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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

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

    Published: Jul 11, 2020 · Modified: May 4, 2022 by Deborah · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    pinterest pin for cilantro lime rice recipe

    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. 

    ceramic bowl of rice topped with cilantro and lime on gray table top

    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

    ingredients for cilantro lime rice

    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.

    rice cooker with ingredients added for cilantro lime rice

    Step 2. Add filtered water. Stir.

    person adding filtered water to rice cooker

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

    Step 3 close lid and choose rice setting

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

    Step 4 remove bay leaves when rice is done

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

    step 5 squeeze lime over pot

    Step 6. Add cilantro.

    step 6 add cilantro

    Step 7. Stir thoroughly.

    step 7 stir again

    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.

    image of finished rice

    The finished product in all its glory!

    cilantro lime rice in a colorful bowl on a gray table
    How to made cilantro lime rice in a rice cooker

    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.
    overhead shot of brown rice topped and surrounded by garlic, lime and cilantro
    Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

    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:

    • Vegan Tinga Tacos Made in Instant Pot + Video
    • Spicy Jackfruit Tacos with Mango & Sweet Corn Salsa
    • Easy Vegan Enchilada Casserole + Video (GF)
    • How to Make One Pot Vegan Enchiladas

    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

    Have you tried this? Why not leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!

    cilantro lime rice recipe

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice in Your Rice Cooker

    Light and fluffy and full of citrus goodness, this cilantro lime rice recipe is also gluten-free and takes only minutes to prepare using one pot.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 13 minutes
    Servings: 3 servings
    Calories: 269kcal
    Author: Deborah
    Cost: $4

    Equipment

    • rice cooker or regular pot
    • wooden spoon
    • juicer

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup cup jasmine rice
    • 1.5 cups filtered water or however much your package calls for
    • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1-2 bay leaves
    • Juice from 2 to 3 limes
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro coarsely chopped
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • To your cooker, add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and bay leaves. Stir.
    • Add filtered water.
    • Close lid, set your rice cooker to either brown or white rice, then press start.
    • Once rice is finished, open lid and remove bay leaves.
    • Squeeze lime directly over pot.
    • Add cilantro.
    • Stir until well combined.
    • Garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately in bowls or keep warm in rice cooker until ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • You may substitute brown rice or basmati for Jasmine rice, as seen in the image above.
    • 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. If still too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil. 
    • You can use as few or as many limes as you desire. 2.5 was perfect for my taste. 
    • 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.
    • Add another bay leaf, if you want to add to the flavor.
    • Avoid adding cilantro until just before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Hi, I'm Deborah, a registered nurse by profession and the creative voice, home chef and photographer behind Vegan Vigilante. Welcome to my ethical & sustainable online vegan kitchen! Here you'll find delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes that taste delicious and help to improve your health and wellness.

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