Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Rice

Name: Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups water; 1 lime, juiced and zested; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Fast Weeknight Recipes

I absolutely love preparing Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Rice for my family gatherings. This dish is bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the zesty lime and fragrant cilantro. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a delightful side for any meal. The best part is how quickly and easily it comes together! Whether it's a busy weeknight or a festive celebration, this rice continually impresses and satisfies everyone's palate.

Created by

Luca

Last updated on 2026-02-05T18:21:28.133Z

Making Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Rice has become a staple in my kitchen. The vibrant flavors transform simple dishes into something truly special. I find that the key is using fresh lime juice; it brightens up the rice and elevates it to the next level. In fact, I often add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor.

During a recent dinner party, I served this rice alongside grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. Everyone raved about how delicious it was! I love how versatile this rice can be—perfect for tacos or as a base for a hearty bowl. It’s always a hit and can be customized with additional ingredients like black beans or corn.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Zesty lime flavor that brightens up any meal
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Achieving perfectly fluffy rice is all about the right ratio of water to rice and cooking technique. For this recipe, the 2:1 water-to-rice ratio ensures that the rice cooks evenly, absorbing just the right amount of moisture. Be sure to bring the water to a full boil before reducing the heat; this initial high temperature helps the rice start cooking evenly. Keeping the lid on is essential, as it traps the steam and moisture, resulting in tender grains without any sticking together.

After cooking, letting the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes is a crucial step. This resting period allows any residual steam to continue cooking the rice gently, which helps achieve that desired fluffiness. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice instead of a spoon, as this prevents breaking the grains and maintains their integrity. This technique also aerates the rice, making it light and perfect for mixing in the cilantro and lime flavors.

Ingredient Roles and Flavor Balance

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that signature cilantro lime flavor. The zesty lime juice and zest add brightness and acidity, which enhance the overall taste of the dish. Since limes can vary in acidity, I recommend tasting the lime juice before adding it to the rice, allowing you to adjust the quantity based on your flavor preference. Fresh lime will always yield the best results over bottled lime juice, which may have added preservatives.

Fresh cilantro not only infuses the rice with aromatic notes but also provides a fresh, herbaceous quality that balances the acidity of the lime. If you're not a fan of cilantro or if someone in your gathering is not, you can replace it with parsley for a milder flavor. However, the unique profile of cilantro is what truly makes this dish stand out, so it's worth the effort to use fresh herbs whenever possible.

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 lime, juiced and zested
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Fluff and Season

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this delicious cilantro lime rice ahead of time, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store it, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container; this prevents condensation from making the rice soggy. When you're ready to serve, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water to help re-steam the rice and prevent sticking.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing the rice in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You might want to add a little more olive oil and fresh lime juice after reheating for that just-made freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or shrimp, bringing a bright contrast to savory flavors. It can also be a base for a tasty burrito or taco night. For a complete meal, consider adding black beans and corn to create a flavorful rice bowl topped with avocado slices and your favorite salsa.

Feel free to experiment with variations! For instance, tossing in diced bell peppers or jalapeños can add a pleasant crunch and heat to the rice. If you're a fan of coconut, substituting half of the water with coconut milk will grant the rice a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with tropical-themed dishes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ How can I store leftover rice?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to moisten.

→ Can I freeze this rice?

Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can customize with black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for added taste and texture.