Are you tired of waiting in long lines just to get your hands on that mouth - watering burrito bowl with its perfect cilantro lime rice filling? Well, fret no more! Our copycat cilantro lime rice recipe is here to bring the restaurant - style goodness right into your own kitchen. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a staple in many Mexican and Tex - Mex cuisines, and now you can master it with ease.

Let's start by gathering the ingredients. You'll need 1 cup of long - grain white rice, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. The choice of long - grain white rice is crucial as it gives the rice a light and fluffy texture, which is ideal for this recipe.

First, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. This step is essential as it removes the excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky. Place the rinsed rice in a medium - sized saucepan and add the 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight - fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 18 - 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the water and cook to perfection.

While the rice is cooking, it's time to prepare the cilantro and lime mixture. Wash the fresh cilantro and pat it dry with a paper towel. Chop the cilantro finely, making sure to include both the leaves and the tender stems. The cilantro adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the rice. Next, take the lime and zest it using a fine grater. Zesting the lime captures all the aromatic oils in the outer peel, which will enhance the overall flavor. Then, cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it even fluffier. After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork. Now, add the unsalted butter to the rice. The butter not only adds a rich, creamy flavor but also helps to keep the rice moist. Stir the butter into the rice until it's fully melted and incorporated.

Add the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice to the rice. Sprinkle in the salt and a pinch of black pepper. Gently stir all the ingredients together, making sure that the cilantro, lime, and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the rice. The bright green color of the cilantro and the tangy aroma of the lime will make your kitchen smell amazing.

This cilantro lime rice is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also makes a great base for a burrito bowl, topped with your favorite proteins, vegetables, and salsa. You can even use it as a filling for tacos or as an ingredient in a rice salad.

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can adjust the flavors according to your taste. If you love cilantro, you can add more of it. If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, you can squeeze in an extra lime. You can also experiment with adding other herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist.

In conclusion, our copycat cilantro lime rice recipe is a game - changer. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Say goodbye to long restaurant lines and hello to a homemade, restaurant - quality cilantro lime rice that you can enjoy anytime you want. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and start cooking this amazing dish today!