This simple yet flavorful rice cooker Cilantro Lime Rice will take your rice game to a new level with just a few easy steps. Avoid the hassle of cooking rice on the stovetop and say hello to an effortless, versatile, and delicious side dish that bursts with so much flavor! Your rice cooker can transform everyday white rice into the perfect side dish for Taco Tuesday or any Mexican dish.
I'd like to share one of my favorite side dishes-cilantro lime rice-that lets the fresh, vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime truly shine. It's quick and easy and will become your new go-to for fluffy rice for meal prep or on busy weeknights. Another side dish you're sure to enjoy is this Roasted Cauliflower or garlicky oven-roasted green beans recipe. Be sure to try this Southwest Quinoa Bowl or Chickpea Quinoa Salad as well. If you're looking for a potato-based side dish, try this vegan colcannon or air fryer potatoes.
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I love serving this simple side with tacos, fajitas, or a homemade burrito bowl. While it is traditionally made on the stovetop, I have discovered the easiest method is to let my trusty rice cooker do all the work.
This cilantro lime rice pairs well with 4-ingredient guacamole recipe and Southwestern Tofu Scramble for a Mexican-inspired meal! Try it with refried beans or black beans.
Why This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Works
- This fragrant rice dish is flavorful with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime. The acid from the lime zest and juice balances the taste overall for a super satisfying side.
- You only need a handful of basic pantry ingredients to make a fresh, aromatic side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal.
- The best part of using the rice cooker method is that with just the press of a button, you're freed up to focus on cooking the main dish or enjoying time with family and friends.
- This simple side dish takes just a few minutes of hands-on time.
Such a delicious side! Perfect for my taco bowls too!
- Vanessa
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this easy cilantro lime rice recipe:
- Long-grain rice - Basmati rice or jasmine rice is ideal. I use quality aged basmati; extra-long grain basmati rice works well, too. I purchase mine at a local Indian market or a nearby grocery store. You can use long-grain brown rice instead - it will impart a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber. It takes longer to cook, but it's well worth the wait. Measure your cup with the cup that came with the rice cooker.
- Fresh cilantro - There is no need to separate the stems and leaves for the cilantro; finely chop.
- Fresh lime - Organic lime is preferable, especially for the lime zest. Please don't use the stuff that comes in a plastic "lime" - it cannot compare to fresh lime juice and lime zest!
- Oil - I used grapeseed oil; I recommend a neutral oil.
- Cold water - the rice vs. water ratio depends on your specific cooker. It also depends on whether you're using brown rice or regular rice. Follow the instructions per your cooker. Count the number of cups you're making, then fill the rice cooker with water to the level on the side that matches the type of rice and the number of cups you're making.
See the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and exact measurements.
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions you can try when making this versatile side dish:
- Long-grain rice - use brown basmati or brown jasmine rice instead of white long-grain. The recipe remains the same, the only thing that needs to change is the cooking time for the rice. Use the "brown rice" setting on the rice cooker and fill the water to the appropriate level.
- Cilantro - use chopped fresh parsley or chopped fresh oregano, marjoram, or basil.
- Lime - use lemon juice instead, or you can skip the lime.
- Grapeseed oil - use olive oil, coconut oil, melted vegan butter, or avocado oil instead.
- Water - replace the cups of water with vegetable broth or un-chicken broth, or use seasoned vegetable paste like Better Than Bouillon mixed with hot water in place of water. Let cool to room temperature before putting it in the cooker to cook the rinsed rice.
Variations
- Spicy - add a chopped jalapeno; remove the seeds. Or add a dried arbol chile before cooking.
- Add a bay leaf and remove before the dish is served.
- Flavor - add onion powder or a pinch of cumin seeds when cooking. Or add garlic salt, garlic powder, and ground cumin to taste.
- Herbs - Add herbs such as fresh oregano, marjoram, basil, or parsley in addition to or instead of cilantro, before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker
It's easy to make this delicious side dish, even if it is your first time. Rinse the rice several times to get the excess starch out so it is less likely to stick.
- Step 1: Wash the rice several times in a bowl or over the sink in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. I do this around six or seven times.
- Step 2: Drain well before transferring it to the cooker. I first add the oil to the rice cooker bowl and grease the inside before adding the ingredients.
- Step 3: Add the ingredients except the lime and cilantro to your rice cooker. Stir gently with a spatula so that the water covers the rice evenly. Close the lid.
- Step 4: Cook on the Plain setting according to the rice cooker instructions; the machine will beep when ready. Carefully open the lid with oven mitts. Fluff the cooked rice with a rice paddle or spatula.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste, and add salt, lime juice, and cilantro to taste. Enjoy your cilantro lime rice!
