The Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Rice Hack That Completely Rescues Flat, Boring Side Dishes

If your standard dinner sides are feeling a bit uninspired, this aromatic restaurant shortcut is about to bring some serious energy to your plate. Cilantro Lime Rice is the iconic, heavy-hitting base that breathes life into classic burrito bowls, tacos, and grilled meats, but it is surprisingly simple to whip up right at home.

Here’s what you need: 1 cup of raw long-grain white rice (for example, jasmine or basmati), 1 teaspoon of butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of lime zest, 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 cups of vegetable broth (can be substituted with chicken broth), 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro.

In a saucepan, combine the rice, oil, garlic, lime zest, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, and broth. Bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, granulated sugar, and cilantro.

Pour this mixture over the hot cooked rice and stir to fluff it up.