Lime and Coriander Rice is a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from curries and chilli to grilled chicken, fish and Mexican-inspired meals. Fluffy rice is cooked until tender and finished with fresh coriander and zesty lime for a fresh, vibrant flavour that instantly elevates any meal.
If you're looking for something a little more exciting than plain rice, this recipe is a great option. It's easy to make, uses just a handful of ingredients and adds plenty of flavour without overpowering your main dish.
Calories in Lime and Coriander Rice
This recipe serves 4 and is 172 calories per serving.
If you're looking for more recipes by calories, you'll find plenty of options grouped by calorie range here: Slimming Eats Low Calorie Recipes
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredient Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Basmati rice: Basmati is my preferred choice for this recipe because it cooks up light and fluffy, with the perfect texture for absorbing all the fresh lime and coriander flavours. Be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Stock: Cooking the rice in stock instead of water adds so much more flavour. Chicken stock works well with most meals, but vegetable stock is a great option if you want to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro): Fresh coriander is what gives this rice its signature flavour. If you're a fan of coriander, don't be afraid to be generous with it. Add it just before serving to keep the flavour fresh and vibrant.
- Lime: Both the juice and zest are used for the best flavour. The juice adds freshness and a little tang, while the zest gives a lovely citrus aroma throughout the rice. Fresh lime is highly recommended over bottled juice.
- Salt and black pepper: A little seasoning helps bring all the flavours together. Taste the rice before serving and adjust as needed, especially if using a low-sodium stock.
- Olive Oil spray: Used to lightly coat the pan before cooking. You can also use a small amount of olive oil if preferred.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This Lime and Coriander Rice is easy to adapt and works just as well with other grains and simple flavour additions.
Add extra flavour: Sauté a little garlic or finely diced onion before cooking, or add a pinch of cumin for a subtle earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with the lime and coriander.
Swap the rice: Basmati gives the best fluffy texture, but any long grain rice works well too. You can also use orzo, quinoa or couscous for a different twist. Simply cook according to the package instructions, then stir through the lime juice, zest and fresh coriander before serving.
Use lemon instead of lime: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a great alternative if you don't have limes on hand.
Change the herbs: Not a fan of coriander? Try fresh parsley instead, or use a combination of parsley and coriander for a milder flavour.
Add vegetables: Stir through cooked peas, sweetcorn, diced peppers or sliced spring onions for extra colour and texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes, cayenne pepper or some finely diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Add protein: Turn it into a more substantial side dish by mixing through cooked chicken, prawns, black beans or chickpeas.
What to Serve with Lime and Coriander Rice
This fresh and zesty rice pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, especially those with Mexican, Tex-Mex or lightly spiced flavours.
- Pineapple Pork Carnitas
- Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
- Turkey Chilli
- Chilli Con Carne
- Beef and Pinto Bean Chilli
- Chocolate Chilli
- Sweet Potato Lentil Chilli
- Slow Cooker Salsa Beef Chilli
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Marinated Steak
- Piri Piri Shrimp Skewers
It also works wonderfully as part of a simple rice bowl topped with grilled chicken, black beans, avocado, corn salsa and a dollop of soured cream.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
Storing: Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Once cooled, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot. Add a splash of water or stock before reheating to help restore the fluffy texture if the rice has dried out slightly during storage.
Top Tip: If possible, add a little extra fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime after reheating to freshen up the flavours before serving.
More Rice Recipes
Looking for some more rice recipes to try? Check out these
See more Rice Recipes →
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Recipe Card
Lime and Coriander (Cilantro) Rice
A simple and flavourful Lime and Coriander Rice that makes the perfect side dish for Mexican-inspired meals, chilli, grilled meats and so much more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (180g) of basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups (480ml) of chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 handfuls of freshly chopped Coriander
- juice and zest of half a fresh lime
- salt and black pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Add the rice and stock to a deep frying pan, bring to a boil and simmer until stock is almost absorbed.
- Add lid and then turn off heat and leave for 10 minutes for steam to continue to cook rice until fluffy.
- Spray with some olive oil ,just to separate any grains of rice clumped together
- Stir in the zest and juice of half a lime and the fresh coriander.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Enjoy
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - - see freezing and reheating section.
- Gluten Free - use gluten free stock
- Dairy Free/Vegetarian Friendly
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 172Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 40mgSodium 439mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 5g
Nutritional information and valuesetc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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