This Lime-Cilantro Rice with Pineapple is one of my most favorite personal creations. There’s something about hot buttery rice that makes me feel warm and cozy inside, and with the addition of some of my favorite flavors, this has become a regular on our menu. It’s both sweet and savory- and if adding pineapple to rice sounds weird to you, I dare you to try it. This simple rice dish pairs perfectly with both Polynesian and Latin style dishes, and even a lot of Asian recipes, like Teriyaki Chicken.
What kind of pineapple do you use for Lime Cilantro Rice with Pineapple?
I originally always made this recipe with a can of pineapple tidbits, but after so many of our readers commented they loved the crushed pineapple, I switched over and agree! It just kind of melts into the finished dish and adds sweetness and flavor without big chunks. People often ask if they can use fresh pineapple, and you certainly can, if you have one, but I actually prefer the canned. Sometimes I leave out the pineapple (often for Latin style dishes- I just go with lime and cilantro), and throw in a can of black beans, or use it for fajita stuffing. It’s a really quick side dish to toss together and a nice change from your every day white rice.
How do you make Lime Cilantro Rice?
You don’t need to do anything special with the rice- just make white rice as normal. When it’s all done, you’ll throw some butter in there to melt all over and make things delicious.
And then just toss in your pineapple, some chopped cilantro, a big squeeze of lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
It’s so quick and easy and SO good.
What do I serve with Lime-Cilantro Rice:
Try it with:
Asian BBQ Chicken
Sweet and Savory Flank Steak
Rosemary Pineapple Flank Steak
Teriyaki Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Flanken Style Ribs
Lime-Cilantro Rice with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry white rice cooked according to directions
- 2 tablespoons real butter
- Juice from 1 large lime or two smaller ones (taste as you go, I add a lot!)
- 1 small can crushed pineapple drained (You may want 2 small cans)
- ½ – ¾ cups chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice. As soon as it’s done, toss in the butter and stir to melt. Add lime juice, pineapple, and cilantro. Stir to combine, and then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
This is especially amazing with :
—Chili-Lime Mango Chicken Skewers
Questions & Reviews
What is the serving size for this recipe? Have a dinner party 3/8/12 and want to try this dish. Just need to know if I’m going to have to double the recipe….
How much cilantro do you use if you use the dried kind that is in the spice aisle? The same amount? That seems like a lot!
The general rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dry. But really, for this recipe I’d use fresh if you can!
Delicious recipe! I cooked my rice with cocunut milk and it was rather tasty. Thank you for the recipe 🙂
As someone who lived in Brasil for two years, I LOVE all the Brazilian recipes here. For the rice, instead adding citrus, in Teresina they would slice some banana. MMMM, can’t wait to try this recipe with banana! Thanks. 🙂
The flavor is great, but somehow I put my rice to mush! Ill use my rice cooker next time
Hey Sara, just wanted you to know that I made this recipe (no pineapple) tonight and used quinoa instead of rice, and it turned out great! (I love quinoa!) I also used olive oil instead of butter to take the calorie count down a bit and I cooked it in my rice cooker. I served it with cilantro-lime grilled fish tacos and your mango pico de gallo. It was heavenly! My new favorite dinner! Thank you, thank you!
I am looking for a recipe that is close to cafe Rios rice. Is this anywhere near that?
Kristen, when I make knock-off Cafe Rio salads I make this rice, but without the pineapple. You can also add a can of green chilies to the rice while it cooks!
I tried this even though it is not my normal style. It was wonderful! My husband asked me to make it again soon. I served it with tortilla crusted chicken and mexican black beans from the blog Cooking During Stolen Moments. Made an amazing meal! Thanks for sharing. Oh, we also had no problem with the leftovers. We just didn't heat them to totally steaming so the pineapple wouldn't be too cooked!
Kori
I just made this with some grilled chicken. Although it was a bit…"gooey" I loved the flavor. I used fresh pineapple and it was fabulous!
Wonder what I did wrong. We didn't care for this at all. I used crushed pineapple, but it wasn't the texture, it was the taste- just not for us. Still looking for a jazzed up rice dish we will love!d