How To Make ChipotleʼS Rice

Introduction

Chipotle Mexican Grill is known for its delicious and flavorful rice that serves as a perfect base for their burrito bowls and other menu items. Making Chipotle’s rice at home can be a great way to recreate the restaurant experience in your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Chipotle’s signature cilantro-lime rice right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 1 3/4 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice:

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Cook the rice:

In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, vegetable oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.

3. Fluff the rice:

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice to separate the grains and allow excess moisture to evaporate.

4. Add lime juice and cilantro:

Squeeze the juice of the lime over the cooked rice and add the chopped cilantro. Gently fold the lime juice and cilantro into the rice until evenly distributed.

5. Finish and serve:

Give the rice a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Chipotle-style rice as a side dish, in burrito bowls, or as a filling for burritos and tacos.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use a fine-mesh strainer: Rinsing the rice ensures that it cooks up fluffy and not clumpy. A fine-mesh strainer allows you to rinse the rice thoroughly.
• Don’t skip the fluffing step: Allowing the rice to rest off the heat and then fluffing it with a fork helps create a light and fluffy texture.
• Adjust the lime and cilantro to taste: Feel free to add more or less lime juice and cilantro based on your preference. The flavors should be vibrant and fresh.
• Store leftovers properly: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of water and steam it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now enjoy Chipotle’s famous cilantro-lime rice in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different variations by adding diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn to create your own customized version of this classic dish. Serve it as a side, mix it into a burrito bowl, or use it as a filling for tacos. The possibilities are endless!