My favorite type of rice is cilantro lime rice! Who can resist fluffy rice, perfectly seasoned with a zing of lime and an herbal cilantro touch. This rice pairs well with many main course dishes such as tacos, fish, pork and even eggs. This Instant Pot cilantro lime rice recipe makes cooking rice easier than ever in reaching that perfect rice texture.
I'm just going to say it. I'm a huge fan of Chipotle's cilantro lime rice. After consuming many burrito bowls over the years, I've decided to come up with my own version that tastes petty dang similar. So long boring rice. Bring on the perfectly seasoned and flavorful rice that we just can't get enough of!
Cooking this rice recipe is basically full-proof in achieving that must-have wonderful fluffy texture. You won't have to worry about someone coming along and lifting the lid like when cooking on the stove-top.
A Savor The Summer Brunch Menu
Celebrate the end of Summer with all of your favorite flavors.
- Classic Margaritas: A crowd favorite, the original margarita served on the rocks (full recipe)
- Heuvos Rancheros: Corn tortillas topped with fried eggs and warm salsa
- Avocado Toast: Toasted bread topped with creamy guacamole
- Peach Salsa & Chips: A sweet twist from common classic salsa recipes (full recipe)
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavorful and perfectly seasoned side companion
How to make cilantro lime rice
Ingredients
- Rice: The most common types of rice to use for this recipe is a long-grain white rice or brown rice. My personal favorite rice to use is long-grain white rice, as I find the brown rice to be a bit too hardy for my taste. Other rice variations will also work with this recipe, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice.
- Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice or your favorite high quality bottled lime juice for convenience.
- Orange Liqueur: Two popular choices are Cointreau and Grand Marnier. If you don't have orange liqueur on-hand, substitute with orange juice.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will work in this recipe, depending on your palette. The butter gives the rice an extra creamy texture.
- Salt: I use a typical table salt, such as Morton salt. You can use salt of your choice.
- Cilantro
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot: Besides the typical measuring spoons and bowls, the only specialty item needed for this recipe is an Instant Pot or your favorite multi-purpose cooker.
Stove-Top Variation
This recipe can also be made on the stove-top. Simply use all the same ingredients, but follow the rice cooking instructions as provided on the package.
Storing Tips
This recipe can be prepped a day before serving. Simply store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Prior to serving, warm the rice in the microwave in 1 minute increments, stirring and fluffy the rice in between.
Easily freeze the rice for up to a month in freezer safe bag. Move the rice into the refrigerator the night before it needs to be served to defrost. Prior to serving, warm the rice in the microwave in 1 minute increments, stirring and fluffy the rice in between.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Multi-Purpose Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dry long-grain white rice
- 2 Cups Water
- 3 Tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons Orange liqueur
- 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- ¼-1/2 Bunch of cilantro
Instructions
- Add the dry rice, water, lime juice, orange liqueur and salted butter to the Instant Pot. Give a quick stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and close the pressure seal. Set on the rice setting (12 minutes, normal pressure).
- When the cook time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a wooden spoon, rice paddle or spatula. Spoon into a serving bowl if desired.
- Mix in the salt and cilantro. Taste and adjust the cilantro and salt levels as needed.
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Allyssa
This is really flavorful and easy to make! Will surely have this amazing cilantro lime rice recipe again! Highly recommended!
Natalie
Such a simple rice recipe yet so healthy and delicious. I'm going to give your recipe a try.
Paula
This was perfect with enchilada casserole!
laura
I love their rice too, it's just so awesome. I've never seen a recipe with orange liqueur in it, can't wait to try.