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–+ servings
Cilantro lime basmati rice in a white bowl.

Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice Recipe

A light, fluffy basmati rice with lime and cilantro made in one pot with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and green peas. This healthy, quick side dish is full of flavor and perfect for everyday meals.
Author: Sheeba
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 226 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 jalapeños
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • ¼ cup cilantro

STEP BY STEP IMAGES

Scroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

Instructions
 

  • Soak 1 cup Basmati rice in a bowl of water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Finely chop 2 jalapeños and mince 4 cloves garlic.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot. Add the jalapeños and garlic.
  • Sauté until you get a nutty aroma.
  • Rinse and drain the rice. Add ½ cup green peas and drained rice to the pot and stir gently for a few minutes.
  • Add 1¾ cups of water and 1 bouillon cube.
  • Finely chop ¼ cup cilantro and add, reserving some for garnish. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil.
  • Once the water starts boiling, cover the pot and reduce the flame. Let the rice simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
  • Turn off the stove. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Add 3 tablespoons lime juice and 2 teaspoons lime zest. Stir gently.
  • Garnish with more cilantro and serve.

Video

Notes

  1. Soak the rice (optional but worth it): Soaking basmati rice for 15–20 minutes helps remove some of the starch—perfect for a fluffy basmati rice.
  2. Get the water ratio just right: It depends on how you cook the rice. For basmati cooked on stove top, use typically 1 cup rice: 1¾ cups of water for perfectly cooked grains.
  3. Control the heat from jalapeños: Remove the seeds for mild warmth, or keep them in if you prefer a bit more kick.
  4. Sauté for deeper flavor: Lightly sauté the rice for a good 5 minutes before adding water. This adds a subtle nutty depth and enhances the overall flavor of your lime cilantro rice.
  5. Use cilantro stems (not just leaves!): Finely chop tender cilantro stems and mix them in —they’re packed with flavor.
  6. Add cilantro while cooking: In addition to garnishing, I mix in cilantro when I add water. It helps the rice absorb the flavor better while cooking.
  7. Let the rice rest before fluffing: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows moisture to redistribute, giving you perfectly fluffy grains.
  8. Add lime at the end: Stir in lime juice and zest only after cooking to keep that fresh, vibrant zing in your cilantro lime basmati rice.
  9. Fluff gently with a fork: Avoid stirring too much—use a fork to gently separate the grains and keep the texture light.
Nutrition Facts
Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
226
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.6
g
4
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2.7
g
Cholesterol
 
0.04
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
244.7
mg
11
%
Potassium
 
150.3
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
42.3
g
14
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1.8
g
2
%
Protein
 
4.8
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
288
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
20.4
mg
25
%
Calcium
 
27
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.8
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.