Cilantro lime rice with black beans is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals or stands alone as a delicious vegetarian option. This recipe combines fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and protein-rich black beans into a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
This dish is inspired by Mexican and Southwestern flavors, making it a great complement to tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or even as a filling for burrito bowls. The balance of citrusy tang from fresh lime juice and the earthiness of black beans creates a taste that’s fresh and well-rounded.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Everything cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and easier cleanup. Plus, with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality side dish ready in no time.
If you love dishes that are quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor, this cilantro lime rice with black beans will quickly become a staple in your home. It’s a perfect addition to meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you need something fast and delicious.
Servings
Serves: 4–6 people
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat with the oil. Cook for 1–2 minutes to slightly toast the rice, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the rice: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), black beans, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add flavor: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño if using.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.
Tips
- Use brown rice: Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, increasing the cooking time to about 40 minutes.
- Make it extra zesty: Add more lime juice if you love an extra citrusy flavor.
- Add veggies: Toss in corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for additional texture and taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or lime juice to freshen it up.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed dish.
Summary
This One Pot Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or main course. With fresh lime, aromatic cilantro, and hearty black beans, it’s a healthy, delicious option for any meal. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and made in just one pot for minimal cleanup!
One Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (with Black Beans) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small jalapeño finely diced (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat with the oil. Cook for 1–2 minutes to slightly toast the rice, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the rice: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), black beans, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add flavor: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño if using.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.
Notes
- Use brown rice: Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, increasing the cooking time to about 40 minutes.
- Make it extra zesty: Add more lime juice if you love an extra citrusy flavor.
- Add veggies: Toss in corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for additional texture and taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or lime juice to freshen it up.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed dish.
