This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is so aromatic, flavorful and easy to make! It's the perfect side for Mexican dishes like burritos, enchiladas, taco plates, fish or beans! Yum!
Craving for some Chipotle's cilantro lime rice? Well, in this post I am going to share the best Cilantro Lime rice recipe to accompany any Mexican meal. This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is so easy to make, quick and made with simple pantry ingredients. The rice is so fragrant, lemony, and packed with fresh herb flavor from the cilantro leaves.
For non-pressure cooker users, just keep reading because I will show you how to make this Cilantro Lime rice on the stovetop.
CHECK OUT MORE MEXICAN-INSPIRED RECIPES:
- INSTANT POT CARNITAS – MEXICAN PULLED PORK
- INSTANT POT QUESO DIP RECIPE
- CHORIZO EGG TACOS
- SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TACO SOUP
- EASY VEGAN TACOS RECIPE
- GRILLED LIME CHICKEN TACO RECIPE
- MEXICAN BREAKFAST TOAST
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients:
To make this Pressure Cooker Cilantro-Lime Rice recipe, you will need a good quality of long grain rice, cilantro, water or broth, lime and lime zest.
Any long grain rice such as American long-grain white rice, basmati rice, or Jasmine rice. This type of rice will stay fluffy and will separate after cooking. It has a firm and dry texture, making them the perfect choice for side dishes.
How to Cook this Cilantro Lime Rice in an Instant Pot:
This recipe works with any electric pressure cooker such as an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. The cooking process is very simple and quick. You only need to cook the rice at high pressure for 3 minutes, then naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes after cooking. The rice will be perfectly cooked with a nice texture to it.
CHECK OUT THESE DELICIOUS INSTANT POT RECIPES:
- INSTANT POT GOULASH
- INSTANT POT QUESO DIP RECIPE
- INSTANT POT HAMBURGER HELPER
- INSTANT POT CARNITAS – MEXICAN PULLED PORK
- INSTANT POT BEEF STROGANOFF
- INSTANT POT BRISKET AKA PULLED BEEF FOR SLIDERS!
- INSTANT POT BEEF SHORT RIBS – BONELESS!
- INSTANT POT GREAT NORTHERN BEAN SOUP
- INSTANT POT ITALIAN SAUSAGE KALE SOUP
There are a few important steps to follow to make a good Cilantro Lime Rice.
- First, you have to wash the rice to remove any debris and most importantly to remove the surface starch that will cause the rice to clump together and be mushy after cooking. I usually rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Second, similar to rice pilaf, you need to toast the rice in oil or any cooking fat prior to adding the water or broth. This will give the rice a rich and nutty flavor.
- Third, to add the aromatic flavor to the rice, you need to add some fresh lime zest to the water prior to cooking the rice. Trust me, as soon as you finish pressure cooking and open the lid, it will make your home smell amazing!
- Last, you will add the remaining fresh ingredients of cilantro and lime juice just before serving.
Well, I hope that you'll enjoy this recipe! Don't forget to share and come back to review this recipe!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 1½ cups broth , (or use water plus 1 teaspoon salt)
- 2 tablespoon oil, (or butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- zest of one lime
- ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, (lightly packed, use more or less according to your liking)
- salt and black pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear; drain well.
- Press the “Sauté” function key. Select a temperature with the “Adjust” key for “Normal”.When Instant Pot reaches the given working temperature, it displays “Hot” and you can start sautéing.
- Heat the oil, add rice, and saute for about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 45 seconds.
- Add water or broth, and lime zest together in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. Be sure to scrap the bottom of the pot to make sure there is nothing stuck on it and to prevent burning.
- Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook or manual on high for 3 minutes. After the cooking cycle finished, wait 10 minutes before moving the Venting Knob from Sealing Position to Venting Position to release the remaining pressure.
- Transfer the rice into a large bowl. Let it cool down for 10 minutes then use a fork to gently stir the rice and break up any obvious lumps. Pour lime juice over the rice and toss with chopped cilantro just before serving.
Notes
To Cook the Cilantro-Lime on the Stove:
- Heat oil in the large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add white rice and saute for 2 minutes or until browned.
- Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Stir in about 2¼ cups of broth or water plus 1 teaspoon salt, lime zest and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes or follow the cooking instructions on the product packaging.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool down for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the rice into a large bowl. Use a fork to gently stir the rice and break up any obvious lumps.
- Pour lime juice over the rice and toss with chopped cilantro just before serving.
Amber Myers says
Yes please, this is my kind of rice! I will be making this for sure the next time we make tacos or burritos!
Tasheena says
Cilantro rice is one of my favorites. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Shelley King says
Cilantro Lime Rice is one of my favorite things! We always make it! Sometimes it doesn't even match what we are having but we make it anyway!
Marysa says
This sounds so good! I don't know how I haven't made this before. Great recipe to make while we are home.
Tabitha Blue says
Yes please! Loving our instant pot lately and this look absolutely delish!
Beth says
I love cilantro lime rice but never had the recipe. Thanks for sharing both versions!
Chef Dennis says
This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is making me crave. I really love to try making this for my wife and sons. It will be their new favorite.
Catalina says
Now I now what I will make for tonight dinner. This is such a perfect side dish!
Lynndee says
I always have rice in any of my meals. I haven't had cilantro rice before, though. I'm definitely going to give your recipe a try. Bet it's good!
Terri Steffes says
This would be such a wonderful addition to my Mexican dishes. I love the flavor combination and it would be so easy to do while making food. Thank you!