Put your leftover rice to good use with this easy Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! Perfect for meal prep, burrito bowls, tacos, or a quick side dish, this flavorful rice comes together in minutes using cooked rice, fresh cilantro and lime juice. Whether you’re working with leftover Chipotle-style rice or day-old jasmine rice, this zesty and aromatic dish is a delicious way to reduce food waste. Great for weeknight dinners, lunches, or taco night!
Making Cilantro Lime Rice with Leftover Rice
I just made my favorite shrimp avocado salad and needed a quick side to go with it—that’s when I remembered we had some leftover rice in the fridge. Instead of making something new from scratch, I gave the rice a flavorful refresh with lime juice and fresh cilantro. And just like that, this Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice recipe was born!
You should never throw away leftover rice—it’s one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. From fried rice to rice bowls to tacos, day-old rice makes takeout meals more budget-friendly by stretching them into a second dish. My favorite ways to use it? This cilantro lime rice and my easy Leftover Rice Tacos.
How much rice is in a takeout container?
Approximately 2 cups of packed leftover rice typically fits in a standard takeout container. This leftover rice cilantro lime recipe is super flexible—you can easily scale it up or down depending on how much rice you have on hand.
How to Make Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice
To warm up your leftover rice, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add about 3 tablespoons of water and give it a good stir to break up any clumps. Cover the pan with a lid and let it steam for a few minutes, stirring now and then until the rice is heated through and fluffy.
While the rice is warming, finely chop your fresh cilantro and toss it into a small bowl. Add the lime juice and a pinch of salt, then stir to combine
Once the rice is nice and hot, take the skillet off the heat and mix in the cilantro lime mixture. Stir everything together until the flavors are evenly combined. If you like it a little more tangy, feel free to squeeze in some extra lime juice to taste. Then, serve and enjoy!
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Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice
PrintIngredients
- 3 cups leftover white rice
- 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place leftover rice in a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of water on top and stir to help break up any clumps. Cover with a lid and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.
- While the rice warms up, finely chop the cilantro and add it to a small bowl. Stir in the lime juice and salt, giving it a stir to mix it up.
- Once the rice is hot, remove it from the heat and mix in the cilantro lime mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined. Taste it. Does it need more lime juice? Then add another tablespoon. Serve and enjoy!
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