Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans
A vibrant rice dish with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and protein-rich black beans. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs white rice, water, (15 oz, drained and rinsed) black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed) black beans
- 1, zested and juiced lime
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup white rice with 2 cups water until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 zested and juiced lime, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Add the cooked rice to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cilantro-Lime Rice with Black Beans vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Easy and flavorful, my kids ate it all.
- ★★★★★
This is my new favorite side dish! Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for meal prep. Took longer to cook than expected but worth it.
