Love Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice? Here’s my favorite way to make a copycat version with Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice. Made with just 8 ingredients in 30 minutes, it’s light, fluffy, and perfect every time!
I’m a huge fan of cilantro lime rice and used to make it on the stovetop for years. But ever since I got my Instant Pot in 2015, it's been my go-to for this cilantro lime basmati rice, too! It gives consistent results every single time, whether I am making breakfast, lunch or dessert.
I even use it to make perfect Instant Pot Palak Paneer or Instant Pot Mumbai Pav Bhaji.
Jump to:
- 💛Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- 👩🏻🍳Sandhya's Top Tips & Tricks
- 📋Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice?
- 🧂Storing Leftovers
- What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice?
- Recipe FAQ's
- Easy Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes You'll love
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
💛Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- You only need 8 ingredients—all of which are easy to find in any grocery store, whether you're in the UK or the US.
- With the Instant Pot, you’ll get consistent results every single time.
- It’s perfect for batch cooking—you can double the quantity using the same rice-to-water ratio, and the cook time remains the same.
- This side dish is vegetarian and can be easily made vegan.
- It’s a great make-ahead recipe.
- Perfect as a side for Mexican-inspired dinner nights or as a delicious addition to burrito bowls, tacos, or wraps.
👩🏻🍳Sandhya's Top Tips & Tricks
- Rinse the Rice thoroughly to remove surface starch from rice grains, debris and to prevent the rice from becoming sticky. I’ve detailed this in my Cook White Basmati Rice recipe, and it's why both Indian Pilau and Brown Basmati rice always come out fluffy and separated.
- Avoid the easy-cook variety as it tends to become mushy. Use any long-grain rice.
- Sauté the Rice: I like to lightly sauté the rice with a bit of oil and butter before pressure cooking. It's optional but really enhances the flavor.
- Perfect Water-to-Rice Ratio: Use the right amount of water—my go-to is a 1:1 ¼ ratio for perfect results.
- Don’t skimp on the cilantro and lime — they’re key to that bright, fresh flavour.
- Broth: For added flavor, use vegetable broth or vegetable stock instead of water. It makes a big difference in this easy cilantro lime rice recipe.
- Don’t skip the Lime Zest: Add both lime juice and lime zest for the best burst of flavor in this Mexican side dish!
📋Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for detailed ingredients and measurements)
- Rice: Use any long-grain rice. I love using fragrant white basmati rice for this recipe.
- Vegetable Broth: This adds immense depth of flavor to the rice. If you're in the UK, dissolve one vegetable stock cube in hot water to make your broth.
- Fresh Cilantro (Coriander): The star of this recipe! Fresh cilantro is a must, and I recommend using all parts of the herb. It's one of my favorite ingredients, and I even use it for cilantro chutney and coriander pesto.
- Lime: Adding Fresh lime juice and zest added to the cooked rice really elevates the flavors.
- Oil: I use Olive Oil. But Vegetable Oil & Sunflower Oil work too.
Substitutions & Variations
- Rice: Swap with stove top cooked brown basmati rice for making instant pot cilantro lime brown rice alternative. I don’t recommend using sticky jasmine rice for this recipe, as it affects the texture.
- Whole Spices: For extra depth, add a bay leaf, clove, or other whole spices while cooking.
- Beans: Mix in kidney beans, black beans, crispy air fried tofu or instant pot chickpeas for added protein and variety.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar just before serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice?
Step 1: Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add oil and rinsed white rice to the pressure cooker pot and stir for 1 minute. Add the stock and stir. Turn off the sauté mode.
Top Tip: Sautéing helps the rice prevent sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
When you add the broth/ stock, check if there is enough to cover the rice by ½ inch.
Step 2: Secure the lid and pressure cook High for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 3 minutes, then quick pressure release.
Step 3: Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter, lime zest, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Step 4: Stir and serve.
🧂Storing Leftovers
- In the fridge: Let the basmati cilantro lime rice cool completely before storing. Transfer to an air-tight container, and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: You can also freeze any extra rice in individual servings in freezer bags or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Defrost the rice in the fridge overnight. Add a splash of water when reheating to help bring back the fluffy texture. Alternatively, defrost in the microwave and reheat thoroughly.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice?
I absolutely love serving this cilantro lime rice as a side for any Mexican meal. It pairs beautifully with dishes like:
- Mexican Mason Jar Salad
- Pinto Beans
- Fresh Tomato Salsa
- Mexican Tomato Rice
- Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls
Looking for more ideas? Check out 20+ Mexican Vegetarian Recipes for even more inspiration!
Recipe FAQ's
Cilantro lime rice will last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness and texture.
I recommend adding both the lime juice and zest after cooking the rice. This helps preserve the bright, fresh flavors of the lime and cilantro.
