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Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

A fresh and tangy cilantro lime rice recipe that is easy to prepare either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. This flavorful side dish features fluffy basmati rice infused with bright lime juice and fresh cilantro, perfect for accompanying Mexican, Tex-Mex, or any vibrant meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 tsp oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
  2. Stovetop Cooking: Heat a medium saucepan with a lid over high heat. Add the oil and once shimmering, stir in the rice to coat it well. Stir in the salt and ½ cup cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the water level reaches the rice level. Cover with the lid, reduce heat to low, and steam for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered for 5 more minutes to finish steaming.
  3. Fluff and Season: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork. Fold in the chopped cilantro and lime juice just before serving to retain freshness and brightness.
  4. Instant Pot Method: Combine rice, oil, and salt in the Instant Pot, stirring to coat the rice with oil. Add 1 ¼ cups cold water ensuring the rice is submerged. Pressurize cook on high for 6 minutes. Allow natural pressure release, or manually release if the lid remains locked after 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and fold in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice is key to achieving fluffy, non-sticky grains.
  • You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
  • Fresh cilantro adds the best flavor; avoid dried cilantro for this recipe.
  • Adjust salt to taste depending on your dietary needs.
  • This rice pairs excellently with grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for bowls.