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!
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:
- 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.
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.
Serve in a bowl and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- 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:
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.
I believe the best way to cook any rice is in an Instant Pot or a rice cooker!
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
What if I don’t have a “Rice” function on my IP?
Emily
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
I cook rice 3 min with natural release.
Monica
Just curious, why the coconut milk?? Interested in trying it, regardless. Thanks🙂
Emily
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
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
Hi Kim! Sorry I didn't include that! The closest you can get to a 15 ounce can is best!
Rebekah
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
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
Is there something other than coconut milk that you have tried? Maybe a broth?
Emily
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
So happy to have found this IP recipe. Delicious and husband approved. Served as side with broiled grouper.
Nic M
Can you double the recipe? My house has big eaters!
Emily
I haven't tested it, but you should be able to! Double all of the ingredients, but keep the cooking method the same!
Nicole
Has anyone used coconut water instead of coconut milk?
Emily
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!