By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026

Back to recipes
Easy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Serves 6

53 cal · 60 min

Easy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Recipe GLPRef0c96f352e57b

4.5(1)
Side Dish
60 min
53 cal
Servings: 6
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

This fragrant cilantro lime brown rice is a simple, wholesome side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Cooked with garlic, cumin, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this vegetarian rice is naturally gluten-free and makes a perfect complement to proteins or vegetable dishes.

Save recipes you love

Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.

Create free accountSign in

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil

½ onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup brown rice

2 cups water

½ Juice of ½ lime

¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

Directions

  1. Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Add the brown rice and stir to coat evenly with the oil and aromatics.

  5. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.

  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

  8. Stir in the fresh lime juice and minced cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

Every ingredient is available at any Charlotte grocer without a second stop—all staples at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Kroger, Walmart, and ALDI. Brown rice typically costs $0.60–$0.80 per pound, onions and garlic are under a dollar, and fresh cilantro and limes run $1–$2 total, landing the cost per serving around $0.75–$0.95, which is honest for a side dish. The stated 60 minutes is accurate for brown rice's cooking time alone, though actual hands-on prep is minimal. This is a reliable weeknight side that reheats well and pairs with nearly any protein, making it genuinely useful for a family meal plan.

Sign in or create a free account to add your review.