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The Best Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

This is the Best Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe ever! An easy side dish that uses simple ingredients and is done in less than 20 minutes leaving you with flavorful fluffy rice every time. It’s the perfect addition for a burrito bowl or simple side with a lean protein.

Cilantro Lime Rice

I took the hint and am doubling down on the Cilantro Lime Rice this year. Last year I made rice for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta thinking it would just be an after thought. Well, turns out I was way wrong. It was gone after the first wave of people went through. Turns out people were wanting to make burritos bowls more than tacos! Who knew.

In the past, I’ve always made my rice in the microwave or on the stove. And honestly, I usually end up having to baby the process because it’s not “quite done” or the rice sticks to the pan. Annoying!

photo of white long grain rice in a bowl

An Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Well, today I’m glad to say I’ve solved your Cilantro Lime Rice woes. I’ve made this recipe probably 5 times in the past month. That’s once a week y’all! So I have seriously mastered your rice problems. This recipe is flavorful, perfectly cooked, fluffy and doesn’t stick to the pan! Can I get an amen?

To ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the pan, I put the rice in the Instant Pot and toss it with some grape seed oil. Making sure to stir it thoroughly so that the rice is completely coated with the oil. I also add the cilantro and lime juice after the rice is cooked to really give you that cilantro lime punch of flavor and brighten the dish up.

Is Cilantro Lime Rice gluten free?

Yes. All rice is gluten free. So, as long as the rest of your ingredients are gluten free, which in this recipe they are, then your cilantro lime rice will be gluten free.

process photos of the best cilantro lime rice in the instant pot

How to make Cilantro Lime Rice in Instant Pot?

  1. To the instant pot, add rice and grape seed oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir to coat the rice with the grape seed oil. (this will help it not stick to the bottom of the pan.)
  2. Then add the broth, water, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, smoked paprika and cumin to in the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and push the “Rice” button on the Instant Pot. Set for 12 minutes. When the Instant Pot finishes it’s cycle, do a natural release for 5 more minutes. Then do a quick release for the remainder of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid.
  3. Transfer the rice to a large bowl. Fluff the rice with a fork. Then add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt. Stir and fluff the rice again with a fork. Serve warm.

How to reheat Cilantro Lime Rice?

The best way to re reheat rice is in the microwave: For every cup of rice, add a few tablespoons of broth or water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or another bowl, you’re doing this to create a “steaming effect” as it reheats it will leave you with fluffy rice. 

the best instant pot cilantro lime rice in a bowl with hands holding the bowl

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice makes the perfect side dish for any lean protein. It comes together in less than 20 minutes and leaves you with a flavorful fluffy rice dish your family is going to love!

If you want to increase the fiber of the dish, add in a 1/2 cup of black beans to really “fill” you up! It adds nice flavor too. (I’ve done it a few times.)

I hope you guys have a great weekend and fun Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Bon Appetit friends!

What goes with Cilantro Lime Rice?

side photo of the best instant pot cilantro lime rice in a bowl with a spoon

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the best instant pot cilantro lime rice in a bowl with hands holding the bowl

The Best Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

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  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x
  • Category: Instant Pot, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This is the Best Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe ever! An easy side dish that uses simple ingredients and is done in less than 20 minutes leaving you with flavorful fluffy rice every time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  •  1 tablespoon grape seed oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  •  3/4 cup water
  •  4 tablespoons juice of lime, divided 
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  •  Zest of one lime 
  •  1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro 
  •  1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. To the instant pot, add rice and grape seed oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir to coat the rice with the grape seed oil. (this will help it not stick to the bottom of the pan.)
  2. Then add the broth, water, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, smoked paprika and cumin to in the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and push the “Rice” button on the Instant Pot. Set for 12 minutes. When the Instant Pot finishes it’s cycle, do a natural release for 5 more minutes. Then do a quick release for the remainder of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid.
  3. Transfer the rice to a large bowl. Fluff the rice with a fork. Then add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt. Stir and fluff the rice again with a fork. Serve warm.

Notes

** This recipe is slightly adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

I use a 8 qt Instant Pot


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 137
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 197 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 g

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