Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Chipotle inspired cilantro lime brown rice!  It’s actually really easy to put together using all whole food plant-based ingredients.  Adding fresh cilantro and lime juice adds a burst of flavor to plain brown rice.

How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Make the brown rice according to its package instructions.  When the rice is done keep it covered, turn off the heat, and let it rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.  Keeping the lid on will keep the rice warm. Then fluff with a fork. 

After resting, add the lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and chopped fresh cilantro to the cooked rice.  Stir well to combine.  That’s it! Your outcome is flavorful cilantro brown rice, perfect for tacos or burrito bowls.  Now you have a filling dinner and the leftovers are great for lunch the next day.  

Tips for Cooking Rice

• Use a heavy bottom pot to cook rice to prevent the bottom from scorching.
• Use a tight-fitting lid to prevent liquid from leaking out, that liquid is needed for your rice.
• Brown rice is generally a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice for cooking on the stovetop, but check your package and cook according to the package instructions.
• Once the rice comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. The rice doesn’t need to be stirred while simmering so resist the temptation and keep it covered. Otherwise, you're letting out heat that’s needed for cooking.
• When the rice is done, keep the lid on, turn off the burner, and let the rice rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.  This lets the moisture redistribute and helps with a fluffier texture.
• After letting the rice rest, fluff it with a fork or rice paddle.

Tips for Brown Rice with Cilantro

• The garlic powder likes to stick together when it hits the warm brown rice.  To fix this, the brown rice can be stirred well to mix it in or you can put the lime juice, salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl, whisk together, then add it to the rice.  Add the cilantro separately because it clumps when added to the lime juice mixture.  
• Add the ingredients after cooking, otherwise, the delicate cilantro herb will wilt from the heat, and the fresh lime juice flavor will diminish with cooking.
• Use 3 tablespoons of lime juice for a more pronounced lime flavor.

What to Use Cilantro Brown Rice For?

• Use it in a chickpea vegetable rice bowl recipe
• Use it in a burrito bowl instead of Mexican-inspired rice
• Use it as a side to walnut lentil tacos, oil-free refried beans, or refried bean taquitos
• Use in a vegan taco bowl recipe
• Serve cilantro lime rice with black beans and corn for a super simple meal
• Add it to burritos
• Make a vegetable rice bowl with beans, greens, fresh vegetables, salsa (or pico de Gallo), vegan sour cream (or cashew lime crema), and diced avocado (or guacamole (vegan)).

I hope you enjoy the cilantro lime brown rice recipe!

More Brown Rice Recipes

• Mexican-inspired brown rice
• Oil-free fried rice
• Chickpea vegetable rice bowl

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