How should I store the leftovers?

Leftover cilantro lime brown rice will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I leave out the cilantro?

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.

Can I use short grain brown rice?

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!

Can I substitute white rice instead?

Of course! The ingredients and instructions remain the same.

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

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

Units Scale

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

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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