Name: Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice (Chipotle Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked white rice; Pinch of salt; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro (lightly-packed); 3 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (typically from 2 large limes)

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Introduction

This Cilantro Lime Instant Pot Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish that’s inspired by the beloved Chipotle recipe. It’s light, zesty, and perfectly fluffy, making it a great companion to your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals.

A close-up of white cooked rice mixed lightly with small green herb flakes, filling a pot with a soft texture. On the left side, two lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy inner flesh rest on the rice. A wooden spoon with a smooth surface is placed on the right side, slightly lifting some rice grains. The scene has a bright look with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked white rice
Pinch of salt

1 cup water
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro (lightly packed)

3 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (typically from 2 large limes)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the rice by placing it in a mesh strainer and running cold water over it until the water runs clear. Lightly shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Transfer the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot liner and add a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Add 1 cup of water and stir to combine.
Step 4: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to “Sealed.” Press the “Rice” button and select your rice type if necessary, then press “Start.”

Step 5: Allow the Instant Pot to release steam naturally once cooking is complete. Only open the lid when the vent button has dropped.
Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. Season with additional salt to taste.
Step 7: Serve the rice warm as a delicious side.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a bit of lime zest along with the lime juice.
Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time according to your Instant Pot instructions.
Add a small minced garlic clove before cooking for a subtle garlicky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warm.

How to Serve

Inside a shiny stainless steel instant pot, there is a layer of white rice mixed with small bits of green herbs, giving it a light speckled texture. On the left side of the rice, three wedges of bright green lime rest close together. Sticking into the rice from the right side is a light brown wooden spoon, its smooth surface visible and blending with the texture of the rice. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl below and slightly to the right holding a few lime wedges. To the bottom right, green fresh cilantro leaves peek into the frame, and a dark blue textured cloth lies crumpled to the lower left of the pot. The top right corner has black and gray text that reads

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time in the Instant Pot. Follow your appliance’s specific instructions for brown rice cooking times and water ratios.

Can I prepare this rice without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Rinse the rice as directed, then cook it on the stovetop with the same water ratio until tender. After cooking, stir in the cilantro and lime juice before serving.