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A bowl of fluffy cilantro lime rice garnished with a fresh lime wedge, next to a fork.

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

A vibrant and zesty side dish made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This quick and easy recipe yields perfectly fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro and bright lime flavor, ideal for pairing with your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice e.g., Basmati or Jasmine, rinsed thoroughly
  • 2.25 cups vegetable broth or water low sodium recommended
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
For the Flavor
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped, packed
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice from about 1-2 limes
  • 1 tsp lime zest from about 1 lime (optional, for extra flavor)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rice paddle or fork

Method
 

  1. Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This usually takes 1-2 minutes and helps prevent sticky rice. Drain well.
  2. Press the "Sauté" button on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil (or butter). Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Press "Cancel" to turn off the Sauté function.
  3. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the Instant Pot. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add the salt. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure no rice is stuck to the bottom. Do NOT stir excessively after adding the liquid, as this can activate starch and lead to gummy rice.
  4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place. Turn the steam release handle to the "Sealing" position. Select "Pressure Cook" (or "Manual") on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
  5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release handle to the "Venting" position. Be cautious of the steam.
  6. Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Add the finely chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and optional lime zest to the cooked rice.
  7. Gently fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle, mixing the cilantro and lime throughout. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, do not stir the rice vigorously after adding liquid before pressure cooking.
Adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro to your personal preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
You can use brown rice, but the cooking time and liquid ratio will need to be adjusted (e.g., 22 minutes High Pressure for brown rice, 1:1.25 rice to liquid ratio). This recipe is specifically for white rice.