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This single serving cilantro lime rice is light, fragrant, and full of fresh flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy, flavorful rice side dish that pairs well with chicken, fish, or tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned: This single serving cilantro lime rice makes about 1 1/2 cups, an ideal amount for one or two servings.
- Fresh, Bright Flavor: Lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro give the rice its clean, vibrant flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple steps and everyday ingredients.
- Versatile Side Dish: Serve this rice with chicken, fish, shrimp, beef, or vegetables.
- Restaurant Style Texture: Fluffy, well seasoned rice with the kind of flavor you expect from restaurant style cilantro lime rice.
- Made from Scratch: This rice is made without mixes or shortcuts, just real ingredients and reliable results.
I make this cilantro lime rice all the time because it brings fresh, bright flavor to a simple pot of rice. Lime zest added during cooking infuses the rice with citrus, and the lime juice stirred in at the end keeps the flavor lively and fresh.
As the basmati rice cooks, the aroma fills the kitchen, and once the fresh cilantro is added, it feels complete and inviting. I love how light and fluffy it is, with just enough citrus to brighten every bite.
I often serve it with dishes like carne asada for one, single serving chicken fajitas, slow cooker ropa vieja, small batch fish tacos, or a burrito bowl. It works with so many meals, but it is also good enough to enjoy on its own. If you like simple recipes that deliver real flavor, I think this one will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch cilantro lime rice recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Long-Grain Rice: This recipe is written for basmati rice, which I recommend using for its aromatic quality and the way its flavor pairs with cilantro and lime. Jasmine or standard long-grain white rice can be used instead, but you will need to adjust the water ratio and cooking time based on the rice you choose.
- Olive Oil: Added during cooking to help prevent sticking and support a tender, fluffy texture, then drizzled in after cooking to enhance flavor.
- Lime Zest: Adds concentrated citrus flavor that infuses the rice as it cooks.
- Lime Juice: Stirred in after cooking for fresh, bright flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings color and a clean, herby finish to the rice.
- Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
Cilantro Lime Rice Variations
This recipe is easy to customize with a few simple changes.
- Cauliflower Variation: Substitute cooked cauliflower rice for a low carb option and stir in lime juice and cilantro at the end.
- Using Cooked Rice: Warm cooked rice in a saucepan with a small splash of water and olive oil. Once heated through, stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, then season to taste. This variation works well with our single serving baked white rice and baked brown rice recipes.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice For One
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Add the rice, water, olive oil, salt, and lime zest to a 2 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low so the rice simmers gently.
- Cook without lifting the lid for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the rice to a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice, add the remaining olive oil, and gently toss with chopped cilantro. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups cooked rice.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch and helps the rice cook up fluffy, not sticky.
- Keep the Lid On: Keep the pot covered while the rice cooks and during the resting time. Lifting the lid releases steam and can affect the texture.
- Rest Before Fluffing: Let the rice rest off the heat before fluffing so the moisture redistributes evenly.
- Add Lime at the End: Stir in the lime juice after cooking to keep the citrus flavor fresh and balanced.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste and adjust the salt and lime at the end since acidity and seasoning levels can vary.
Serving Suggestions
This light, zesty cilantro lime rice works beautifully as a base or side dish and complements a wide variety of meals. Try it in a salmon rice bowl, serve it alongside steak fajitas for one, or pair it with a baked chicken breast, baked cod, or single serving chicken enchiladas. It also makes a great base for a shrimp bowl with pico de gallo or fresh salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Warm cooked rice with a small splash of water and olive oil, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Season to taste.
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cilantro just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also make a double batch and freeze the rice for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Yes, this single serving recipe doubles easily using the same method. Use a 3-quart saucepan to allow the rice to cook evenly.
Basmati rice is ideal because it is aromatic and cooks up light and fluffy.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving cilantro lime rice or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Get a Quick Recipe Overview
Cilantro Lime Rice For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup basmati rice -rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil -divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt -divided
- ¼ teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Add the rice, water, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and lime zest to a 2 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low so the rice simmers gently.
- Cook without lifting the lid for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the rice to a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice, add the remaining olive oil, and gently toss with chopped cilantro. Taste and add the remaining salt if needed.
Notes
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch and helps the rice cook up fluffy, not sticky.
- Keep the Lid On: Keep the pot covered while the rice cooks and during the resting time. Lifting the lid releases steam and can affect the texture.
- Rest Before Fluffing: Let the rice rest off the heat before fluffing so the moisture redistributes evenly.
- Add Lime at the End: Stir in the lime juice after cooking to keep the citrus flavor fresh and balanced.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste and adjust the salt and lime at the end since acidity and seasoning levels can vary.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Good recipe.
Thank you.