This Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice tastes just like the one you get at Chipotle and is only 3 ingredients! Ready in 12 minutes; this is a perfect, easy to make, healthy side dish!
Table of Contents
I have to admit it, I am a BIG chipotle lover. I don’t eat out as much because I believe I can replicate everything at home by being more cost efficient and creating healthier versions but if there is one thing I crave all the time is a chipotle burrito bowl.
I have a set order at chipotle and you guessed it, I always get the cilantro lime rice. So of course I had to try my hand at making it at home but a trendier instant pot version.I first tried my hand at making Instant Pot coconut rice, and I figured you could also make rice of the cilantro lime variety.
What Is Cilantro Lime Rice?
The cilantro lime rice is simply rice with a couple of added ingredients to give it a tangy flavor. It is low fat and a great vegan option that can be eaten as a side dish or even as a main.
Why You Will LOVE This Easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- A great side or main dish
- Goes very well with any Mexican dish
- Super easy to make
- Has only 3 ingredients
- Zingy and flavorful
Ingredients Needed
Cooking up this instant pot cilantro lime rice is going to become part of your routine when having Mexican food with your crew! It’s SO simple to make and only calls for a few ingredients that you may already have. Here’s what you will need:
- Uncooked Rice (I use Jasmine)
- Pinch of Salt
- Water
- Cilantro
- Fresh Lime Juice from 1 Large Lime
Lime Juice Vs Tang
I am all about the zingy, tangy goodness that comes with lime juice in our rice! However, if you want to forgo the tang, but still want that fresh lime flavor, you can add a little bit of lime zest to the rice instead and leave out the juice for a milder flavor.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Instant Pot
Rinse
Pour the rice into a wire mesh strainer and hold it under the tap. Run cold water over the rice until the water runs clear and shake the strainer to release any excess water. Place the rice into the instant pot and add a pinch of salt.
Cook
Pour the water into the instant pot and secure the lid. Press the “rice” button on the instant pot and let the instant pot cook the rice. Once cooked, let the instant pot do a natural steam release, meaning you can only open the lid when the little sealing button drops down
Stir
Add in the lime juice, cilantro and more salt if needed. Serve it up and DEVOUR!
Serving Suggestion
This particular recipe works as a great side dish with any mexican recipe. I particularly love pairing it up with either the Mexican Stuffed Zucchini with Avocado Salsa or as a side dish with some cheesy, saucy Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas. It is also a great base if you are making a copycat chipotle burrito bowl at home.
How to store Cilantro Lime Rice
If you make a big pot of this recipe the chances are you are going to be left with some leftovers. The best way to store this rice is to put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should be good to consume for 4-5 days. All you have to do when you want to consume is heat it in the microwave and serve
Can You Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice?
Absolutely! This rice can be frozen for 2-3 months. The best way to store it is to put it in a zip lock bag or any freezer friendly utensil. Whenever you want to eat it I would recommend thawing it for a few hours and heating it either on a stove top or in the microwave.
Instant Pot Lime Cilantro Rice FAQ
This really depends on what kind of rice you and your family prefer! I love using jasmine rice for this recipe, however you could use regular long grain white rice or basmati rice if you wish!
For this recipe, the “rice” setting will decide on a cook time for your rice, removing the guesswork. It’s usually under 10 minutes, not including the time it will take to do a natural steam release.
The main reason to rinse your rice before cooking is to remove excess starch from the grains. This will prevent the rice from becoming “gummy” as they cook, and the result will be better cooked, fluffy rice!
This lime cilantro rice is plant based and perfect if you are on a vegan or gluten free diet. It is also a great source of carbs and low in fat.
If you don’t have an instant pot, don’t worry. You can make this same recipe in either a rice cooker or a stove top with the same ingredients. For both the stove top and the cooker you would first cook the rice and then add the cilantro, lime juice and salt. After that give it a little fluff with a fork and it’s ready to be served!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Uncooked white rice (I like Jasmine rice)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Roughly chopped cilantro, lightly packed
- 3 1/2 Tbsp FRESH lime juice* (1 Large lime)
Instructions
- Place the uncooked rice in a mesh strainer and run under water until the water runs clear, lightly shaking the rice to get out any excess water. Place into the bowl of the instant pot, adding a pinch of salt.
