Cilantro Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
User Reviews
5
Cilantro Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Description
The recipe begins by cooking basmati or long-grain white rice in boiling water with a bay leaf, salt, and optional olive or rice bran oil. The rice is cooked either uncovered for 10-12 minutes or simmered covered for 15 minutes depending on the method. Basmati rice is un-rinsed, whereas other long-grain varieties are rinsed to remove starch for better texture.
Once cooked and drained, the bay leaf is removed and the rice is tossed with fresh minced cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice, which impart a tangy and herbaceous flavor profile. Additional salt adjustment enhances the balance.
This rice is an excellent side, pairing well with Mexican dishes such as burrito bowls, grilled meats, or beans. It can be served hot or at room temperature, making it suitable for meal prep or gatherings.
Leftover cilantro rice keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen in portioned bags for up to 3 months. When using a rice cooker, follow manufacturer instructions for water ratios. Rinsing or soaking rice helps reduce starch and improves the finished texture depending on rice variety.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice unrinsed, or any long-grain white rice, rinsed (see note 1)
- 1 bay leaf
- salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or rice bran oil, optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced (or omit or sub parsley, fresh
- 2 tablespoons lime juice from 1-2 limes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1-2 lemons
Instructions
To cook basmati rice on the stove top:
- Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, bay leaf, oil if using, and salt to taste (I like 2 teaspoons). Stir and return to a boil. Boil uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes (for me it's always 12, but some readers have reported mushy rice after 12 minutes, so keep an eye on yours).
- Remove bay leaf. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain rice and rinse with hot water. Pour into a large bowl.
- Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt (I like an additional 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.
To cook any long-grain rice on the stove top:
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, bay leaf, oil if using, and salt to taste (I like 2 teaspoons). Stir and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt (I like an additional 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.
To cook long-grain rice in a rice-cooker:
- Add rinsed rice (see notes), water (according to manufacturer's instructions, see notes), bay leaf, salt (I like 1 teaspoon), and oil if using. Close rice cooker, plug in, and turn on. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
- When the rice is finished, remove bay leaf. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Add more salt to taste (I like 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.
To cook brown rice:
- Follow the instructions above using the following times: 40 minutes for Basmati on the stove top, 45 minutes for long-grain on the stove top, and 60 - 70 minutes for a rice cooker (or according to manufacturer's instructions). 2 cups brown rice makes 16 servings, 1/2 cup each (higher yield than white rice).
Notes
- Rinse long-grain rice before cooking to remove excess starch unless using basmati, which can be cooked un-rinsed.
- Store leftover rice covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in 2-cup portions for up to 3 months.
- When using a rice cooker, always follow the device’s specific water-to-rice ratio instructions for best results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 114 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 114kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 35mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 4IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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