Tip: For best results, unplug the machine once the rice is cooked and place the rice cooker bowl on the counter on top of a towel. Then, once you fluff the rice and add seasoning, place a clean towel on top. I avoid the "warm" setting in the rice cooker to prevent overcooking.
Which Setting Should Be Used?
- I often use the "plain" setting for long-grain white rice and "brown" for brown rice. Refer to the instruction manual for another type.
- The cooker has preset programs and measurement lines for white rice and brown rice.
- Brown rice takes longer to cook - depending on how much you cook, it can take 60-90 minutes. White rice takes about 30 minutes, give or take.
Equipment
Rice cooker - I love mine; it makes cooking rice a breeze! I purchased this 5.5-cup rice cooker at a local store. It's an excellent size for small to medium-sized families. It came with a paddle and a cup for measuring.
Storage
- Once the cilantro lime rice has cooled, refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, I recommend using the microwave to retain moisture. Sprinkle a small amount of water on top, cover with a microwave-safe lid slightly ajar, and cook until heated through.
Expert Tips
- Refrain from overfilling or rounding the cup that came with the rice cooker when measuring the rice.
- Rinse the rice several times in cool, fresh water until the water is clear.
- Place the oil in the rice cooker and grease the sides before adding the rinsed rice and salt. Add cool water to the appropriate line in the rice cooker bowl.
- Stir gently with a silicone spatula to ensure the rice is evenly covered with the water before closing the top and pressing the appropriate button to cook the rice. The machine will release steam, so do not place it directly under a counter.
Recipe FAQs
It is recommended to rinse the rice several times because excess starch in rice causes cooked rice to clump. For best results, rinse the rice to get separate grains of cooked rice.
It depends on the type of rice and the quantity. A cup of white rice can take around 30 minutes to cook.
Cooking a cup of dry rice is enough for 2 people - you will likely get 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are serving with it.
If your rice turns out dry or slightly crispy burned on the bottom, you need to add more water next time.
Yes! The recipe remains the same, although brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Use the brown rice setting on your rice cooker.
Related Vegan Sides
If you try this recipe or any other recipe here on Resplendent Kitchen, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
EQUIPMENT
- Rice paddle or spatula
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup white long-grain rice rinsed, measured per rice cooker cup, basmati or jasmine rice
- Water fill to the appropriate level on your rice cooker (1 for 1 cup rice).
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems and leaves
- Zest of one organic lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice juice from about ½ large lime
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the rinsed long-grain rice, water, grapeseed oil, and ½ teaspoon pink salt to your rice cooker. Stir gently with a spatula so that the water covers the rice evenly. Close the rice cooker lid.
- Cook on Plain setting according to the rice cooker instructions until the rice cooker beeps that it is ready.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a rice paddle or spatula, stir in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Add additional salt to taste. Unplug the cooker and remove the rice from the rice cooker to prevent overcooking.
NOTES
-
- Once it has cooled, refrigerate the leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
- To reheat, I recommend using the microwave to retain moisture. Sprinkle a small amount of water on top of the rice, cover with a microwave-safe lid slightly ajar, and cook until heated through.
- If cooking brown rice, the ingredient amounts are the same; fill the water to the appropriate level for "brown" and select the "Brown rice" setting.
NUTRITION
Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.
T Christie says
Made several times (doubling recipe each time)-a hit with our family!
Worked well as a base for chicken fajita bowls and equally as well with taco meat (ground beef) and black beans. Thank you for this simple and clear recipe! It’s just what we were looking for.
Emily Miller says
I'm so glad you and your family have been enjoying this recipe, Tracy! I love hearing that you've made it several times and that it works so well for your family. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience!
G Aus says
is the recipe the same when using brown rice?
Emily Miller says
The recipe remains the same, although brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Use the brown rice setting on your rice cooker. I hope you enjoy it!
Gianne says
It's bursting with flavor and the perfect side dish for any meal. The cilantro and lime combo is so refreshing and adds a zesty kick to every bite. It's a must-try!
Emily Miller says
Thank you for taking the time to review this cilantro rice recipe, Gianne. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it! The cilantro and lime combination is one of our favorites.
Dina and Bruce says
Yum. We made this with grilled chicken and it was perfect!
Emily Miller says
Thank you for trying out the recipe, Dina and Bruce! I'm thrilled to hear that it turned out delicious!
Vanessa says
Such a delicious side! Perfect for my taco bowls too!
Emily Miller says
Thank you for leaving such a glowing review, Vanessa. I am happy to hear that you found it to be the perfect addition to your taco bowls!
Ned says
Perfect flavor and delicious rice! Thank you for this great recipe!
Emily Miller says
Thank you for your fantastic review, Ned! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit and you enjoyed the flavor!
Tayler says
I made this rice for our taco night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Emily Miller says
Thank you so much for trying my recipe and leaving such a positive review, Tayler! I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it for your taco night. Happy cooking!