Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cilantro Lime Rice (Fluffy, Fresh & Zesty)

Sarah Smith
Jan 2
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Bowl of cilantro lime rice with a lime wedge on top. Placed on a wooden table, a blue checkered napkin and cilantro leaves are nearby.

Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect side for cozy Mexican-inspired meals. Fragrant lime zest, fresh cilantro, and tender rice come together to create a bright, restaurant-style dish that beautifully balances bold, savory flavors.

Serve it alongside Chicken Tinga Tostadas, Beef Barbacoa, or Chicken Tortilla Soup for an easy, comforting dinner. It’s also a must-have base for burrito bowls topped with Mexican Street Corn (Elote), black beans, and your favorite protein.

Whether you’re planning taco night or meal prepping for the week, this simple rice recipe adds fresh flavor to every bite and pairs effortlessly with so many Cozy Home Recipes favorites.

Why You’ll Love This

Light, fluffy rice with bright cilantro and fresh lime flavor
Simple side dish that pairs well with many meals
Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Perfect for Mexican-inspired dinners, bowls, or meal prep

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Rest Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Serving size: One cup

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 290mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
2 cups water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and olive oil.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Flavor

Use zest + juice: Zest adds aroma without extra acidity.
Don’t over-stir: Fold gently to keep the rice fluffy.
Extra richness: Swap half the water for coconut milk for a subtle twist.

Variations

Brown rice: Increase liquid and cook time.
Garlic cilantro lime rice: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the cooking liquid.
Chipotle-style: Stir in a pinch of cumin and a splash of oil at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time?

Yes! This rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Can I use brown rice?

Absolutely. Just increase the cooking time and liquid according to your rice package instructions.

What dishes pair best with cilantro lime rice?

This rice is perfect with Carne Asada, Slow Cooker Chicken Salsa Verde, Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos, Mediterranean Chicken Bowls, or as a base for Chicken Fajitas.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes — simply use olive oil instead of butter and water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I keep the rice fluffy?

Avoid over-stirring and always let the rice rest before fluffing to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Rice is one of those simple recipes that instantly elevates a meal. Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly versatile, it’s the perfect side dish for taco nights, burrito bowls, or cozy Mexican dinners at home. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat — it’s easy, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with so many comfort-food favorites.