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    Home » Recipes » Asian Meals

    Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice (Instant Pot)

    Published: Jun 21, 2021 · Modified: Aug 18, 2021 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice is just like Chipotle, but better! Make this in the Instant Pot or in a rice cooker. The coconut milk with the cilantro and lime makes this a world of flavor in just a few minutes!

    photo of cilantro rice in a bowl with lime and cilantro garnish

    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.

    Use an Instant Pot or rice cooker to make this recipe with ease. Only a few very simple ingredients 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-inspire coconut and basmati rice, with the mexican inspired cilantro lime flavors, this is a total fusion, which makes it easy to pair with lots!
    • Easy, Cheap Ingredients - Rice, 1 lime, a handful of cilantro, and a can of coconut milk makes 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:

    photo of ingredients with pink labels
    • 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
    • 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.

    Step 2: Pressure Cook

    Add rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.

    photo of coconut milk and rice in 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.

    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.

    photo of cooked rice and cilantro in the instant pot

    Serve in a bowl and enjoy!

    Expert Tips

    close up of finished coconut cilantro lime 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.

    Recipe FAQs:

    What do you eat with cilantro rice?

    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.

    What is the best way to cook basmati rice?

    I believe the best way to cook any rice is in an Instant Pot or a rice cooker!

    What can I use as a substitute for cilantro?

    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:

    Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

    Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta (Instant Pot)

    Vegan Spinach Risotto In The Instant Pot

    Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice (Instant Pot)

    This Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice is just like Chipotle, but better! Make this in the Instant Pot or in a rice cooker. The coconut milk with the cilantro and lime makes this a world of flavor in just a few minutes!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Rice, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Asian, Mexican, Vegan
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Natural Release Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 310kcal
    Author: Emily

    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

    Recipe copyright Legally Healthy Blonde. For educational or personal use only.
      • 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

      Nutrition

      Calories: 310kcal
      Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @LegallyHealthyBlonde or tag #LegallyHealthyBlonde!

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      Reader Interactions

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        Recipe Rating




      1. Rebeca

        June 22, 2021 at 10:46 pm

        What if I don’t have a “Rice” function on my IP?

        Reply
        • Emily

          June 22, 2021 at 10:50 pm

          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!

          Reply
          • Anonymous

            November 30, 2021 at 12:12 am

            I cook rice 3 min with natural release.

            Reply
          • Monica

            January 10, 2022 at 2:15 pm

            Just curious, why the coconut milk?? Interested in trying it, regardless. Thanks🙂

            Reply
            • Emily

              January 12, 2022 at 1:51 pm

              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!

              Reply
      2. Kim H

        September 15, 2021 at 2:58 pm

        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).

        Reply
        • Emily

          September 15, 2021 at 2:59 pm

          Hi Kim! Sorry I didn't include that! The closest you can get to a 15 ounce can is best!

          Reply
      3. Rebekah

        January 10, 2022 at 1:37 am

        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).

        Reply
        • Emily

          January 12, 2022 at 1:53 pm

          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!

          Reply
      4. Sydney

        January 10, 2022 at 9:48 pm

        Is there something other than coconut milk that you have tried? Maybe a broth?

        Reply
        • Emily

          January 12, 2022 at 1:50 pm

          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.

          Reply
      5. Mari

        January 28, 2022 at 12:29 am

        5 stars
        So happy to have found this IP recipe. Delicious and husband approved. Served as side with broiled grouper.

        Reply
      6. Nic M

        February 23, 2022 at 10:10 am

        Can you double the recipe? My house has big eaters!

        Reply
        • Emily

          February 23, 2022 at 2:24 pm

          I haven't tested it, but you should be able to! Double all of the ingredients, but keep the cooking method the same!

          Reply
      7. Nicole

        February 23, 2022 at 3:13 pm

        Has anyone used coconut water instead of coconut milk?

        Reply
        • Emily

          February 24, 2022 at 2:58 pm

          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!

          Reply

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