Instant Pot Cilantro and Lime Rice

This bright and zesty Instant Pot cilantro and lime rice makes the perfect base for a burrito bowl. With plenty of fresh flavor, this easy side is ready in just 4 minutes!

We don’t go out to eat very often, but when we do, my whole family likes Chipotle.

It’s fresh, the ingredients are simple, and everyone can customize their dinner with their favorite toppings.

But sometimes I want to have the flavor of Chipotle at home, without having to drive to get it (or pay over $40 for the family to have one meal!).

That’s when this Chipotle copycat recipe for cilantro and lime rice – made in the Instant Pot – is a must!

CHIPOTLE CILANTRO LIME RICE INSTANT POT RECIPE

As much as I like the cilantro lime rice at Chipotle, there are a few legitimate reasons why you should consider making it at home.

• You can make a lot. Easily make a 2x or 3x batch in the Instant Pot and freeze it for a fast dinner later.
• You can control the salt. Chipotle’s rice ITSELF isn’t salty, but when you add it to a bowl with all the other things… we’ve had our fair share of “too salty” burritos.
• It’s easy. Dump + stir + press the button.
• It’s fast. We’re talking a FOUR-minute cooking time here, folks.
• You can make brown rice. Run out of white or just prefer brown? No problem. Just adjust the cooking time. Everything else stays the same.

Plus, it’s good! This version of cilantro lime rice went head-to-head with the Chipotle version and the kids didn’t know the difference. And my husband and I both prefer the homemade version anyway!

CILANTRO AND LIME RICE INGREDIENTS

The recipe for cilantro and lime rice is so easy and you only need a few ingredients!

• Rice. White or brown works. I use jasmine rice, which has the shortest cooking time. Long grain rice or basmati rice work too.
• Bay leaf and salt. To take your rice from plain old boring rice to delicious flavor!
• Water. To cook the rice. You could also substitute broth for up to 1 cup of the liquid, but I wouldn’t add any more than that or you’ll really taste it in the finished rice.
• Lime juice and lemon juice. Fresh or bottled work, although I prefer fresh lime juice and lemon juice.
• Fresh cilantro. Again, fresh is going to give you the best flavor here. You can use the cilantro stems if you want, but finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves are best.

Psst! Not all salts are made the same! I love Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, right?) and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (just pay shipping and handling!).

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT LIME AND CILANTRO RICE

If you’ve never made a rice recipe in the Instant Pot before, you’re in for a treat. I’ve made this cilantro lime rice recipe countless times and every time it’s turned out perfectly!

Step 1. Combine rice, water, and the bay leaf in the Instant Pot.

Step 2. Cook for 4 minutes on high pressure. Release the pressure using a quick pressure release.

Step 3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and serve warm.

Store leftover lime and cilantro rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for a fast meal in the future. I like to freeze mine in 2-cup portions in resealable bags, so they lay flat and take up less freezer space.

TIPS FOR RICE WITH CILANTRO AND LIME

We usually keep plenty of limes and cilantro on hand, so I always have fresh ingredients for this recipe, but if you don’t, you may buy them for this recipe and then have leftovers. You can prep the fresh ingredients ahead of time and freeze them for future batches of cilantro lime rice!

• Using a muffin tin, you can freeze chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice. You may need to add a bit of water to fully cover the chopped herbs.
• If you use lime juice, lemon juice, or cilantro often in other recipes as well, you may want to freeze each item individually in ice cube trays instead.
• Here’s how to freeze fresh herbs if you want to freeze your cilantro separately.
• Store the frozen cubes in a resealable bag in the freezer and don’t forget the label!

SERVE WITH CILANTRO AND LIME RICE

Cilantro and lime rice is the perfect base for a burrito bowl. Top with all of your favorites, like:

It’s also a great side dish with these:

CORIANDER LIME RICE FAQS

MORE YUMMY RICE DISHES