Yes, rinsing the rice about 4-5 times until the water runs clear is highly recommended. It helps remove excess surface starch, which results in a fluffier texture and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. This step makes a big difference, no matter what type of rice you use!
The method for making cilantro lime rice with brown rice is almost the same as with white rice. Simply use 1.5 cups of water for every cup of brown rice and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes in the Instant Pot. Once done, let the pressure naturally release (NPR). Finish by adding your lime juice, zest, and cilantro for that fresh, zesty flavor!
For every 1 cup of uncooked rice, use ½–1 cup of chopped cilantro, the juice of ½–1 lime (about 2–3 tablespoons), and the zest of one lime. Start on the lighter side and adjust to taste.
Easy Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes You'll love
Equipment
- Instant Pot 6Qt
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Long Grain Rice (I use White Basmati Rice)
- 1 ¼ Cup Vegetable Stock
- 1 tablespoon Butter Dairy-free
- Lime Zest of 1 Lime
- 2 tablespoon Lime Juice
- ¾ Cup Cilantro Leaves (coriander leaves)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the Rice in a colander and wash it under running tap water about 4-5 times, until it is clear.
- Press sauté button on Instant Pot. Add Oil followed by rinsed rice. Stir for 1 minute. This step helps in avoiding the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot. (Optional)
- Add the stock and stir. Turn off the Sauté Mode.
- Secure the lid. Turn the valve to sealing position. Select PRESSURE COOK HIGH for 5 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 3 minutes and then Quick Release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid after the valve drops. Fluff the rice with fork.
- Add Butter, Lime Zest, Cilantro leaves, Lime Juice and Salt. Stir to combine.
- Serve this delicious side dish with your favourite homemade burrito bowl.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Rinse the Rice: At least 4-5 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming sticky. I’ve detailed this in my Cook White Basmati Rice recipe, and it's why both Indian Pilau and Brown Basmati rice always come out fluffy and separated.
- Don't Skip the Sauté: It helps with a perfect fluffy rice texture!
- Water-to-Rice Ratio recommended is 1:1 ¼ ratio for perfect results.
- Use both cilantro leaves and tender stalks. Add them at the end to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water. It makes a big difference in this easy cilantro lime rice recipe.
- Don’t skip the Lime Zest
Lisa Marie says
Amazing flavor. I am not a huge rice fan but husband likes it once in awhile. But I absolutely love this rice and so does my husband. Thank you so much for sharing! Easy and fast and delicious!
Sejjy says
I’m still new to the instant pot - if I want to make a larger portion and double the ingredients, do I also need to double the cooking time? Or just increase slightly?
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Heyy Sejjy, the cooking time remains the same. You may simply double the ingredients.
Dana L says
You guys! This recipe is SO yummy! And it’s NEARLY foolproof!
I almost skipped the saute step. I waited too long to eat & was becoming hangry. (I am eating it as I type this) Thankfully I didn’t. Because again, in my rush, I did not get the seal in properly & well, you know... burn mesg., freak out, blah blah... ..fast forward to saving the rice & adding a few extras. garlic, dash of both cumin & paprika. End result is deliciousness! My cilantro isn’t chopped as well as it could be, again, I was in a hurry. But I love cilantro so its cool by me.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Heyy Dana, Thank you so much for this! I was so delighted to see your Cilantro Lime Rice image in the facebook group. Looked fabulous.
Jasmine says
So so good! I usually don’t like cilantro but this combination and the ratios of everything is perfect! I double everything to feed my family of 5 and the kids all love it!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Thank you Jasmine! I am so pleased that this recipe for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice came out perfect just as you would love.
Dominique says
This was an amazing recipe my family loved it
Sandhya Hariharan says
SO glad to hear Dominique!!!
Jennifer says
This is a very tasty recipe! Even my husband and kids loved it! I had my doubts as to whether the rice would be done, as other recipes require the rice to be soaked, but the rice came out perfect!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Yay!! I am so pleased to hear your family loved it.
I like to soak the rice when I cook on my stove top.
Cara C says
Yummy! Made it last night for the family (I subbed in unsalted chicken stock since I had that on hand). My son does not eat rice-he ate 2 servings of this and declared it better than Chipotle’s! This is my new go to recipe for rice. Thank you!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Now that makes me really very happy! So glad your son loved it. My boy is quite picky and to get him eat something new is a hooligan task.
Deanne says
I love cilantro lime rice - I'm excited to make this at home!
Dannii says
This is my favourite way to flavour rice. Such a great idea to make it in the instant pot.
Haley D Williams says
This looks and sounds amazing! I love the cilantro lim combo! Making this asap!
Traci says
All my favorite flavors and super easy to make! Thanks for sharing another Instant Pot winner!
Bry says
This was such a great recipe - the whole family loved it! Cooking the rice in stock, and the combination of cilantro and lime? Match made in heaven! Yum!