Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy, Flavorful, and Foolproof!

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice: It's zesty, herby, and perfectly fluffy every time, all thanks to the Instant Pot. Plus, it’s way easier (and tastier) than the takeout version.

A quick, delicious side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Make it for taco nights, burrito bowls, or with some Mexican Black Beans. Great for meal preps and make ahead. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free. 

This Cilantro Lime Rice is my family's favorite dish. We love Mexican food, and this Cilantro Lime rice is just like the one you get at Chipotle's, Mexican restaurant.

This recipe is inspired by our favorite Chipotle-style rice, but you’re in full control of the flavor. Want it more limey? Go for it. More herby? Add extra cilantro. It’s simple, flexible, and so, so tasty.

When I made this dish first time, I couldn't believe how easy it was. With just handful of ingredients, you can make the same restaurant quality rice at home. This is my go to recipe, to make Cilantro Lime rice, so flavorful, and is much loved by all.

Ever since, I started making this Cilantro Lime Rice at home, it's in huge demand in my family. I use my Instant Pot to make rice, and it never disappoints me. Perfectly cooked rice, fluffy, each grain is separate, just the way we like our rice.

Jump to:

• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - Recipe Video
• About Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Method
• Variations & Substitutions
• Pro Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to make Cilantro Lime Rice using leftover rice?
• Storage
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
• Pro Tips
• Variations & Substitutions

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - Recipe Video

About Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a fan favorite for good reason. The tangy lime juice and fragrant cilantro give plain white rice a major glow-up. Making it in the Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of cooking rice - no burning, no mushiness, just perfect results every time.

Today,  I am sharing my recipe for this restaurant style Cilantro Lime Rice. I have been making this dish for many years now and I must say this recipe has never disappointed me. The taste and the flavors are just like the one you get at a Mexican restaurant. 

You may also like: Mushroom Rice Pilaf, Instant Pot Fried Rice, How to cook Basmati Rice, Instant Pot Thai Fried Rice, and Turmeric Rice

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal effort.

Foolproof – The Instant Pot takes care of everything.

Versatile – Perfect side for Mexican, Thai, or even grilled dishes.

Meal-prep friendly – Keeps well and reheats easy.

Fresh & flavorful – That combo of lime, and cilantro!

Ingredients

Long-grain white rice: I prefer long grain white rice for this recipe. Its perfect, each grain comes out moist and fluffy. You can find long grain white rice in most grocery stores or order it on Amazon

Fresh cilantro: Bright, citrusy, and aromatic. Fresh cilantro or coriander, adds a nice flavor and aroma to this dish. I use both, cilantro leaves and tender stems, in this dish. 

Lime juice + zest: For that tangy flavor. Lime adds a touch of zing to this dish. I use some lime zest, as well as some freshly squeezed lime juice, for flavorsome rice.

Olive oil (or butter): To sauté and add richness. Any neutral cooking oil would work in this recipe. 

Water (or Broth): You can use water or broth, both would do just fine. If using broth, use low sodium broth as it helps control the sodium intake.

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Method

This is a very quick and easy recipe to make restaurant style Cilantro Lime Rice at home. It takes under 20 minutes to make this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice from scratch.  

Step 1: Prep for Cilantro Lime Rice

You will need Fine mesh sieve, Zester (Grater)

Using a fine mesh sieve, rinse the rice under cold running water for couple of minutes or until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.

Zest the lime using Zester (Grater). Keep it aside.

Chop fresh cilantro, and juice half the lime, around 1 ½ tablespoon. Keep it aside.

Step 2: Make Rice in Instant Pot

You will need Instant pot

Add oil, rinsed, and drained rice, water or broth, and salt to taste. Mix gently. Close lid, vent sealed.

Note: If using broth, use low sodium broth as it helps control the sodium intake. 

Turn ON Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure cook) mode (high) for 6 minutes. Let pressure release naturally, around 10 minutes.

Note: Turn OFF "keep warm" mode. 

Step 3: Open the Instant Pot lid, using a fork, fluff the rice.

Add lime zest, lime juice, cilantro. Gently mix the rice.

Cilantro Lime Rice is ready to be served. Enjoy!!  

