If Mexican food is a staple in your household and you're on the hunt for easy rice recipes, this Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice is just like Chipotle, but better! Make this in the Instant Pot or a rice cooker. The coconut milk with the cilantro and lime makes this a world of flavor in just a few minutes!
Anytime I go to a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant (like Chipotle or Moes), cilantro lime rice is always a part of my order. This is just like that, but a touch creamier and sweeter from the added coconut milk. A great base for burrito bowls OR the perfect side dish for your go-to Mexican meal, this simple recipe is packed with extra flavor from the zesty lime and fresh cilantro.
Use an Instant Pot or rice cooker to make this recipe with ease. Only a few very simple ingredients are needed! Serve this with Mexican or Asian-inspired meals, like vegan tuna poke or crispy tofu!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A Fusion of Flavors - With the Asian-inspired coconut and basmati rice, with the Mexican-inspired cilantro lime fresh flavor, this is a total fusion that packs so much flavor with minimal effort. This makes it the perfect rice to pair with lots of dishes!
- Easy, Cheap Ingredients - Plain rice (basmati rice is preferred), 1 lime, a handful of cilantro, and a can of coconut milk make this an extremely affordable meal!
- Simple & Quick - The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the rice to cook! You'll have this on your table in no time.
What You'll Need For This Recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions:
- Basmati Rice - Any long-grain rice will work, but I recommend basmati or jasmine rice.
- Coconut Milk (Full Fat) - Make sure you use a can of full-fat coconut milk. Don't get the light version and don't get coconut cream!
- Cilantro - Fresh is best.
- Salt
- Fresh Lime Juice
Equipment:
- Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker, or Rice Cooker
- Knife
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly rinsing your rice in a bowl of water. Rinse and drain until the water runs clear to remove excess starches. Do not skip this step.
Finely chop cilantro and juice 1 lime. I recommend chopping the leaves and discarding the cilantro stems.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Add rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cooking rice with the Instant Pot is super simple. Use the 'Rice' function on the instant pot and cook for 12 minutes.
Natural Release for a cooking time of 10 minutes until the pin drops.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and stir the rice.
Add all of the cilantro and lime juice and combine well.
Optional: add a teaspoon of lime zest for a more intense lime flavor.
Serve in a bowl and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- You can add so much to this recipe! Throw in any veggies, cooked proteins like carne asada or black beans, or even leafy greens.
- Brown rice can be substituted and should cook about the same.
Recipe FAQs:
So many things can go with coconut cilantro lime rice! Make a burrito or burrito bowl with it by adding beans, protein, veggies, and salsa. This flavorful homemade cilantro lime rice is also the perfect complement to a homemade Asian poke bowl.
For best results, I like to use an Instant Pot or a rice cooker! Rice cookers have a slightly longer cook time but still create delicious, fluffy rice. However, there are various ways to cook rice, and the stove top is a great option if you don't have an Instant Pot handy. I recommend a 2:1 ratio--two cups water to one cup of rice.
Although it will greatly change the flavor of this dish, basil and parsley would be the best substitute for cilantro.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:
Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta (Instant Pot)
Vegan Spinach Risotto In The Instant Pot
📖 Recipe
Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice (Instant Pot)
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker or Rice Cooker
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice rinsed
- 1 can Coconut milk full-fat, 15 ounce can
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ cup Cilantro
- 1 Lime juiced
- pinch Salt
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing your rice in a bowl of water. Rinse and drain until the water runs clear to remove excess starches. Do not skip this step.
- Finely chop cilantro and juice 1 lime.
- Add rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Use the 'Rice' function on the instant pot and cook for 12 minutes.
- Natural Release for 10 minutes until the pin drops.
- Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and stir the rice.
- Add all of the cilantro and lime juice and combine well.
- Serve in a bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe yields 4 cups of cooked rice.
- You can add so much to this recipe! Throw in any veggies, cooked proteins, or even leafy greens.
- Brown rice can be substituted and should cook about the same.
- Nutrition Information is for 1 serving, which is ¼th of this recipe.
- Calories: 310 cal
- Total Fat: 15 grams
- Total Carb: 38.5 grams
- Protein: 5.3 grams
Rebeca says
What if I don’t have a “Rice” function on my IP?
Emily says
Hey! Thanks for bringing that up, I hadn’t considered that. I would try cooking on high pressure for 4 minutes with a 10 minute natural release. I haven’t tested that with this specific recipe, but I have cooked basmati rice like this with no problem!
Anonymous says
I cook rice 3 min with natural release.
Monica says
Just curious, why the coconut milk?? Interested in trying it, regardless. Thanks🙂
Emily says
Hi Monica! I personally find that the coconut milk really balances out the tangier flavors of the cilantro and the lime. In general, I'm not a big coconut fan, but I think it really works in this recipe! Hope you enjoy!
Kim H says
Can't wait to try it! What size can of coconut milk are you using? My supermarket has at least 3 different sizes (the most common being probably half the size of a standard food can).
Emily says
Hi Kim! Sorry I didn't include that! The closest you can get to a 15 ounce can is best!
Rebekah says
What if using a rice cooker? I don’t have an instant pot, but I do have a rice cooker (that I’ve never used).
Emily says
Hi Rebekah! Unfortunately, I do not have a rice cooker and I cannot give you accurate instructions for how to convert this to a rice cooker. However, I'm sure if you search how to make Cilantro Lime rice in a rice cooker, then just add some coconut at the end, it will have a very similar result!
Sydney says
Is there something other than coconut milk that you have tried? Maybe a broth?
Emily says
Hi Sydney! I Think a broth or water would work just fine for a regular cilantro lime rice. This recipe is a coconut cilantro lime rice recipe, because I think the coconut really balances the other flavors! So, yes, you can use a broth, but it will taste quite different.
Mari says
So happy to have found this IP recipe. Delicious and husband approved. Served as side with broiled grouper.
Nic M says
Can you double the recipe? My house has big eaters!
Emily says
I haven't tested it, but you should be able to! Double all of the ingredients, but keep the cooking method the same!
Nicole says
Has anyone used coconut water instead of coconut milk?
Emily says
Hi Nicole! I haven't tried using coconut water, and I don't think it would work very well. The coconut milk contributes to a sweeter flavor and the creaminess. I don't think coconut water will give a similar result. However, if you try it and if it works, let me know!