Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Name: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (Ready in 15 Minutes)
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice (un-rinsed); 1 ¼ cups water (or chicken stock); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 medium lime (juiced and zested); ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect side dish to elevate your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex meals! This recipe comes together in 15 minutes and only contains 5 ingredients. The zesty tang of lime and the fresh, herbaceous notes of cilantro make the perfect combination.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a total side dish game-changer, especially if you’re a busy home cook. Made with just 5 simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and easy to throw together for last-minute dinners or meal-prep lunches.

Like my Instant Pot quinoa recipe, the pressure cooker helps achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time, with minimal effort and cleanup. You don’t even need to rinse the rice!

The combination of lime zest and juice with fresh cilantro creates a bright, refreshing flavor that complements any dish. Serve it with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals and grilled meats like my Mojo Chicken or Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, or use it as a base for burrito bowls!

Ingredients

Long-grain white rice: Provides a neutral base that absorbs the zesty lime and fresh cilantro like a sponge. Skipping the rinsing step makes the preparation process quicker and easier, without compromising the final result at all.
Chicken stock: Use water or chicken stock to cook the rice. I prefer chicken stock to add a rich, savory depth of flavor.
Lime: Lime juice and zest are the star ingredients that give this dish its signature zesty flavor. The juice adds a bright, tangy acidity, while the zest provides a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor. Just remember to wash your limes before zesting them.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the rice, complementing the lime. It also adds a vibrant pop of color.

Instructions

Combine the Ingredients: Add the rice, water or stock, and salt to the pressure cooker pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Rice: Secure the lid, set the pressure cooker to high, and cook the rice for 5 minutes. When the timer beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Quick Release: After the natural release, carefully turn the pressure valve to quickly release any remaining pressure. Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Add the Aromatics: Transfer the rice to a large serving bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and zest to the rice, mixing until evenly combined.
Serving: Serve your Instant Pot cilantro lime rice immediately with mojo chicken, grilled cilantro lime chicken thighs, grilled skirt steak, Instant Pot chicken carnitas, or even this Instant Pot white chicken chili.

Instant Pot cilantro lime rice in a serving bowl.

Substitutions & Variations

Rice: You can substitute long-grain white rice with the same ratio of basmati rice and brown rice, but increase the cooking time for brown rice to 22 minutes. If you use jasmine rice, reduce the liquid to 1 cup and the cooking time to 4 minutes.
Liquid: Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
Lime: Swap lime with lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil. Or, add a small amount of chopped jalapeno or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cilantro lime rice with protein and beans.

Storing & Reheating

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice stores quite well, making it perfect for meal-prepping. Here’s what to do:

Fridge: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Place the rice in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Remember to squeeze the air out and lay it flat to save space.
Reheating: Reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken stock, covered, for 1-2 minutes until hot. There is no need to thaw it if it’s frozen!

Expert Tips

Let the rice rest: After cooking, let the rice sit for a few minutes before fluffing. This helps the grains settle and absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in a perfect texture.
Use fresh lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest offer a brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice. Always opt for fresh whenever possible!
Add lime juice last: Adding lime juice just before serving preserves its fresh, zesty flavor, which can diminish if it’s heated for too long.
Avoid over-stirring: Stirring the rice too much after cooking can break the grains and make the rice gummy. Remember to be gentle while fluffing and tossing it.
Experiment with extras: Add extras like diced jalapenos, corn, or black beans to the rice for additional texture and flavor.

Instant Pot cilantro lime rice in a bowl.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice requires a longer cooking time, typically about 22-25 minutes on high pressure, with a natural release. Use the same ratio of rice to water.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?

To prevent sticking, make sure to add enough liquid and stir the rice before sealing the Instant Pot. A quick spray of non-stick cooking spray on the pot can also help if you’re worried!

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Just make sure not to fill your Instant Pot beyond the halfway mark to prevent it from overflowing. The cooking time will remain the same either way.

Instant Pot cilantro lime rice with chicken and beans.

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot cilantro lime rice recipe, be sure to check out some more quick and easy side dishes like these:

If you try this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!