Name: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups basmati rice; 2 cups water (or half broth and half water for a little more flavor); 1 tbsp. olive oil; fresh lime juice (about 1/2 of a lime You could also add a little lime zest if you would like!); 1 tsp. salt; 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro; 1 bay leaf

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I have always been one to make rice on the stove top, but now that I know how easy it is to make in the Instant Pot, I may be converted! I love that you literally can set it and forget it. There is no risk of it boiling over, as there is on the stovetop, and Instant Pot rice comes out perfect every time. This recipe features fresh and good for you ingredients like cilantro and lime juice, with quick cooking basmati rice. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect way to enjoy this Chipotle classic at home.

Is this an Instant Pot version of Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice?

Sure is! This recipe creates a rice that is VERY similar to Chipotle's version! The key, in my opinion, is subtlety of flavor. I am normally one to go for big punchy flavors-- the more herbs, onions, and garlic, the better.

Here, I kept things reined in. Just a half of a freshly squeezed lime, and a handful of cilantro leaves, is all that is necessary. This allows it to be the perfect side dish for all kinds of meals, without being overpowering.

What should you serve this with?

This is not only a Mexican side dish, it's simple another to work with lots of proteins and dishes.

burritos
burrito bowls
grilled chicken or steak
fried egg on top
kabobs

Some of the following would be great pairings: Chicken Ensenada Platter or Mexican Style Baked Chicken. If you want to switch up the flavorings, this Instant Pot Mexican Rice has tomatoes and jalapenos. For a more subtle flavor, try Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Veggies.

Rice makes a great side dish because it is gluten free, inexpensive, and versatile.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups basmati rice
2 cups water (or half broth and half water for a little more flavor)
1 tbsp. olive oil
fresh lime juice (about ½ of a lime) You could also add a little lime zest if you would like!
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 bay leaf

A note about adding the oil to the rice. I have tried this recipe without it, and it got completely stuck to the bottom and the rice was not as smooth! I am not normally one to add oil to my rice, but in a pressure cooker I think it is a necessary addition.

Instructions:

In your pressure cooker, add rice, bay leaf, water, oil, salt, cilantro, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Give it a quick stir.

Set to high pressure and 6 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure. "Instant Pot" is a bit of a misnomer to me, as the cook time does not accurately reflect the actual time from start to finish. So while this recipe says 6 minutes, with the pressurization and depressurization times it will likely be closer to 25. Almost all of the time is hands off cooking time, though.

After the 6 minutes of cook time have passed, use natural pressure release (meaning do nothing and allow to depressurize naturally).

After 10 minutes of depressurization, carefully use the quick release and allow any remaining steam to escape. Remove lid, remove bay leaf, fluff rice, and serve.

Do you need to soak the rice first?

This is an unsoaked rice recipe. I know that some people choose to soak their rice, or rinse it out first. I have never found this step to be necessary. If you do choose to soak your rice, reduce the amount of liquid used when cooking.

What type of rice is best to use?

My go to rice is always basmati. Basmati is a long grain rice, like jasmine rice, and it is very versatile. It cooks quickly and comes out light and fluffy. Some people prefer to use brown rice, the cook time will most likely be a minute or two longer (7 minutes cook time).

Let me know if you try out this Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Version!