How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker + Video

Make this Cilantro Lime Rice in a rice cooker (or on your stovetop) in less than 15 minutes using only one pot. Light, fluffy and full of citrus flavor, this cilantro lime rice recipe is vegan AND naturally gluten-free. 

Why Make This Recipe?

If you’ve never tried cilantro lime rice before, that alone is good enough reason to make this recipe. If you’re a gourmet foodie, health conscious, a busy worker bee, have certain dietary restrictions, or on a budget, this recipe has you covered because it is:

• quick and easy – you’ll need one-pot and less than 15 minutes.
• dietary restriction-friendly – vegan, gluten-free, low calorie, low-fat and no added sugar; you can’t get better than that!
• ingredient and pantry-friendly – uses only 7 ingredients with many of them already in your pantry.
• budget-friendly – the entire recipe will set you back about $5.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient Notes

• rice – jasmine rice works best, but you can also use brown or basmati or whatever rice you have on hand. Read more about the difference between jasmine rice and white rice.
• garlic – fresh minced is best but if you have minced in jar, that’s fine too.
• fat – olive oil or vegan butter is best. You can also make it oil-free, just know this may alter the taste a bit.
• bay leaves – this ingredient enhances flavor of recipe and should not be omitted.
• lime juice – fresh works best but store-bought is ok, too.
• cilantro – should be fresh, super green with no yellowing or browning of the leaves.

Step-by-Step Rice Cooker Instructions

Step 1. To your pot, add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and bay leaves.

Step 2. Add filtered water. Stir.

Step 3. Close lid and press appropriate setting for either white or brown rice.

Step 4. Once rice is finished, open lid and remove bay leaves.

Step 5. Squeeze fresh lime with juicer directly over pot.

Step 6. Add cilantro.

Step 7. Stir thoroughly.

Step 8. Scoop into bowls, garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges and serve immediately or keep warm in rice cooker until ready to serve.

The finished product in all its glory!

Step-by-Step Stove Top Method

If you don’t have a rice cooker, no problem. Follow the steps below to make recipe in a regular pot:

1. Add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, bay leaves and filtered water to your pot and give it a stir.
2. Follow the instructions for cooking time on your rice package.
3. Once all water is absorbed and your rice is ready, remove from heat and add lime juice and cilantro.
4. Give it another good stir, scoop into serving bowls and garnish with lime wedges and more cilantro.

Expert Recipe Tips & Substitutions

Here are some tips to help you make this recipe perfectly, every time:

• You may substitute brown rice or basmati for jasmine rice, as seen in the image below.
• Rice can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Before reheating on the stove top or in the microwave, add a bit of water and give it a good stir. Still dry? Try adding a bit of olive oil. 
• If you choose to use less or more lime, please do. I used 2.5 and it was perfect.
• You may opt for vegan butter instead of olive oil, or you may omit the oil completely (just know it won’t taste exactly the same if you do).
• Red pepper flakes or peppercorns make for great garnishes, besides cilantro and fresh lime wedges.
• For optimal flavor and appearance, avoid adding cilantro until just before serving.

Rice Recipe FAQ

Why is my rice watery? 

If your rice is watery, it means you added too much water or too little rice to the pot. When in doubt, follow the instructions on your rice package.

Is it better to make this rice with jasmine or other white rice or brown rice?  

Jasmine rice falls under the category of white rice and has many similar properties as long-grain white rice. However, white rice undergoes processing which strips it of much of it’s nutrients. Although any white rice will work with this recipe, brown rice, which is higher in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is far healthier for you.

This Goes Great With:

More Vegan Recipe Favorites

Still hungry? Check out some all-time vegan recipe favorites:

• Amazing Rainbow Forbidden Rice
• No-Yeast Vegan Garlic Naan Made on Stove Top
• Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce
• Vegan Southwest Salad
• Roasted Beet Hummus Recipe
• Vegan Mushroom Wellington w/ Sweet Potato & Rosemary
• Healthy Sheet Pan Harvest Bowls

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