Tart lime juice and peppery cilantro infuse the long, fluffy grains of rice with fabulous flavor in this simple Oven Baked Rice.
Oven Baked Rice
Oven. Baked. Rice. This is a game changer, my friends, and there’s no better way to try it for the first time than in this cilantro lime rice. I tried baking rice in the oven once years ago when I first heard about it. But, I was unimpressed.
But, THIS rice? Spectacular. I could have eaten a whole pan full by myself, and my kids really enjoyed it, too. It became an instant staple over here.
I found this cilantro lime rice recipe in from my friend Jessica‘s cookbook, Good Cheap Eats, Dinner in 30 Minutes (or less!). It is filled with 300 easy recipes to help simplify dinner prep for healthy, unprocessed meals.
If you’re wondering how to bake rice in oven, you’ll be glad you learned. It so easy! It takes just moments to mix the ingredients. Pop it into the oven, and less than 30 minutes later, the rice is perfectly cooked.
Cilantro Lime Rice
I served each bowl with a lime wedge to squeeze over the top for even more tang. My youngest two boys preferred to eat their rice without extra lime, but Sam and I squeezed extra lime all over our rice and loved that extra flavor.
The cilantro lime rice kept well in the refrigerator for a couple of days and we enjoyed it with Southwest Chicken Bits for dinner and with tacos later that week for lunch. This rice is also amazing tucked into burritos, on salads, and any other way you like to enjoy your rice.
One of my favorite things about oven baked rice is that you can get your rice started in the oven, then have the whole stovetop free to cook the rest of your meal. That makes this rice recipe a great side dish option for a quick weeknight meal or for those big gatherings when every stove burner is spoken for.
Baked rice can serve as a side dish or you can gussy it up with your favorite meats (I can’t wait to try chicken and bacon) and veggies (broccoli, peas, carrots, celery… the list goes on!). And, don’t forget the cheese!
If you’ve never made rice in the oven before, I definitely recommend giving it a try. Let me know which ingredients you add to the mix, and how it turned out!
How to Cook Rice in the Oven
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- basmati rice, jasmine rice, or other long-grain rice
- ground cumin
- salt
- boiling water
- lime juice
- cilantro
- lime wedges (optional)
Making this rice recipe is no more complicated than making rice on the stove top. Start by preheating the oven to 425°F. While it heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking or casserole dish with butter or oil.
Add the 2 cup of rice, cumin, and salt to the baking dish and stir to distribute the spices. Then, spread the rice mixture out in an even layer before pouring in the cups of water.
Cover the pan tightly with its lid, or you can use heavy duty aluminum foil, sealing all the edges. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and stir.
If most of the liquid has not been absorbed, then bake rice in oven uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes. Afterward, remove from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes.
Before serving, fluff the white rice with a fork, drizzle with lime juice, and sprinkle with the cilantro. Then, stir to combine. Serve with additional lime wedges, if desired.
If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, leftover rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. And, don’t forget that leftovers are perfect for making meat lover’s fried rice!
This baked rice with cilantro and lime is in our regular rotation of rice dishes, alongside tried and true favorites like Mushroom and Pepper Rice Pilaf and this Fried Rice with Ham and Vegetables (it’s better than takeout!).
More baked rice recipes you might enjoy include hearty Baked Rice with Sausage and Peppers by Belly Full, Baked Mushroom Risotto with Caramelized Onions by 365 Days of Baking and Baked Mushroom Rice by Recipe Girl.
We also really enjoy this stove top variation on these flavors in Pineapple Rice with Cilantro and Lime. If you’re looking for a rice dish with a little hint of heat, be sure to give Chipotle Lime Rice a try as well.
Shrimp and Sausage Fried Rice is another on the list of our favorite dinners. This easy recipe is a “two thumbs up,” kid-approved, hearty-as-can-be skillet meal; perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Oven Baked Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- additional lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or oil. Combine the rice, cumin, and salt in the pan and stir to distribute the spices. Spread in an even layer. Pour in the boiling water.
- Cover the pan tightly with heavy duty aluminum foil, sealing all the edges. Bake the rice for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir. If most of the water has not been absorbed, bake uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, drizzle with lime juice, and sprinkle with the cilantro. Stir to combine. Serve with additional lime wedges, if desired.
Nutrition
{originally published 1/18/16 – recipe notes updated 2/19/24}
Tricia Buice says
This is wonderful Mary! I've never tried baked rice – thanks!
Anonymous says
This looks good! If I wanted to half this recipe, what size pan would I use? There are only my husband and I right now that I c0ook for. Thanks!
Mary says
I'd use an 8-inch square pan for a halved recipe. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
Hi! What type of food and flavours would you recommend serving with this? Chicken, vegetables, lamb etc. Thank you 🙂
Mary says
I typical make this to go with the Southwest Chicken Bites I linked to in the comments before the recipe. However, this rice will pair nicely with just about any main dish. Enjoy!
AFJ says
Could I make this with basmati rice?
Neika says
What adjustments would I make if using brown rice?
Mary says
If I recall correctly, brown rice took at least twice as long, nearly an hour. I’d check it at 45 minutes and then go from there.
Kim Finses says
Can this be adapted for making for a crowd? For example, 50 people?
Mary Younkin says
Sure, Kim. You’ll just need to multiply appropriately. (I’d recommend making in multiple pans though, vs one giant one.) I’m not sure how it will bake in a larger pan.
Katharine says
This looks delicious! What is the best way to reheat this if I make it the day before?
Mary Younkin says
I typically add a tablespoon or so of water and reheat in the microwave.
Tamra Lybbert says
Can you cook ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for a wedding?
Mary Younkin says
This should keep nicely in the fridge or freezer, Tamra. You may want to add a splash of water when reheating it to ensure it isn’t dry.
Vicki says
Trying it with Basmati
Mary Younkin says
Enjoy!
Janet says
The best rice recipe ever! I’m cooking rice this way forever.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the rice, Janet.
Julie says
Made tonight – so easy. Loved it!! If I double, can I use the 9×13?
Mary Younkin says
That should work just fine, Jule. I’m thrilled the rice was a hit.