Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker
Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, zesty side dish that transforms simple rice into a flavorful accompaniment for Mexican, Tex-Mex, or even Asian-inspired meals. With a hint of garlic, the brightness of lime, and the herbaceous kick of cilantro, this rice is perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or as a standalone dish. Using a rice cooker makes it incredibly easy and foolproof!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
- 1½ cups long-grain rice (Mexican rice, basmati, or jasmine)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (chopped) + a few sprigs for cooking
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon powder
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
Substitutions: Use brown rice for added fiber (adjust water and cooking time). Swap vegetable bouillon with chicken bouillon or omit for a vegan version. Bottled lime juice works if fresh isn’t available.
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This ensures fluffy, non-sticky grains. Drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Prep the Rice Cooker
Add the rinsed rice to your rice cooker along with garlic powder, onion powder, vegetable bouillon powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour in two cups of water and two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in a few sprigs of cilantro for added aroma. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Set your rice cooker to its standard “Cook” setting and let it work its magic! Once the cycle is complete, let the rice sit in the cooker for an additional five minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
Step 4: Fluff and Finish
Remove the cilantro sprigs from the cooked rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains without breaking them. Add chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid mashing the grains. Adjust salt to taste before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
This cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or as a base for burrito bowls. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro leaves for a pop of color.
Tips & Tricks:
- Rinsing the rice is crucial for achieving fluffy texture—don’t skip this step!
- Letting the rice rest after cooking helps it absorb any remaining steam for perfect consistency.
- For extra citrusy flavor, add lime zest along with the juice.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, sprinkle lightly with water and microwave covered until warmed through (about one minute per portion). For freezing, portion into freezer-safe bags and store for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Find it online: https://mexicanrecipe.info/cilantro-lime-rice-in-a-rice-cooker/