Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

You’ll love this mouthwatering Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe that’s bursting with flavor and makes the perfect side dish anytime.

Whip up a zesty batch of Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice, and get ready to be wowed by the vibrant flavors that this dish brings to your table. This rice is fluffy, and fragrant and perfectly balances the tangy zest of lime with the fresh, herby kick of cilantro.

All this is brought together in the convenience of your Instant Pot. If you know me, you know that I absolutely adore my instant pot. This simple recipe is one perfect example of why that is.

Imagine the deliciousness of Chipotle restaurant’s famous cilantro lime rice, but available to you anytime from your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to jazz up your burrito bowls or seeking the perfect side dish to complement your main, this cilantro-lime rice promises a burst of fresh flavors that can turn any meal into a fiesta!

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a way to bring a dash of excitement and a pop of color to your meals. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you crave something deliciously different, this rice recipe promises to please.

So why wait? Give it a try and watch as it becomes one of your favorite things to make and enjoy!

Common Questions About Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Parboiled?

Yes, you can! Just remember, brown rice requires a different ratio of water and a longer cooking time. Adjust the settings on your Instant Pot accordingly.

How Do I Avoid Mushy Rice?

The key is to use the correct ratio of rice to water, as mentioned in the recipe, and to rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.

Can This Rice Be Made Ahead of Time for Meal Prep?

Absolutely! Rice is one of my favorite things to make ahead of time. I usually make a double batch for that very reason. This rice keeps well and even tastes great when reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Storage

I’ll admit that Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice was a big inspiration for this recipe. Their stuff is just plain tasty!

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

Freezer

Cool the rice completely, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips

You can also use a rice cooker for this recipe, though I much prefer the instant pot. It’s quicker and I like the texture of the rice better.

• Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing removes starch and contributes to the fluffiness of the cooked rice.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice make a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of cilantro and lime based on your preference.
• Fluff Gently: Use a fork to fluff the rice after cooking, preserving its light texture.

Ingredients

Cooking rice is so very simple when you’re using an instant pot. Just make sure you release the pressure on time!

• Parboiled rice
• Water
• Fresh cilantro
• Limes
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Soon you’ll be enjoying fluffy rice with friends or family. Instant pot rice is the way to go for a quick side dish like this one.

1. Take 5-7 sprigs of cilantro. Fold them into themselves to make a clump and chop finely. Stems and leaves altogether. Most of the flavor is in the stems.
2. Add the rice, water, two wedges of lime, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, spices, and water to the instant pot. For parboiled rice, it’s a 1:1 ratio of water and rice. Stir ingredients.
3. Seal the lid and pressure valve. 
4. Cook at the rice setting or on high for 12 minutes. 
5. Quick release.
6. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lime onto the rice and then fluff the rice.
7. Serve with lime wedges and chopped cilantro as a garnish. 

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

I want to emphasize again that you should be cooking well-rinsed rice. That rinsing step is one that a lot of people forget but it makes a huge difference with this flavorful rice.

• Instant Pot for cooking the rice effortlessly.
• Mixing bowl for preparing the rice.
• Knife and chopping board for finely chopping cilantro.
• Citrus juicer to extract fresh lime juice for that tangy flavor.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

As the rice cooks, you can prepare the other parts of your meal. Another reason why using the instant pot is the perfect way to go.

• Pair with air fryer fish tacos for a light, refreshing meal.
• Serve as a base for homemade burrito bowl, topped with your favorite proteins and veggies.
• Accompany with black beans and grilled vegetables for a complete, nutritious dinner.

Why You Should Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice adds so much flavor to any dish you combine it with. I like it all on it’s own as well. It’s just plain tasty!

• Quick and Easy: Utilizes the Instant Pot for a fuss-free cooking experience.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or base for a variety of meals.
• Flavorful: Packed with the fresh tastes of cilantro and lime, elevating plain white rice to a new level.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a sure hit for any occasion.

Variations and Add-Ins for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Let me know in the comments how your rice turns out. This recipe is practically foolproof, but I always love hearing about your experience.

• Boost the Citrus: Add lime zest for an extra punch of lime flavor.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Make It Hearty: Stir in cooked black beans or corn after cooking for added texture and protein.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley for a different flavor profile.

If you love this easy side dish recipe, you’re going to love these other sides too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Rice Recipes

Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Easy Spanish Rice

Instant Pot White Rice

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

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