Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever eaten at Cafe Rio, you know the cilantro lime rice isn’t just a side—it’s the foundation of every bite. That fluffy bed of rice soaks up all the flavor from the sweet pork, beans, and creamy dressing, tying the whole salad or burrito together. Without it, the meal just wouldn’t be the same.

And let’s be real—rice can be pretty boring on its own. But this? This rice is bright, zesty, and fresh in a way that makes you actually look forward to scooping it onto your plate. That squeeze of lime and handful of chopped cilantro turn a plain grain into something unforgettable. Lucky for us, making it at home is quick, simple, and a total game changer.

Be sure to check out these other Cafe Rio copycat recipes:

• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad Recipe
• Cafe Rio Horchata Recipe
• Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing Recipe
• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe

Copycat Café Rio Cilantro Rice | Bring restaurant flavors home with this fresh, zesty cilantro lime rice—perfect for any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice

There are a million rice recipes out there, but Café Rio’s hits different. Here’s why:

• It’s fresh and flavorful. The lime adds just enough zing to keep each bite interesting, while the cilantro brings that herby kick we all love.
• It pairs with everything. Whether you’re building a sweet pork salad, stuffing a burrito, or topping a rice bowl, this rice fits right in.
• It’s easy to make. A few simple steps and you’ve got a restaurant-quality side dish on your table.
• It’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters usually go for it—it’s mild, fresh, and not too overpowering.

Cilantro-Lime Rice Meal Prep Idea | Make a batch of cilantro-lime rice once, then use it all week for bowls, salads, tacos, or lunch plates.

The Secret to Perfect Copycat Rice

The trick is layering flavors in just the right order. First, you start with fluffy white rice—long grain or basmati work best here. While the rice is warm, you mix in a little butter or oil, plenty of fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Some versions use chicken broth in place of water for cooking, which makes the flavor even deeper and richer. 

It’s simple, but the result is rice that doesn’t taste like filler. Instead, it’s fresh and slightly tangy, with little pops of green cilantro throughout. Exactly what you remember from Café Rio.

How to Serve It

This rice is way more versatile than you might think. Sure, it’s iconic in the sweet pork salad, but don’t stop there:

• In burritos: Roll it up with pork, beans, cheese, and tomatillo ranch for the full Café Rio experience.
• As a bowl base: Top with chicken, steak, veggies, or whatever leftovers you’ve got on hand.
• With tacos: It’s the perfect side to round out taco night.
• Meal prep: Make a big batch and use it in lunch bowls all week.

Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice at Home | Add a pop of flavor to dinner with this quick, easy cilantro lime rice inspired by Café Rio.

Tips for Success

Use fresh lime juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.

Chop cilantro finely. That way it spreads evenly throughout the rice.

Don’t overdo the liquid. Too much lime juice can make the rice soggy—stick to just enough for flavor.

Fluff, don’t stir. Use a fork to mix so the rice stays light and fluffy instead of mushy.

It’s crazy how something as simple as rice can take a meal from good to amazing, but that’s exactly what Café Rio’s cilantro lime rice does. Once you try this copycat version at home, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain rice. It’s quick, fresh, and the perfect way to bring a little Café Rio magic to your own kitchen. Enjoy!

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Café Rio Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Bring zesty flair to your meal with white rice seasoned with fresh lime juice and cilantro—simple, delicious, and crowd-approved. I like making this recipe in the Instant Pot, but I'm providing stovetop instructions in te notes section as well.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• garlic salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the instant pot. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged.
2. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook (High) for 3 minutes.
3. When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the zest of 1 lime and ½ cup freshly chopped cilantro (more or less to taste). Adjust seasoning with extra lime juice and salt if needed.

Notes

Stovetop Cooking Instructions

Toast the rice. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter (or oil) over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 2–3 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant.

Add liquid and seasonings. Stir in 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon), the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons), and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine.

Simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to low and let the rice simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Rest the rice. Remove from heat and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Fluff and finish. Use a fork to fluff the rice, then stir in the zest of 1 lime and ½ cup freshly chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lime juice and salt if needed.

Serve warm. Pair it with sweet pork, tacos, burrito bowls, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 562mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g