Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is bursting with fresh lime zest and vibrant cilantro. This fluffy, flavorful rice is the perfect sidekick for all your favorite dishes. Quick, easy, healthy, and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The Instant Pot eliminates guesswork when cooking rice, delivering perfect results every time with minimal effort.
• The fresh flavor of this rice is a nice change from regular white rice.
• I make it without oil, so it's healthy and lower-calorie.
• This simple recipe can be doubled to enjoy throughout the week. Store it covered so it doesn't dry out.

Recipe Ingredients

To make this amazing Instant Pot cilantro lime rice recipe, you'll need the following ingredients. See the recipe card for quantity details.

• Rice: We use Calrose rice for this recipe. Calrose is a medium-grain rice we use in recipes like Vegan Rice Pudding. It's known for its slightly sticky texture when cooked, which we love for everyday meals. To make it less sticky, rinse it really well. Feel free to use long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine - they tend to result in less sticky rice.
• Limes: I like to use Persian limes in this recipe mostly because they are seedless. Their milder, less acidic flavor complements the dish without overpowering it. However, if you prefer a more intense, tangy flavor, you can use Key limes, but use them sparingly to avoid making the dish too acidic.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice In The Instant Pot

This is an easy recipe with minimal ingredients but packs a lot of flavor. See the recipe card for details.

Remember to rinse the rice according to the directions on the package. Most rice bags recommend rinsing.

Step 1: Add rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Cook on low pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release and a quick release by toggling the top button for any remaining pressure.

Step 2: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve the cilantro lime rice warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Use this cilantro lime rice as a base for a burrito bowl, taco bowl, or tacos. Top with Easy Chipotle Aioli Sauce and/or Mango Cucumber Salsa, and you have a delicious meal.
• Add the rice to your favorite burrito wrap with beans, veggies, sauce, and veggie protein for a delicious and filling meal.
• Serve it as a perfect side dish with grilled vegetables, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein.
• Mix the rice with beans and veggies, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender for a tasty and nutritious meal.
• Use the rice as a filling for lettuce wraps, along with beans, corn, and a tangy dressing like Vegan Jalapeno Sauce for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the rice in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label and date the container for easy identification.
• Reheating: Transfer the rice to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through.

Equipment

I use an Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, which is no longer available. Rest assured, these directions work great with other Instant Pots, too. I have another brand of pressure cooker that also works great with these same directions.

Cilantro Rice FAQS

More Mexican-Inspired Vegan Recipes