If you enjoy the brown rice at Chipotle, you’ll absolutely love this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice recipe! This popular copycat recipe is incredibly easy to make at home, resulting in a flavorful rice dish that serves as a fantastic side for any meal.
If you’ve ever savored the brown rice at Chipotle, this recipe will undoubtedly evoke familiar and delightful memories!
The combination of cilantro and lime is simply irresistible. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime beautifully complement the earthy notes of the brown rice, transforming it into an exceptional side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals.
Furthermore, utilizing an electric pressure cooker – whether it’s an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi – makes cooking rice an absolute breeze. It’s a tremendous time-saver, and I consistently achieve outstanding results with this method. I frequently rely on it for my Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe and our Instant Pot Garlic Rice recipe.
I’m thrilled to share this innovative Instant Pot rice recipe with you. I sincerely hope you relish the vibrant and bold flavors of this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe!
🌟 Why This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Works
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish that tantalizes the senses with its enticing flavors and fragrant aromas. This recipe is a game changer!
Each forkful of this wholesome grain offers a delightful fusion: the earthy nuttiness of brown rice, the zesty brightness of fresh lime juice, and the herbaceous charm of cilantro leaves. It’s an orchestra of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Instant Pot recipe:
- Effortless: This is an incredibly easy rice recipe that anyone can prepare at home. No rice cooker is needed! In my opinion, the Instant Pot yields fluffier rice than any other cooking method.
- Simple: You only need a handful of readily available ingredients found in any grocery store.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Thanks to the electric pressure cooker, the majority of the cooking time is hands-free, allowing the Instant Pot to work its magic! This frees you up to focus on the main course while this delectable side dish is being prepared.
- Flavorful: Say goodbye to boring and bland rice. This Instant Pot recipe delivers a burst of bold and exciting flavors.
🛒 Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredient Notes
- Rice: This recipe is specifically tailored for cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot. While you can adapt it for white rice, keep in mind that the cooking times will need adjustment. White rice typically requires around 4 minutes of pressure cooking time, while brown rice needs approximately 22 minutes.
- Broth or Stock: To maintain the vegetarian and vegan nature of this recipe, vegetable broth is used. If you don’t require a vegetarian or vegan option, chicken stock or chicken broth can be substituted.
- Lime: You’ll need both fresh lime juice and lime zest to infuse the cilantro-lime rice with a remarkably pronounced lime flavor. Don’t skimp on the lime!
- Cilantro: Chopping fresh cilantro leaves introduces a refreshing herbal element to every bite.
- Salt: A touch of kosher salt balances the overall flavor profile.
✅ How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice: Step-by-Step Instructions
For a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post. Here’s a visual step-by-step guide, complete with process photos, to assist you in crafting this simple yet flavorful dish.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly.
- Combine the rice, vegetable broth or stock, and salt in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high pressure for 22 minutes. Once the 22 minutes are up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
3. After the unit has undergone natural release for 10 minutes, carefully use a wooden spoon to shift the pressure release valve to the VENTING position for a Quick Release.
Once the pressure release pin has completely descended, carefully open the lid and incorporate the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro into the rice. Gently toss everything together and fluff the rice with a wooden spoon before transferring it to a serving bowl.
👩🏻🍳 Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice for cilantro lime rice?
Absolutely! If you opt for white rice, adjust the cooking time to approximately 4 minutes instead of the 22 minutes required for brown rice. Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or any other long-grain white rice can be used with this recipe, keeping the adjusted pressure cooking time in mind.
Is brown rice healthier than white rice?
According to Healthline, brown rice boasts a higher fiber content and is richer in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals compared to white rice. Brown rice is also a good source of magnesium and fiber, contributing to blood sugar level management.
What’s the best way to store leftover rice?
Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days to maintain optimal freshness.
Is brown rice gluten-free?
Yes, brown rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What kind of brown rice should I use in this recipe?
Any type of brown rice will work wonderfully, including brown jasmine rice, brown basmati rice, and both short-grain and long-grain brown rice varieties. Feel free to use your favorite!
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro-lime rice serves as an excellent base for creating a delicious and convenient dinner.
Consider topping it with our Ground Turkey Teriyaki for a satisfying rice bowl. Alternatively, incorporate it into Salmon Teriyaki Bowls or Chicken Teriyaki Donburi (Chicken Rice Bowls). You can also utilize this rice in our Chorizo Breakfast Bowls and Instant Pot Vegetarian Burrito Bowls.
It’s a versatile side dish that complements dishes like Air Fryer Salmon Bites, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or Instant Pot Fiesta Chicken.
🍳 Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Ready to embark on this recipe? Here are the essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll require:
- Electric Pressure Cooker: I prefer preparing this recipe in my Instant Pot or in my Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker.
- Wooden Spoon: Use a wooden spoon to gently fluff the rice after adding the cilantro and lime.
More Rice Recipes
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
- Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
- Instant Pot Garlic Rice
- Shrimp Avocado Brown Rice Bowl
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or other electric pressure cooker
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Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2½ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon lime zest
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice over a strainer in a sink until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
- Place the rice into the Instant Pot.
- Pour in the broth/stock and olive oil, then sprinkle in the salt.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid with the vent in SEALING mode.
- Select High Pressure, and 22 minutes. The unit will take 6-10 minutes to come to pressure, then it will start pressure cooking and counting down.
- After 22 minutes, allow for Natural Pressure for 10 minutes. This means: do not do anything for 10 minutes. During this time, pressure will release naturally from the unit.
- After 10 minutes of Natural Release, use a wooden spoon or other utensil to carefully move the venting knob over to the VENTING position to do a Quick Release.
- Once all pressure is released, the pressure release pin will fall down, letting you know it is now safe to open the pressure cooker. When the pin is down, carefully twist open the lid.
- Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest and stir to combine with the rice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.