Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice | Food Faith Fitness

Name: Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
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))

By Taylor KiserOct 23, 2022Jump to Recipe

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!

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - This super easy rice tastes like Chipotle's, is only 3 ingredients and is ready in 12 minutes - the perfect healthy side dish! | Foodfaithfitness.com | @FoodFaithFit

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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

What kind of Rice Should I use?

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!

How long to cook rice in the Instant Pot?

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.

Why do I have to rinse the rice?

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!

Is Cilantro Lime Rice Vegan?

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.

How to make this recipe in a rice cooker or stove top?

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!

Recipe

Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

4.89 from 9 votes

Serves: People, as a side

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

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:

*Don’t use bottled lime juice, it really changes the flavor!

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 154kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 33g (11%) Protein: 3g (6%) Sodium: 39mg (2%) Potassium: 30mg (1%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 0.4g Vitamin C: 6.8mg (8%) Calcium: 4mg Iron: 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Disclaimer

Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:Mexican

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