Cilantro Lime Black Bean and Rice Recipe – jazz up plain jasmine rice with black beans by adding fresh squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. It’s an easy flavorful side dish that takes 20 minutes.
You will not believe how fresh lime juice can transform the flavor of this simple classic dish.
It’s so delicious and can easily be made into a one pot meal or stand alone dish.
It’s the perfect addition to many Mexican recipes.
It makes great burrito filling when adding the traditional fixings. I also like to use it in any part of our meal plan.
And did I mention it’s healthy, low in total fat and high in dietary fiber!
Rice is a common staple in my household. From long-grain white rice to basmati rice, jasmine is our favorite.
I have two athletes and it’s an easy way to fill their bellies.
It also refrigerates so easily.
Just reheat it and add your favorite extra veggies including green pepper, red onion, poblano pepper or tomatoes.
Plain rice can be boring so jazz it up by adding easy black beans and fresh squeezed lime juice.
Sprinkle some chopped cilantro to transform the flavor. ‘Ole!
I serve up this easy side dish on taco Tuesdays in my house.
It’s great served with burritos, and enchiladas and tacos.
I’ve even been known to add fresh chopped tomatoes and avocado to this healthy black bean and rice recipe.
There are many different ways to enjoy this black bean and rice recipe.
On fish night, I’ll add fresh lime zest and chopped mango or pineapple to this perfect side rice dish.
Or make it a main dish by adding jerk seasoned mahi mahi, shrimp or lime chicken on top.
You’ll think you were on a Caribbean island. Add an extra kick by turning up the spice level. Add your favorite spicy peppers.
It’s also delicious with anything off the grill.
Mojo pork or cilantro lime marinated chicken are delicious to serve alongside this jasmine rice.
Be sure to check out my jasmine rice with plantains and cilantro too!
Recipe ingredients needed
You’ll need a few pantry staples as well as a few a couple of cans of beans to make this recipe.
Jasmine rice. The rice aisle should have this by the bag. We love the flavor of jasmine rice and prefer it over white rice.
Canned beans. Grab a few cans of black beans because it’s handy having extra stored at home for when you need it.
Limes. Fresh is best. Roll the limes around in your hand to help release the juice before using. Keep a few lime wedges to squeeze for extra flavor.
Olive oil. You should already have this pantry staple at home. Otherwise, grab a bottle of quality olive oil.
Cilantro. The produce section should have fresh cilantro. Grab a bunch and be generous in this recipe!
How to make Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans:
Cook the rice: Mix together the rice, olive oil and enough liquid in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer the rice on low heat covered with a tight fitting lid for about 20 minutes.
Mix in the beans: Drain and rinse the beans then combine beans and freshly squeezed lime juice into the rice as it finishes cooking.
Add the cilantro: Chop the cilantro before stirring in to the rice.
Serve: Use the rice and bean mixture in tacos or burritos or eat it as a side dish. Enjoy!
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Cilantro Lime Black Bean and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 cups Jasmine rice
- 1 handful chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Mix together two cups of water, 1 tablespoon olive oil and one cup of rice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover allowing the rice to cook for about 20 minutes.
- Once the rice has cooked for almost 10 to 15 minutes and the water has evaporated stir in the lime juice, the black beans and cilantro.
- Finish cooking until the rice is completely cooked and the beans are warm, about 5 minutes more. Store the leftover rice in an airtight container.
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Simple, fresh and light. This would go really great with grilled chicken!
This side dish would go great with grilled chicken, especially marinated chicken.
I’m so boring when it comes to rice, this is a great idea to add flavour and colour without lots and lots of extra ingredients.
Rice doesn’t have to be boring. Just a few additions can transform plain rice into something super tasty.
So delicious Ali!! Love the looks of this. bright and just so sunshiny!
Thanks so much. The lime and cilantro adds great flavor. Great with anything Mexican.
I could make a meal from jazzing up rice and this looks delicious.
Thanks Janette…so simple and an easy side dish or make it a meal!
This does sound easy! Definitely a side dish my family will love. They’re beans and rice fiends. 😉
Thanks Raia. It is easy and simple with so many dishes. I hope your family loves it:)
When do you put in the black beans and oil?
Thanks so much for your comment. Sometimes it’s my readers who catch my omissions:) I have updated the recipe. Hope you like it. It’s a family favorite of ours. Easy, healthy and delicious.