Name: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil; 2½ cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; Zest of 1 to 2 limes (about 2 teaspoons); ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (loosely packed)

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

It’s fast and hands‑off — the pressure cooker does most of the work.
The fresh lime and cilantro bring brightness and contrast to heavier mains.
It pairs superbly with Mexican, Tex‑Mex, or grilled dishes.
It holds up well (not overly mushy) and reheats nicely.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White long‑grain rice
Broth (vegetable or chicken)
Oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil)
Garlic, minced
Salt
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime zest
Fresh lime juice

Directions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear; drain.
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode (medium heat). Add the oil.
When the oil is hot, add the rice and garlic. Stir so that the rice is evenly coated, and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the broth and salt; stir gently.
Lock the lid in place, set the steam valve to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook / Manual on High pressure for about 7 minutes.
When cooking completes, do a quick release (switch vent to Venting).
Remove the lid. Add the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Gently stir to combine.
Replace the lid (not locked) and let the rice sit for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 4 servings
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time (pressure): ~7 minutes
Resting/flavoring time: ~3–4 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Use jasmine or basmati rice — you may need to adjust liquid or cooking times slightly.
Make it vegan/vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
Add heat: stir in finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
Citrus twist: use half lime, half lemon juice or zest.
Garlic alternative: use garlic powder or omit for a milder flavor.
Herb mix: mix in a little cilantro + parsley.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, then microwave covered or warm on stovetop, gently fluffing midway to reintroduce moisture.

FAQs

What type of rice works best?

Long‑grain white rice yields a good texture. Jasmine can also work, but adjust liquid slightly. Avoid brown rice unless altering cooking time.

Can I skip rinsing the rice?

Rinsing helps remove extra starch and prevents clumping. You can skip it, but the texture may be stickier.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes — the Instant Pot handles scaling well. Keep the same rice-to-liquid ratio; cooking time remains similar.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice and zest give the best flavor. Bottled lime juice is possible, but flavor may be flatter.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can cook on the stovetop: bring rice + liquid to boil, then simmer covered until liquid is absorbed. After cooking, stir in cilantro, lime zest, and juice.

Can I omit the cilantro?

Yes — omit or substitute with parsley or chopped herbs of your choice (though flavor changes).

Is it okay to keep the rice in the pot under “Keep Warm”?

It’s best to transfer it out after cooking. Keeping under “Keep Warm” too long may lead to soggy or mushy texture.

Can I freeze this rice?

You can freeze in portions (use freezer‑safe containers). Upon thawing, reheat gently with added moisture (sprinkle water).

Should I stir in the lime and herbs before or after pressure cooking?

After cooking is better: it preserves the brightness of the flavors.

How tangy should the lime flavor be?

Adjust the lime juice to your taste. Start modestly; you can always stir in extra just before serving.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a deceptively simple but flavorful side that brings life to your plate. Within minutes, you can transform plain rice into something aromatic, tangy, and versatile. It’s a standout companion for tacos, grilled meats, bowls, or whenever you want a bit of zest. Let me know if you want a version adapted (e.g. vegan, low sodium, larger batch) — I’d be happy to help.