Chefinyou

Cilantro Lime Rice (chipotle style)

By DK on Nov 02, 2009
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Have you ever been a situation when you wanted to throw out all things complicated - be it from serious life to career issues to as simple as clearing out a crumpled up wardrobe to your bookshelf? Ah! I know how it feels. Sometimes I feel that we all make things too complicated when they need not be. A simple solution is all it probably needs. Simplicity is the best cure for most of our problems but well, it can be the hardest thing to get (what a paradox!).
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
I LOVE chipotle and especially their Vegetarian Fajita Burritos. Down to earth ingredients come together to form such a delicious and clean flavor. Its an epitome of simplicity. I especially love their rice and I was surprised to see that there are quite a few lovers for that rice like me (Web- what do we do without you?). Here is the recipe for Chipotle style Cilantro and Lime Rice. Has only 3 main ingredients and takes like 10-15 minutes to cook!

Enjoy it in Black and Mango Quesadillas for a substantial lunch, or in a burrito along with Vegan Frijoles refritos (Refried Beans), Guacamole, Pico de gallo or vibrant Mango Salsa. Its great as a side to any spicy meal which is how we enjoy it more often along with chilled Watermelon Agua Fresca.
Basic Information
Prep Time: Under 15 min
Cook Time: Under 15 min
Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Basmati or any other long grained rice, rinsed lightly in cold water
  • 1 tsp oil (for that authentic taste use 1 tbsp butter)
  • 1-2 small limes
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  • about 3 tbsp cilantro
  • salt to taste
Method
1
Soak the rice in some water for 10 minutes. Although it is not required, I find that it helps to keep the grains separate and avoids it getting mushy!
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
2
In a skillet, in low heat, add the butter/oil along with rice and sugar. Let the rice get coated with the oil. Once the rice gets aromatic add juice of 1 lime. Stir for a minute.
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
3
Add 2 cups of water and salt - cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
4
Check to see if the rice has absorbed all the water. ( Note: Some people like to cook Basmati with 1 cup water. For me 2 cups works well since I find that 1 cup gives a crunchy grain and is not completely cooked.)
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
5
Stir it v lightly and add chopped cilantro. You can add more if you like. Taste and add more lime juice if required. Remove from flame, fluff the rice lightly and let it sit for 1-2 minutes with the lid on.
Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
You can optionally add lime wedges as garnish. I served it along with Frijoles Refritos ( Refried Beans). This rice goes very well with spicy and hot dishes. The flavors are simple though they burst with the freshness of lime and aroma of cilantro. Chipotle style Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
4 members have made this recipe!
Did you make this recipe?
Please click below to share your experiences while you were making this recipe. Thanks for your input!
47 Responses to “Cilantro Lime Rice (chipotle style)”
  1. Kristen

    I made this last night and have to say I was quite disappointed because it came out super mushy. I’ve never made rice like this before but followed the directions as posted and set my timer. Not sure why it didn’t turn out like other posts.

    The problem with rice is that the quality differs from place to place, brand to brand and at times the shelf life. It is hence better to not follow the timings exactly as per any recipe given but use as a guideline. Next time try with less water since from what you tell me, I think ur rice needs less water. –DK

  2. Courtney Desormeaux

    This looks amazing! Love the flavor of cilantro…

  3. Lovely, new to me. Looks yummy..

  4. kbob

    Turned out amazing. Love this recipe. Exactly like the chipotle rice

  5. Grill girl @ Chipotle

    Chipotle also adds a couple bay leaves to the rice while it is cooking :)

  6. Meredith

    Do you think it would freeze well?

  7. Shari

    Will this also work with brown rice?

    I havent personally tried it myself, but I see no reason to why it should not. You probably would need a tad bit more seasoning and herbs –DK

  8. Shari

    Will this also work with brown rice?

  9. Former Chipotle Worker

    I use to work at Chipotle. This isn’t the exact way to make it, but if it works go for it! Chipotle uses a rice cooker, then adds soy oil once the rice is cooked. Then add kosher salt, lime and lemon juice, fresh cilantro. The cilantro will wither over time and turn dark green rather than the fresh green color.

    Nothing like from “the horses mouth”. Will def. try ur way and see the difference. Thanks for taking out the time :) –DK

Leave a Reply
I love to hear from you! I read each and every comment, and will get back ASAP. In the off chance I am lost in my own world, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Did you make this recipe?
I would LOVE to showcase it! Please click below to share your experiences while you were making this recipe, Thanks for your input!
:wink: :-| :-x :twisted: :) 8-O :( :roll: :-P :oops: :-o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :-D :evil: :cry: 8) :arrow: :-? :?: :!:

Have a favorite recipe?

  • Know a family recipe your mom used to make? Or maybe a go to recipe that works everytime? Share it with your fellow foodies!
Chefinyou