in the bay leaf and salt, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to let it simmer until the rice is cooked.
5. Step 5: Once cooked, drain the rice and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the freshly chopped cilantro.
7. Step 7: Pour in the lime juice and remaining 4 teaspoons of oil, then mix until well combined.
8. Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your cilantro lime rice.

Tips & Variations

• Using homemade chicken or vegetable stock instead of water adds deeper flavor.
• Char the lime before juicing for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Let the covered rice rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to enhance texture and flavor infusion.
• Add a small amount of ghee or clarified butter at the end for a nutty richness.
• Infuse the oil with spices like cumin seeds or cardamom pods for a complex aroma before adding it to the rice.

Storage

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the rice fluffy and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, long-grain white rice works best for the texture, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely. The recipe uses oil and fresh ingredients, making it suitable for vegans. Avoid adding butter or ghee if you want to keep it vegan.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe recreates the fresh, tangy, and herbaceous side dish famous from Chipotle. Featuring fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice, it perfectly complements a variety of meals from Mexican fare to grilled dishes. The recipe includes cooking rice with a bay leaf and oil for aromatics, then folding in cilantro and lime juice for vibrant flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Seasoning

• 2 cups rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons salt

Herbs and Citrus

• 6 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced

Oil

• 6 teaspoons rice bran oil

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Boil water: In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the rice: Add the rinsed rice and 2 tablespoons of rice bran oil to the boiling water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add bay leaf and salt: Stir in the bay leaf and 2 teaspoons of salt for flavor.
5. Simmer covered: Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice cook on low heat until tender and the water is absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
6. Drain and transfer: Once cooked, drain any remaining water and transfer the rice to a mixing bowl.
7. Add cilantro: Gently fold in the freshly chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
8. Finish with lime and oil: Pour in the juice of one lime and the remaining 4 teaspoons of rice bran oil. Mix well to combine all flavors.
9. Serve: Your cilantro lime rice is now ready to be served as a vibrant, flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock in place of water to add a deeper, savory flavor to the rice.
• Char the lime on an open flame before juicing to impart a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Let the cooked rice rest covered for 5-7 minutes before fluffing to redistribute steam and meld flavors.
• Add a small amount of ghee or clarified butter at the end of cooking for a rich, nutty taste that complements the lime and cilantro.
• Infuse the oil with whole spices like cumin seeds or cardamom pods by heating them until fragrant, then strain before adding to the rice for an enhanced aroma and taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Copycat Recipes
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chipotle cilantro lime rice, copycat recipe, cilantro lime rice side dish, easy rice recipe, mexican side dishes