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

 

Stovetop Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Follow the recipe as discussed earlier. In a pot, add oil, rice, water or broth, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until rice is cooked. Rest of the recipe is same as Instant Pot

Variations & Substitutions

Brown rice instead? Increase the cook time and water (follow Instant Pot brown rice ratios)

You can use long grain white rice, Basmati rice, Jasmine rice, or even Brown Basmati rice for this recipe. Please refer to the recipe card, for cooking instructions on different variety of rice.

No cilantro? Try fresh parsley or basil for a different twist.

Want more flavor? Stir in a little cumin or green onion.

Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

Some of the things I think really helps me achieve non-sticky, flavorful restaurant style Cilantro Lime Rice are:

Use long-grain rice: The grains have a firm, dry texture, and are best for side dishes, pilafs, fried rice. Produces distinct firm grains that stay fluffy and separate even after cooking. You can use white or brown rice for this dish. Recipe uses white long-grain rice. You can find it in most grocery stores or order it on Amazon

Rinse your rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly, it removes excess starch and keeps it fluffy. Use a fine mesh strainer, rinse the rice under cold running water for couple of minutes or until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.

Add oil to the pot first: Add oil to the inner pot, before adding other ingredients. Oil helps prevent sticking of the rice to the bottom of the pot.

Use neutral cooking oil, so that it does not overpower the flavor of the cilantro and lime in this dish.

Use fresh lime: Use fresh lime juice and lime zest. It adds a nice fresh flavor and a bit tang to the dish. Use only the green, outer portion of the lime. Lime zest can be overpowering if added too much. ½ - 1 teaspoon of lime zest is good for this recipe.

Lime juice adds freshness to this dish, juice from half the lime or to your taste.

Zest first, then juice – It’s way easier that way!

Don’t skip the rest time – Letting the rice sit after pressure cooking makes it fluffier.

Add cilantro last – Keeps it vibrant and fresh. Use fresh cilantro or coriander in this dish. Cilantro adds a nice fresh flavor to this dish. It changes color, and turns dark, when added to the warm rice. 

If you prefer cilantro retains it's nice vibrant color, you can wait for the rice to come to a room temperature, and then add the cilantro.

Add salt first: I prefer to season the rice at the time of cooking. It helps bring out the flavor in the dish. If using broth to make this dish, skip the salt, as broth contains sodium.

Use Broth: You can use water or broth, both would do just fine. Broth adds an additional layer of flavor to the rice. You can easily find broth in stores or order it on Amazon

Turn OFF the "Keep warm" setting: To prevent rice from being overcooked, and dry.

Let pressure release naturally: wait for 10 minutes after the instant pot is done cooking, and then release the remaining pressure manually.

Use a fork to fluff the rice: Use fork or wide mouth spatula to fluff the rice without breaking it. Gently fold in the rest of the ingredients. 

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make Cilantro Lime Rice using leftover rice?

Making Cilantro Lime rice using leftover rice is a great way of using day old rice. I normally make extra rice and next day I turn it into cilantro lime rice. Super quick and great for lunch boxes. My kids absolutely love cilantro lime rice.

1. In a pan, heat oil, add leftover rice, 1-2 tablespoon of water, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat, cover and let the rice warm through.
3. Turn off the heat. Add lime zest, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Gently mix the rice. 

Enjoy cilantro lime rice as a side dish, or make a burrito!!

Storage

Fridge: Let the rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: I do not prefer to freeze the rice. It does not taste the same.

You can reheat the rice in Instant pot, Stove top or in a microwave.

Reheat leftover rice in Instant Pot: Make sure you have enough quantity of rice to reheat.

1. Add rice in the inner pot. For a cup of rice add around 2-3 tablespoons of water, mix and set it to Manual /Pressure cook mode (high) for "zero" minutes.
2. Let pressure release naturally, around 5 minutes, open the lid and serve.

Reheat rice on stovetop: On a medium heat, in a skillet, add rice, couple of tablespoon of water, mix and cover for 3-5 minutes. Mix and serve.

Reheat rice in microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, add rice, couple of tablespoon of water, cover the bowl with some lid or plate, so that moisture will be trapped inside and steam the rice. 

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice