Last Updated on December 7, 2023
Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker) is a tasty side dish with an incredible citrus flavor. If you want a side dish that is flavorful and appetizing, try our cilantro lime rice recipe!
The popularity of Cilantro Lime Rice comes from the flavor, of course! Fresh cilantro has a zestiness that can only be described as epic. And, paired with lemon juice and lime juice it ups the spice factor tenfold!
Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker Method)
Cilantro Lime Rice is a mildly twangy rice side dish with bits of finely chopped cilantro and onion powder for a bold flavor.
An absolute hit for Mexican and Latin cuisine, Cilantro Lime Rice is an easy rice recipe and is practically foolproof.
There are a few reasons Cilantro Lime Rice is widely popular, but nothing beats its versatile cooking style- a promise that wasn’t on purpose.
You cook Cilantro Lime Rice on a stove, in a rice cooker, in an instant pot- even in the slow cooker.
The great part is that no matter which cooking style you use, Cilantro Lime Rice comes out flawlessly.
Why You Need Long-Grain Rice for This Recipe?
Simply put, Cilantro Lime Rice is a loose rice mix. Meaning, it is not super sticky like sushi rice or mushy.
When you scoop up a spoonful of cilantro rice, you will see each individual grain separated- hopefully. Long-grain rice is the best for this dish.
Long-grain rice is a less stickier rice than that of medium-grain and short-grain rice. This is due to long-grain rice having less starch than the other two.
A lower starch complex means that the rice is more flexible and able to move around on its own. Short-grain and medium-grain rice, on the other hand, is not so.
Medium-grain rice has a sticky and super-sticky texture.
The starch complex is a bit higher than short-grain, but not enough to prevent the rice bits from sticking.
For rice recipes, such as our cilantro lime rice, it’s not suitable because it has a less desirable gummy chew.
Rice recipes that use short-grain rice like sushi, due to its super sticky texture and gummy chew.
Short-grain rice holds a lot of starch- somewhere above 50 grams of carbs per 1 cup! This, toppled with a mushy chew makes it unsuitable for looser rice dishes.
However, if in a pinch you are able to use medium-grain and short-grain, proceed with caution.
Each rice type needs rinsing before cooking to get rid of excess starch.
Double this for rice cooker recipes, that use cooked rice such as Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, and White rice.
Why I like the Rice Cooker Method
Cooking Cilantro Lime Rice in a rice cooker is the easiest set-and-forget rice method around.
With a rice cooker, you don’t have to worry about consistent heat, perfecting the rice-to-cups-water ratio (1:1), and watching the pot closely.
Most rice cookers have a timer setting with an inner vessel explaining the water levels required.
Super helpful for busy cooks because the rice will steam to the maximum timeframe and auto-shut off. No longer fretting about keeping up with the time!
Another reason why I enjoy the rice cooker method is that the texture of the rice comes out perfectly every time!
This is helpful because many people lose heart if the rice texture doesn’t turn out the way that they want it to.
Because the rice is cooked in a lidded cooker, the steam is able to circulate evenly- cooking the long-grain rice with the added benefit of enclosed heat and moisture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Long-Grain Rice – Long-grain rice, Jasmine, and Basmati Rice all worked beautifully with this recipe.
- Olive Oil – Gives the rice a shining finish.
- Spices – Onion powder, Garlic powder, and Salt.
- Fresh Cilantro (Coriander)- Washed and dried with stem removed.
- Lime juice and zest – give the rice a citrus flavor.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker?
- In a colander, wash the rice thoroughly while stirring it until the water runs clean. Rinsing rice before cooking to remove excess starch to make your rice fluffier.
- Put the rice in a rice cooker with 2 cups of water (for the rice cooker method white rice to water is 1:1, brown rice to water 1:2½).
- Cook the rice in the rice cooker until all the water is absorbed. In a rice cooker, white rice usually cooks in 15-20 minutes.
- When the rice is cooked, add lime zest and squeeze 2 limes of juice. Season the rice with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Combine all the seasonings with the rice and gently mix it until it is coated.
- Add chopped cilantro prior to serving to prevent the color from turning dark. And enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover cilantro lime rice is super simple! All you need is an air-tight container and to place it away from high-moisture areas.
Cooked rice tends to expand and makes it difficult to revert to its original form without a little moving around.
Still, if you’re worried about your rice expanding try placing a paper towel in the bottom of the container then add your rice. This will help trap any moisture that slips inside the container and keep the rice fresh.
Can you Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro rice.
To freeze, place the cooled rice in an airtight container or freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or cook from frozen.
If you have leftover cilantro lime rice and are looking for ways to use it up, here are some ideas:
- Make burritos by adding beans, cheese, and grilled chicken or steak.
- Use it as a base for fried rice.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice
There are many delicious ways to enjoy cilantro lime rice, but one of the best is simply as a side dish.
Here are some dishes you can serve with:
- Sofritas
- Vegan Chili (TVP Recipe)
- Vegan Birria Tacos with Consommé
- Vegan Fajitas Recipe
- Sautéed Chickpeas
- Mango and Black Bean Salad
Have you tried this easy cilantro lime rice yet? Rate this recipe or leave comments below, I’d love to hear from you! 😊
More Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
- Tex Mex Paste (Hello Fresh Copycat)
- Black Bean Chili
- Whole Wheat Tortillas
- Sofritas (Chipotle Copycat)
- Vegan Chili
- Vegan Birria Tacos with Consommé
- Vegan Fajitas
- Quick Vegan Birria Consommé
- Vegan Mexican Rice
- Sticky Corn Ribs
- Tomato Avocado Toast
Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 cup Long-Grain Rice
- 2 cup Water
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice or 2 small lime
- 2 tsp Lime Zest or 2 small lime
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
Herbs
- ¼ cup Cilantro Stem removed and chopped
Instructions
- In a colander, wash the rice thoroughly while stirring it until the water runs clean. Rinsing rice before cooking is to remove excess starche to make your rice fluffier.
- Put the rice in a rice cooker with 2 cups of water (for rice cooker method white rice to water is 1:1, brown rice to water 1:2½).
- Cook the rice in the rice cooker until all the water is absorbed. In a rice cooker, white rice usually cooks in 15-20 minutes.
- When the rice is cooked, add lime zest and squeeze 2 lime of juice. Season the rice with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Combine all the seasonings with the rice and gently mix it until it is coated.
- Add chopped cilantro prior serving to prevent the color turning dark. And enjoy!
Nutrition
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