Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is an easy five-ingredient recipe that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It makes a great base for burrito bowls or a flavorful side for weeknight dinners.
Brown rice usually takes longer to cook than white rice, but using an electric pressure cooker reduces the time and delivers tender, fluffy rice quickly. This recipe highlights bright lime and fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style cilantro-lime rice you can make at home without extra oil.
With a short ingredient list and minimal hands-on time, this Instant Pot cilantro lime brown rice is practical for meal prep and pairs well with Mexican-inspired dishes, grilled proteins, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brown rice. Long-grain brown rice is used for this recipe.
- Water. Use water, or substitute chicken or vegetable broth for more flavor.
- Lime. Use fresh lime juice and a little lime zest for brightness. Lemon juice can be substituted if needed.
- Cilantro. Fresh cilantro is best; if using dried cilantro, reduce the amount (about 1 tablespoon).
- Salt. To taste.
What is Brown Rice?
Brown rice retains the bran and germ, which increases its fiber and nutrient content compared to white rice. Because of those layers, it requires a longer cooking time, but it can be used anywhere you would normally use white rice.
Equipment To Gather
- Instant Pot (6-quart recommended; halve the recipe for a 3-quart model).
- Measuring cups and a liquid measuring cup.
- Cutting board and a knife for chopping cilantro and zesting limes.
How To Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Add the water, brown rice, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and not stuck to the bottom.
Close the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes (or use the Rice button and confirm it cooks for 15 minutes).
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. While it releases, chop the cilantro and zest the lime if desired.
Open the lid, turn the Instant Pot off, then add the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Gently fold the cilantro and lime into the rice, garnish with lime zest, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. The rice freezes well if you omit the cilantro and lime before freezing; pack cooled rice into freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, reheat, then add fresh cilantro and lime before serving.
For stovetop cooking, combine 2 cups brown rice with 4 cups water in a saucepan, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes until tender. Fluff, then stir in cilantro and lime juice. The Instant Pot shortens active cooking time.
Serve as a side with tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Use it in burrito bowls with beans, salsa, lettuce, and cheese, or add shredded chicken for a heartier meal. It’s also great for meal prep and reheats well.
Other Recipes To Try
- More Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot Quinoa Vegetable Soup
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Liquid measuring cup
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long Grain Brown Rice
- 2.5 cups Water (or broth)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the water, brown rice, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir so the rice is not stuck to the bottom.
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes (or use the Rice setting and confirm 15 minutes).
- Allow a natural release for about 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. While it releases, chop the cilantro and zest the lime if desired.
- Open the lid, add lime juice and chopped cilantro, fold gently, garnish with lime zest, and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Use broth instead of water for a deeper flavor.
- Recipe yields about 4 cups cooked rice.
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Protein: 5 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed.