This is an easy cilantro lime brown rice recipe perfect for taco night or burrito bowls. And if you’re wondering how to make a copycat of Chipotle brown rice, then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe has all the zesty and tangy flavors you love.
This is one of those, if you know, you know recipes. And if you've ever been to Chipotle Mexican Grill and had the brown rice, then you know! The nuttiness of the brown rice goes so well with the tangy lime and pop of cilantro. With just the right amount of salt, and a kiss of lemon juice, this is one of my favorite ways to serve brown rice!
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What to Make with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Mexican food is a weekly staple in this house, and I love that I can make this dupe for Chipotle brown rice ahead of time to enjoy in shrimp fajita bowls or for taco night! It pairs perfectly with chunky guacamole and corn salsa for burrito bowls.
Ingredients
You need less than 10 simple ingredients to make brown rice with cilantro and lime, which makes it super easy to throw together. Once you try it, I think you’re going to agree that it is the BEST cilantro brown rice you’ve ever had.
- Brown Rice (I usually use long grain like Basmati)
- Bay Leaf
- Cilantro
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Avocado or Olive Oil
You’ll find the quantities in the recipe card below.
How to Make It
Using a small strainer, rinse the raw rice under cold running water for 30 seconds. Cook rice according to package directions, adding the bay leaf, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
Remove rice from the heat, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork.
At this point you can transfer the rice to a bowl or use the pot as your mixing vehicle. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Add additional salt (a little at a time) to taste, and enjoy!
Equipment
You do not need any special equipment to make this Chipotle rice copycat recipe, but there are a few tools that will help in the process!
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My Top Tip For Success
Taste the recipe as you go so you can adjust the flavors to your liking. I love the salty lime combination, so I tend to add more of those two ingredients. But make sure you only add a little more of each ingredient at a time. As my mom always said, “You can always add more, but it is hard to take it away!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftover cilantro lime brown rice will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I don't suggest removing cilantro from the recipe, but you're the chef, so you can do whatever you want. I know cilantro is a divisive flavor, but it definitely adds a fresh pop to this dish.
Long grain and short grain rice varieties cook differently, which is why in my instructions I say cook according to your package directions. I prefer brown Basmati rice (Lundberg brand), which is a long grain variety, but I have made this recipe with short grain brown rice, and it tastes equally as delicious!
Of course! The ingredients and instructions remain the same.
I don’t have a rice cooker, but I don’t see why not! Cook the rice according to your rice cookers manual, still adding the bay leaf, salt, and oil. Transfer the rice to a bowl before adding the remaining ingredients.
I can’t wait to see how your Chipotle cilantro lime brown rice copycat turns out. Be sure to tag me in your creations on social media!
Print
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 Hour
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This is an easy cilantro lime brown rice recipe perfect for taco night or burrito bowls. And if you’re wondering how to make a copycat of Chipotle brown rice, then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe has all the zesty and tangy flavors you love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 teaspoon of salt (approximately)
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
-
Using a small strainer, rinse the raw rice under cold running water for 30 seconds. Cook rice according to package directions, adding the bay leaf, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
-
Remove rice from the heat, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork.
-
At this point you can transfer the rice to a bowl or use the pot as your mixing vehicle. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Add additional salt (a little at a time) to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
Long grain and short grain rice varieties cook differently, which is why I say cook according to your package directions. I prefer brown Basmati rice (from Lundberg), which is a long grain variety, but I have made this recipe with short grain brown rice, and it tastes equally as delicious.
Taste the recipe as you go so you can adjust the flavors to your liking. I love the salty lime combination, so I tend to add more of those two ingredients. But make sure you only add a little more of each ingredient at a time. As my mom always said, “You can always add more, but it is hard to take it away!”
You can substitute white rice if you prefer. The ingredient amounts and instructions remain the same.
If using a rice cooker, cook the rice according to your rice cookers manual, still adding the bay leaf, salt, and oil. Transfer the rice to a bowl before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chipotle Brown Rice, Cilantro Lime Brown Rice, Copycat Recipe
Shauna says
I love Chipotle brown rice! Thank you for sharing 🙂
★★★★★