This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a quick, flavorful side that works perfectly in a homemade burrito bowl or alongside tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. It’s a faster, easier version of the classic cilantro-lime rice, made right in the pressure cooker with minimal hands-on time.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This recipe adapts a popular copycat cilantro lime rice for the Instant Pot so you can enjoy the bright, fresh flavors without the wait. The rice cooks under high pressure for just a few minutes, then is tossed with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a little oil for that signature tangy finish. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and whenever you want a restaurant-style rice at home.
Why this Instant Pot method works
Pressure cooking rice cuts the time and uses less water than stovetop methods while still producing fluffy grains. There’s no need to rinse the rice unless you prefer to—unrinsed rice works well in this recipe. The results are tender rice with a fresh lime-cilantro finish that pairs well with many Mexican-inspired dishes.
Tips and make-ahead notes
- You can double the recipe using the same rice-to-water ratio; cooking time stays the same. Just ensure you don’t exceed your Instant Pot’s fill line.
- Leftover rice freezes well. Portion it into freezer bags for quick burritos or bowls later.
- For brown rice, increase the cook time (see Notes section below).
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
The bright lime and fresh cilantro make this rice a versatile base. Serve it with grilled or braised meats like barbacoa-style beef, slow-cooked pork carnitas, or shredded chicken. It also pairs beautifully with black or pinto beans for a vegetarian meal, and works as the foundation of a Chipotle-style burrito bowl with sautéed peppers, onions, fresh tomato, avocado, salsas, and your favorite toppings such as guacamole, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Burrito bowls are excellent for meal prep: cook your rice, prepare beans and protein, and vary the toppings throughout the week to keep things interesting.
If you want a lower-carb alternative, try cilantro lime cauliflower rice for the same zesty flavor with fewer carbohydrates.
Recipe: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Yield:
4 servings — serving size: 3/4 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine (unrinsed)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of 1/2 lime (more to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Add the rice, water, 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, and the salt to the Instant Pot inner pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Add the warm rice and toss gently until thoroughly combined. Taste and add more lime or salt if desired.
Notes
For brown rice, cook 23 minutes on high pressure and allow a natural release.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 194 kcal · Carbohydrates: 35.5 g · Protein: 3 g · Fat: 3.5 g · Sodium: 280 mg · Sugar: 0.5 g
More rice ideas
- Latin yellow rice
- Mexican cauliflower “rice” (low-carb)
- Arroz congri — Cuban-style rice with black beans
- Rice with spinach for an easy veggie boost
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Photo credit: Jess Larson