How to Cook Rice Like Chipotle Mexican Grill

Fresh cilantro is a key ingredient in Chipotle's rice recipe.

Anyone who has ever eaten at Chipotle Mexican Grill knows that the rice is a key element in what makes the food so good. The cilantro-lime rice featured at the restaurant is easy to recreate at home with just a few fresh ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 1/2 tsp lemon/lime juice
• 1/8 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Wash and rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Use a sieve for best results. Let the water run through the rice while moving it around with your fingers.

2. Cook the rice in the traditional manner. Use 3 cups of water for 2 cups of rice. Add the bay leaf. Put a lid on the pot, and bring the water and rice to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes. As soon as the rice is done cooking, remove the bay leaf, add the vegetable oil and fluff with a fork. Allow the rice to sit for 5 to 7 minutes before proceeding.

3. While the rice is cooking, give your cilantro a rough chop. Use mostly leaves, but some stems are acceptable.

4. Move the rice from the pot to a mixing bowl. Add the cilantro first and mix to prevent it from clumping with the other ingredients. Add the salt and juice, give it a good mix and taste.

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe is great for a Cinco de Mayo party, or when you're far away from a Chipotle and you're jonesin' for your burrito fix!

References

• CopyKatRecipes: Chipotle Mexican Grill Basmati Rice Recipe