The base of any burrito bowl becomes more flavorful with this Instant Pot cilantro lime brown rice. Using a pressure cooker simplifies the process and yields tender whole-grain rice infused with lime zest, fresh lime juice, and bright cilantro. It’s an easy, healthy side that pairs perfectly with Mexican-style bowls, tacos, fajitas, and more.
Cilantro lime brown rice instant pot recipe
This recipe is a brown rice take on the popular cilantro-lime rice found at many burrito chains. Instead of white rice, we use long-grain brown rice (basmati or jasmine) and cook it in the Instant Pot for a reliable result with minimal hands-on time. The lime and cilantro brighten the nutty whole-grain flavor, making it a versatile side for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
What type of rice to use?
Use long-grain brown rice for best texture. Brown basmati and brown jasmine are both excellent choices. Jasmine tends to be slightly stickier and sweeter, while basmati offers a nuttier, more separate grain that pairs especially well with Mexican-style dishes. If you prefer white rice, you can substitute long-grain white rice but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Try this Instant Pot brown rice with…
- Crockpot carne asada
- Instant Pot beef carnitas
- Salsa verde pork in the slow cooker
- Hawaiian chicken tacos
- Pork carnitas
- Quick stir-fry bowls
- Sheet-pan sausage and veggies
- Sheet-pan steak fajitas
- Jerk chicken bowls
- Teriyaki chicken skewers
- Salmon sushi bowls
What you need for this Instant Pot cilantro lime rice recipe
Note: The full ingredient list and amounts are below in the recipe section. This simple flavor combination is all you need to make bright, restaurant-style cilantro lime brown rice.
- Long-grain brown rice (brown basmati or brown jasmine)
- Water or broth
- Sea salt
- Lime zest
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How to make this flavorful side dish
- Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot along with water, sea salt, and lime zest. Stir to combine.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to SEAL. Pressure cook on high for 22 minutes.
- When cooking finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10–15 minutes.
- If the pressure remains after the natural release period, carefully release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Stovetop instructions
If you don’t have an electric pressure cooker, cook this cilantro lime brown rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. To cook on the stovetop, bring the water, salt, and zest to a simmer, add the rinsed rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until tender. Finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro. For a rice cooker, add the same ingredients and cook according to the cooker’s instructions, then toss with lime juice and cilantro when done.
How to store for meal prep
Cool cooked rice completely before storing. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for the best flavor for 3–4 days, though it will remain safe for about 5–6 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to rehydrate the grains. You can also freeze cooked rice in labeled freezer bags for up to six months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Substitutions
Here are a few easy substitutions that work well:
- Rice: Use any long-grain brown rice or white basmati/jasmine if preferred; adjust cooking time for white rice.
- Liquid: Replace some or all of the water with chicken, vegetable, or bone broth for extra flavor.
- Lime: Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch; lemon juice and zest are acceptable alternatives that will change the flavor slightly.
- Cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, try flat-leaf parsley or omit the herb entirely.
More easy recipes you’ll love
- Spicy shrimp bowl with melon
- Baked salmon with mango salsa
- Pork carnitas
- Sheet pan steak fajitas
Recipe
Servings: 6 | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 22 mins | Natural Release: 10 mins | Total: 37 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water (or use broth for more flavor)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse 2 cups long-grain brown rice under cold water.
- Place the rice in the Instant Pot with 2 cups water, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tbsp lime zest; stir.
- Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 22 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Fluff and serve.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 74 kcal, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 395 mg. Nutrition is an approximation.
If you try this simple recipe, please leave a star rating and comment to let me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
