Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Rice is a fragrant, zesty side dish perfect for Mexican meals, grilled dishes, or casual weeknight dinners. This recipe offers both stovetop and Instant Pot methods, making it versatile and easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lime and fresh cilantro add a refreshing twist to fluffy Basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (stovetop) or 2 teaspoons avocado oil (Instant Pot)
• 1 1/4 cups uncooked Basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken, vegetable broth, or water (stovetop)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken, vegetable broth, or water (Instant Pot)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one organic lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems

Instructions

1. Step 1: Stovetop method: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed Basmati rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is slightly toasted.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups of broth or water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the rice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 13 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
4. Step 4: Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Fluff the rice before serving.
5. Step 5: Instant Pot method: Add 1 1/4 cups rinsed Basmati rice, 2 teaspoons avocado oil, 1 1/4 cups broth or water, and 1 teaspoon salt to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set to pressure cook on manual for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully.
7. Step 7: Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Fold gently and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.
• To add extra flavor, sauté minced garlic along with the rice in the oil before adding liquid.
• Use fresh lime zest and juice to ensure the best bright, citrus flavor.
• If you prefer cilantro on the milder side, reduce the amount or use only the leaves.

Storage

Store leftover Cilantro Lime Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or warm in a skillet until heated through, fluffing with a fork before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While Basmati rice works best for its fluffy texture and aroma, you can use long-grain white rice as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary slightly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cilantro Lime Rice a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will develop even more after sitting for a few hours.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

A bright and flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice recipe perfect as a side dish to many meals. Made with fragrant Basmati rice, fresh lime juice and zest, and chopped cilantro, it’s easy to prepare using either the stovetop or Instant Pot methods. This recipe yields fluffy, zesty rice with a hint of herbaceous freshness.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes (stovetop) or 8 minutes (Instant Pot) plus pressure release time
• Total Time: 40 minutes including resting and prep
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop and Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Cooking Liquid

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (stovetop) or 2 teaspoons avocado oil (Instant Pot)
• 1 1/4 cups uncooked Basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken, vegetable broth, or water (stovetop)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken, vegetable broth, or water (Instant Pot)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Flavorings

• Zest of one organic lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: For stovetop, heat the avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the rice slightly. For Instant Pot, add rinsed rice, avocado oil, broth or water, and salt directly into the Instant Pot.
2. Cook the rice: On the stovetop, add broth (or water) and salt to the saucepan and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 13 minutes until liquid is absorbed. For Instant Pot, set to manual pressure cook for 8 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing remaining pressure.
3. Rest the rice: On the stovetop, after cooking, remove from heat and let the pot sit covered for 10 minutes to finish steaming. For Instant Pot, the rice rests during natural pressure release.
4. Add flavorings: Stir in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro into the cooked rice. Fold gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
5. Serve or store: Serve immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This rice pairs wonderfully with Mexican dishes, grilled meats, and vegan entrees.

Notes

• Rinsing the Basmati rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
• Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
• Adjust salt to taste depending on if your broth is salted.
• This recipe can be made vegan by substituting broth with vegetable broth or water.
• Leftover rice can be reheated with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, Basmati rice, Mexican side dish, Instant Pot rice, stovetop rice, cilantro rice, lime rice