- Add in the water and stir to combine. Cover the instant pot, making sure the the lid is locked and the vent is set to sealed! Press the “rice” button and let the Instant pot do it’s thing.
- Once cooked, allow the instant pot to steam release naturally, opening the lid only when the little button drops down.
- Stir in the cilantro, fresh lime juice, and season to taste with salt.
- DEVOUR.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Similar recipes you might like
Chicken Mexican Rice Casserole
One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole
For step-by-step instruction of this recipe, watch my video tutorial below:
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND NEVER MISS A RECIPE! New recipes posted each week!
Get this recipe with Facebook Messenger
Click here now and I’ll send this to you in Messenger!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Uncooked white rice (I like Jasmine rice)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Roughly chopped cilantro, lightly packed
- 3 1/2 Tbsp FRESH lime juice* (1 Large lime)
Instructions
- Place the uncooked rice in a mesh strainer and run under water until the water runs clear, lightly shaking the rice to get out any excess water. Place into the bowl of the instant pot, adding a pinch of salt.
- Add in the water and stir to combine. Cover the instant pot, making sure the the lid is locked and the vent is set to sealed! Press the "rice" button and let the Instant pot do it's thing.
- Once cooked, allow the instant pot to steam release naturally, opening the lid only when the little button drops down.
- Stir in the cilantro, fresh lime juice, and season to taste with salt.
- DEVOUR.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
This is not a sponsored post, but thank you to Instant Pot for sending me product to make this recipe!
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS PER SERVING: SMART POINTS: 4 POINTS+: 4. OLD POINTS:3
(Per 1/4 of the rice)
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAG @FOODFAITHFIT AND #FOODFAITHFITNESS ON INSTAGRAM! I LOVE SEEING YOUR RECIPE RECREATIONS! 
STAY IN DA KNOW ABOUT BEHIND-THE-SCENES INFO GOING ON AT FFF BY KEEPING IN TOUCH ON TWITTER,FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST!
This post may contain affiliate links, but I would only recommend products I love. Thanks for supporting FFF!
Roberta says
This was phenomenal! I did add a chopped yellow onion in with the rice and about 1/4 cup extra water (having made rice a few times in my instant pot I have noticed I like it better when it’s a bit “wetter” than with a 1:1 ratio of water to rice) . But everything else was spot on! DELICIOUS!!!
Now to make some amazing black beans tomorrow to enjoy with the leftovers ???
Thank you!!!
Taylor Kiser says
YAY! I am SO glad you loved it! Thanks for letting me know!
Bobbi says
This recipe is awesome! Thanks for sharing. But when I make it, it comes out really sticky and it sticks to the bottom of my pot. Is that normal? I thought adding some butter or olive oil before I cook it. Anyway, it still great tasting regardless!
Taylor Kiser says
It’s normal it have some stick! But it shouldn’t be a ton! You could totally try adding some olive oil – and I am sure it would be even yummier like that! Glad you like the flavor!
Kendall says
Does the measurements or cooking times change if you use a 8 qt instant pot??
Taylor Kiser says
I really can’t tell you as I don’t have one and haven’t tried! My Instant Pot sets the time itself, so yours should do this too regardless of the size!
Becca says
I just made this tonight! Why did a layer of rice burn on the bottom of my pot?? The taste is delicious… but I was disappointed about the burn! Does this happen to anyone else?
Taylor Kiser says
Strange!! I wish I could help you but this hasn’t happened to me. Maybe someone can weigh in!
Jesse Keeler says
Is it common to not include the time that it takes for the steam to release? It would really help with my meal planning so that the TOTAL time included ALL of the time.
Thanks and I enjoy your recipes!
Taylor Kiser says
Hi Jesse! I’ll keep this in mind when creating IP recipes! Thanks for bringing it up!