Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)

My first introduction to cilantro lime rice was at Chipotle. The zesty, herbaceous rice added so much flavor to my burrito bowl. I was hooked.

Being someone who loves making my own version of restaurant meals at home, I knew I had to try recreating Chipotle cilantro lime rice. And by far my favorite way to make this easy side dish is in a rice cooker.

Rice cookers make cooking rice a fool-proof task. With the rice cooker doing the heavy lifting, you're free to focus on getting the rest of your meal ready while the rice cooks to perfection.

This homemade rice cooker cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish for all of your summer meals. It's made with just 8 simple ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes so, it's great for a quick weeknight dinner.

So, if you're ready to make the best rice cooker cilantro lime rice, keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make- This rice cooker cilantro lime rice recipe is so easy to make. With the help of a rice cooker, the rice can be cooked perfectly without much attention. Then, just season the rice and you're done!
• Ready in 30 Minutes- Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy rice side dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Versatile- This easy rice cooker cilantro lime rice pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside all of your favorite Mexican, Latin American, or Tex-Mex recipes.
• Flavorful- Fresh cilantro, tangy lime zest, and garlic powder add a vibrant and refreshing flavor to the rice. These simple ingredients elevate plain white rice into a deliciously aromatic side dish.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• White Rice- Long grain white rice becomes fluffy when cooked, which is perfect for creating a flavorful rice side dish. Be sure to rinse the rice before making cilantro lime rice in a rice cooker to remove excess starch.
• Butter- Adds a buttery flavor that pairs well with the cilantro, lime, and garlic. Opt for unsalted butter for better control over the sodium.
• Cilantro- Fresh cilantro can be sandy so, wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems before finely chopping it.
• Lime Juice- One lime contains about 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. If your lime is firm, roll it on the counter to help release more juice.
• Lime Zest- Adding the zest intensifies the lime flavor. Use a microplane or box grater to zest the lime, being careful not to include any of the bitter white rind.
• Seasonings- A combination of kosher salt, freshly grated black pepper, and garlic powder enhance the flavor of this cilantro lime rice cooker rice.

Sustainability Tip: Grow your own cilantro in your garden or in a container on your windowsill for the freshest flavor and to help reduce food waste.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this flavorful rice cooker cilantro lime rice recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• White Rice- Substitute long grain rice for basmati rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. This dish can also be made using other grains such as quinoa or farro.
• Water- Bring more flavor to this rice dish by cooking the rice in chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of water.
• Butter- Swap butter for coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
• Cilantro- If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.
• Lime Juice & Zest- While it will change the flavor profile of the rice dish, you can substitute the lime juice and zest for lemon juice and lemon zest.
• Garlic Powder- For a stronger garlic flavor, use one clove of grated or finely minced fresh garlic instead.

Variations

• Gluten-Free- Rice is naturally gluten-free, making this simple rice cooker cilantro lime rice recipe gluten-free as well. Of course, always double-check all labels before using any ingredient.
• Dairy-Free- Replace the butter with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to make dairy-free vegan cilantro lime rice in the rice cooker.
• Coconut- Swap half of the water for coconut milk and replace the butter with coconut oil to make coconut cilantro lime rice.
• Spicy- For spicy cilantro lime rice, add finely minced fresh jalapeño pepper or a few shakes of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetables- Add black beans, corn, red bell pepper, tomato, and red onion for a flavorful, veggie-packed side dish.
• Fruit- Diced pineapple, mango, or coconut would give this rice dish a tropical vibe.

Equipment Notes

Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

• Rice Cooker- Rice cookers take the guesswork out of cooking rice, making it a fool-proof task. With the rice cooker handling the cooking process, you can focus on preparing the rest of your meal while the rice effortlessly cooks to perfection. I love my Tiger 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker and use it multiple times per week.
• Mesh Sieve- A fine mesh sieve makes rinsing rice and other grains a breeze.
• Microplane- A stainless steel grater is perfect for zesting limes and other citrus.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker

Here is how to make cilantro lime rice (rice cooker).

Step 1: Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice under cold, running water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Cook the rice. In the bowl of the rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice and water. Set the rice cooker to the "plain" setting or follow your rice cooker instructions.

Step 3: Fluff the rice. Once the rice is cooked, carefully open the rice cooker to release the steam. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 4: Season the rice. Add the butter, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the cooked rice in the rice cooker. Mix the rice gently with the butter and seasonings until well combined, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Rinse the rice. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch. Removing excess starch means the cooked rice will be fluffier and less mushy. Use a fine mesh sieve and rinse the rice under cold, running water until the water runs clear.
• Fluff the rice. After the rice is cooked, use a fork to fluff it gently. This helps to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
• Adjust seasonings to taste. Taste the rice after adding the seasonings and adjust according to your personal taste preferences. Don't be afraid to add more or less of any of the ingredients.

What to Serve With Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)

Rice cooker cilantro lime rice is a simple, versatile rice dish that pairs well with a wide variety of Mexican-inspired main dishes. Naturally, cilantro lime rice makes an excellent side dish for tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas.

Additionally, the vibrant flavors in cilantro lime rice pair perfectly with many seafood dishes. Try serving this easy rice side dish with Grilled Old Bay Shrimp, Parmesan-Crusted Halibut, or Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos.

Finally, serve rice cooker cilantro and lime rice as a side dish alongside grilled meats such as chicken or steak tips. The zesty, herbaceous flavors provide a nice contrast to the richness of the meat.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Refrigerator- Store leftover rice cooker cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover lime and cilantro rice for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop- Add leftover rice and a splash of water to a saucepan or skillet set over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully warmed through.
• Oven- To reheat large batches of leftover rice, the oven is a great option. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the rice out evenly in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is hot.
• Microwave- Place a serving of leftover cilantro lime rice onto a microwave-safe dish. Drizzle with a small amount of water and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Make Ahead

While this rice dish tastes best freshly prepared, you can make lime cilantro rice in a rice cooker up to 3 days in advance. Allow the rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, follow the instructions outlined in the section above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's Connect!

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

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