I love experimenting with flavors and my Instant Pot recipe brings a burst of zesty lime and fresh cilantro into each bite. This cilantro lime rice recipe is vibrant, perfectly balanced, and sure to become a memorable addition to my dinner rotations. Experience the refreshing simplicity of this unique dish.

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I’ve been playing around with a new recipe in my kitchen and stumbled upon something that reminds me of those famous Chipotle flavors we all love. I decided to recreate a version of Cilantro Lime Rice in my Instant Pot and man, it’s become a dinner favorite pretty quick.

Using a cup of long grain white rice, a cup of water, a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a bit of salt, I was already excited before I even added the fresh twist. After the rice cooked, I stirred in the juice and zest of limes, which really brightened the dish, and then folded in a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

The combination of tangy lime and the refreshing herb gave the rice an unexpected kick that made it the perfect side for just about any meal. It’s a simple, easy pressure cooker recipe that makes dinner way more interesting.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I like how super quick and simple it is. I can whip it up even on a hectic day without feeling overwhelmed. Second, the zesty kick from the lime juice and zest really brightens up the whole dish—it turns plain rice into something really exciting. Third, the fresh chopped cilantro gives it a burst of flavor that makes each bite taste so fresh and vibrant. And lastly, it’s the perfect side dish that elevates any meal without taking over the plate.

This Instant Pot Chipotles Cilantro Lime recipe is a real winner at dinner time. It tastes amazing and is a cool twist on regular rice. The lime gives it a tangy flavor that totally wakes up your taste buds while the cilantro adds a fresh kick. I love that it’s super easy to make, even if I mess up a step or two because it still comes out tasting great. It’s just a hit that makes every meal feel a bit more special.

Ingredients

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Here are some notes about the ingredients used in this recipe:

Long grain white rice gives carbs fueling energy and a light neutral base
Water hydrates the rice and helps absorb all the yummy flavors
Vegetable oil provides a slight richness, making the mix more balanced
Salt boosts flavor, balancing the tangy burst of lime
Fresh lime juice lends a sour kick that enlivens the dish
Lime zest offers extra aroma and vibrant citrus notes
Chopped cilantro adds freshness and antioxidants for a healthy twist

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed and drained

1 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

Zest of 1 lime

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and then drain it well.

2. Put the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot along with 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. Stir the rice mixture quickly, then secure the lid properly.

4. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook the rice for 3 minutes.

5. When the time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining steam.

6. Open the lid carefully and fluff the rice with a fork.

7. Stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and the zest from 1 lime.

8. Mix in the 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.

9. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or lime juice if needed.

10. Serve hot as a delicious side dish and enjoy your zesty rice!

Equipment Needed

1. A fine-mesh strainer to rinse the rice until the water runs clear
2. An Instant Pot to cook the rice evenly
3. Measuring cups to properly measure the water and lime juice
4. Measuring spoons for the oil and salt
5. A stirring spoon to mix the ingredients together
6. A fork for fluffing the rice after cooking
7. A cutting board and knife for chopping the fresh cilantro
8. A lime zester or grater to get the zest from the lime

FAQ

Q: How do I cook the rice? A: Rinse and drain the rice, then combine it with water, oil, and salt in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover it til it's done.

Q: When do I add the lime and cilantro? A: Once the rice is fully cooked and has steamed for a few minutes after, stir in the lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro.

Q: Can I use a different type of rice? A: Sure, you can use any white rice, but note that other types, like brown rice, might change the cooking times and water amounts.

Q: Can I make this in advance? A: Yes, you can cook the rice ahead of time. Just add the lime and cilantro just before serving so it stays fresh and vibrant.

Q: Any tips to avoid soggy rice? A: Make sure you rinse your rice really well, and avoid overcooking it. Letting the rice sit covered after cooking helps keep it light and fluffy too.

IP Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of water, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or veggie broth to give the rice a richer flavor
If you don’t have vegetable oil, try using olive oil or even canola oil
You can swap regular salt with sea salt or Himalayan salt if that’s what you have on hand
For the lime juice, if you are short, a fresh lemon juice works pretty well
And if you’re not a cilantro fan, flat-leaf parsley is a nice alternative

Pro Tips

1. Try using the sauté function to lightly toast your rinsed rice in the oil before adding water. It gives the rice a nutty flavor that really steps up the dish.

2. Instead of just water you can use half water and half light chicken or veggie broth which makes the rice a lot more flavorful.

3. Let the rice sit with natural pressure release for the full 10 minutes. I know it seems like it takes forever but trust me, that extra time makes your rice super fluffy.

4. When mixing in lime juice and cilantro, do it gently and adjust the amounts a bit. Sometimes a little extra lime juice or salt brings out the fresh flavors even better.