This copycat cilantro lime rice is just like Cafe Rio’s and it makes the perfect addition to any Mexican dish or entree for dinner.

*This is a sponsored post due to my partnership with the Utah Dairy Council

I’ve found that when I make Mexican food lately I really want rice and beans with it, just like the restaurants do. I didn’t used to care, but I’ve really grown to like the rice and beans. We have three favorites, Spanish Rice , Perfect Rice the Costa Rican way (which is awesome because you freeze the “flavor kit”  for use all winter long, and this Cilantro Lime Rice Cafe Rio Copycat.

We especially love how easy this rice is. Just throw the cilantro, lime juice, etc in the rice cooker and we don’t even worry about it until it’s done. Which also gives us much more time to get done with whatever we have going on at the house. That could mean chores, homework or lately a couple pages of a good book. Oh and there’s a touch of butter in the rice. Let’s not forget that. A little dairy can totally change a dish for the better. True story.

Which we had these yummy Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas that same night so friends, make sure you try those too. Seriously the best enchiladas you will ever scarf down. Whenever I have a crazy busy week I automatically want comfort food. Obviously I’m an emotional eater. In fact, it was an emotional weekend, but in the very best way.

Cade and I attended our very first Time Out For Women. I know, it’s for women, but it’s actually just as good for men and since we are a team we were invited to attend together. It was wonderful. Basically it’s a “timeout” the women from anywhere can take to get refreshed and rejuvenated. There were amazing speakers like Tim Ballard, who we talked about in this post about White Chocolate Dipped Mint Milanos and the underground railroad that is rescuing so many children in sex slavery, Brad Wilcox about grace and how to use it and understand how it works for each of us, a darling girl named, Emily who when running past an assisted living facility felt prompted to stop in and ask if she could play the piano for the residents and the rest is history, she’s become best friends at 25 with a 100 year old man. She is helping him feel joy at an age when they often feel forgotten.

Needless to say, we had an incredible weekend. We are absolutely convinced that the best thing anyone can do for their business, family, or self is to take a “timeout”. Get inspired again. Remember who you are and why you are here. Like Brad said, “we can’t change the world, but we can work to change our own world.”

That’s the one thing Cade and I needed to hear. This blog is more than food for us. It’s a chance to share good things. We are preparing to speak at a fireside in Rexburg, Idaho about being a light in an ever increasingly dark world and we feel certain that we can at least help our own circle see the good that still exists and hopefully inspire hearts to be the good in any way they can.

Do Limes Have Vitamin C?

Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is one of the most important antioxidants in nature.

2 Tablespoons of lime juice contains 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C.

What Can You Substitute For Cilantro?

You can substitute cilantro with an equal amount of fresh parsley, tarragon, dill or a combination of the three.

Is Rice Good For You?

Rice is not fattening if you eat it in a small portion.

Rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

White rice is high in minerals such as calcium and iron.

It is also rich in vitamins, such as niacin, vitamin D, thiamine and riboflavin.

All Our Cafe Rio Copycat Recipes:

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork {Copycat} Recipe

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Crock Pot Cafe Rio Chicken Copycat [+ Video]

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Cafe Rio Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing [+ Video]

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Cafe Rio Copycat Sweet Pork Quesadilla

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Smothered Cafe Rio Chicken Burrito

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Cilantro Lime Rice Cafe Rio Copycat

Yield: 8 cups

Cilantro Lime Rice Cafe Rio Copycat

Total Time:25 mins

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

This copycat cilantro lime rice is just like Cafe Rio’s and it makes the perfect addition to any Mexican dish or entree for dinner.

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Rice
• 4 Cups Water
• 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
• 2 Teaspoons Chicken Bouillon
• 1 Handful cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 Can (4oz) Diced Green Chiles

Directions:

1. Pour everything in a rice cooker and follow product instructions, or in a pot, heat to a boil and then add the lid and turn down to low for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
2. Remove the lid, stir to combine everything and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Yield: 8 cups, Serving Size: 1

• Amount Per Serving:
• Calories: 201 Calories
• Total Fat: 3.2g
• Cholesterol: 7.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 38.7g
• Protein: 3.3g

All images and text ©Carrian Cheney for Oh Sweet Basil.

Recipes to Accompany Rice

Authentic Carne Asada Tacos

One of our all time favorites for tacos! Just wait until you try that marinated meat!

California Grilled Steak and Zucchini Burrito with Smoky Crema

It is all about the sauce in this one. Like, seriously. I’m a sauce fan anyway but this stuff changes the whole burrito.