Name: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright and flavorful side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfectly tender rice infused with fresh lime and cilantro adds a zesty twist to your meals. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that pairs well with tacos, grilled meats, or your favorite Mexican dishes.

A bowl of white rice mixed with small green cilantro leaves fills most of a white bowl. On the left side of the rice, there are two halves of a squeezed lime placed side by side. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl on the right, slightly submerged in the rice. Fresh green cilantro stems and leaves are scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface. A soft beige cloth is partially visible at the bottom right corner near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the rice, water, and salt to the pressure cooker pot and stir to combine.
Step 2: Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Step 3: After 10 minutes, perform a quick pressure release, then fluff the rice with a fork.
Step 4: Transfer the rice to a serving bowl, add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Toss gently until mixed and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken stock instead of water for a richer, savory flavor.
For extra zest, add more lime juice or sprinkle with lime wedges when serving.
Try adding finely diced jalapeño for a little heat.
If you prefer the rice less wet, reduce the water slightly next time.

Storage

Store any leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with white rice mixed with small green cilantro leaves is centered on a white marbled surface. Two halves of a squeezed lime, showing their textured inside, rest on the left side inside the bowl. A golden spoon rests on the right side, partially buried in the rice. Bright green cilantro sprigs lay on the marbled surface near the bowl, with a beige, textured cloth to the bottom right. The bowl is white, smooth, and round with visible depth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water, so this same recipe won’t work directly. You can experiment with the Instant Pot setting for brown rice, usually around 20-22 minutes on high pressure with extra water.

Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

This recipe calls for un-rinsed rice to achieve the best texture, but if you prefer, rinsing the rice until water runs clear can remove excess starch and produce fluffier grains.