Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice – Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe, a beloved dish inspired by the famous Chipotle restaurants. Now, you can recreate the magic at home with the added convenience of your Instant Pot®, making it not only delicious but also incredibly quick and effortless.Your family will be convinced that this is an exact copycat recipe of Chipotle’s iconic Cilantro Lime Rice, thanks to its authentic taste and texture. If you don’t have access to fresh cilantro, don’t worry! You can easily find cilantro paste in your local supermarket’s produce or frozen section, providing the same vibrant aroma and taste.This recipe serves as a versatile foundation for an array of mouthwatering Instant Pot creations. Pair it with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and more, elevating their flavors to new heights.

Ingredients & Options

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 ¼ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, chicken stock, or water
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (1/2 if using water instead of broth)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ teaspoon grated lime zest (optional)
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

1. SAUTÉ THE RICE: Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear (optional). Select the Sauté setting on your Instant Pot and adjust the heat to Medium. Add the olive oil to the pot. When it shimmers and flows easily, add the rice and minced garlic, stirring to coat the rice with the oil. Cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant (learn more on Reddit). Cooking rice in the Instant Pot requires less water and cooks in less time.

1. ADD BROTH AND SALT: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (or water if preferred) and add the fine sea salt. Stir well.
2. PRESSURE COOK: Lock the Instant Pot lid into place and turn the valve to “sealing.” Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and adjust the pressure to High Pressure. Set the timer for 7 minutes.
3. QUICK RELEASE AND FINISH: When the cooking time ends, carefully turn the valve to “venting” for a quick release of the remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid. Add the chopped cilantro, grated lime zest (if using), and freshly squeezed lime juice to the rice. Stir gently to combine.
4. REST AND FLUFF: Place the lid back on the Instant Pot without locking it into place. Allow the cooked rice to sit for 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork.

Serving Suggestion: Pair this delightful Cilantro Lime Rice with black beans for a scrumptious combination.

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Burrito Bowl

Introducing the delectable Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Burrito Bowl – a burst of flavors and textures that will take your taste buds on a thrilling ride! Here’s a delightful array of ingredients to inspire your culinary adventure and create the ultimate homemade burrito bowl masterpiece:

1. Meat: Chicken, steak, or ground beef.
2. Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans.
3. Vegetables: Lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions.
4. Salsa: Tomato salsa, salsa verde, pineapple salsa.
5. Guacamole, Cheese, Sour Cream: Optional creamy additions.

Ways to Use Cilantro Lime Rice

Explore the countless ways to enjoy the sensational flavors of Cilantro Lime Rice:

• Enchiladas
• Quesadillas
• Grilled Chicken Dishes
• Tacos
• Rice Bowls
• Stuffed Peppers
• Rice Salads
• Stuffed Avocados

For more Instant Pot recipes, follow my Instant Pot Pinterest board. For rice options, try Carolina® Rice.

Here are some tips for storing Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Cool it Quickly: After cooking the rice, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving the rice at room temperature for an extended period, as this can promote bacterial growth.
2. Use Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled Cilantro Lime Rice to an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause the rice to spoil faster.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Once the rice is in the airtight container, place it in the refrigerator promptly. Store it on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as the temperature on the door tends to fluctuate more.
4. Avoid Cross-Contamination: To prevent any potential cross-contamination, store the Cilantro Lime Rice away from raw meat, seafood, or other perishable items in the refrigerator.
5. Reheating: When reheating the rice, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria that may have developed during storage. You can reheat the rice in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

It’s essential to use your best judgment when consuming refrigerated rice. If you notice any off smells, flavors, or changes in texture, it’s better to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.

If you want to store Cilantro Lime Rice for a more extended period, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can stay good for 2 to 3 months. Portion the rice into smaller airtight containers or resealable freezer bags before freezing, making it easier to thaw and use when needed. Remember to label the containers with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Can You Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice

You can also freeze any extra rice in individual servings in freezer bags–perfect for meal prep.

Yes, you can freeze Cilantro Lime Rice. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of the rice and keep it fresh for a more extended period.

Here’s how you can freeze Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Cool the Rice: After cooking the Cilantro Lime Rice, allow it to cool to room temperature before proceeding with freezing.
2. Portion the Rice: Divide the cooled rice into individual portions or family-sized servings, depending on your needs. This step makes it easier to thaw and use only the amount you require without having to defrost the entire batch.
3. Airtight Containers or Freezer Bags: Place the rice portions in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Ensure that you remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to minimize freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label each container or bag with the contents and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the rice has been stored.
5. Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer, making sure to store them on a flat surface to allow for even freezing.

Cilantro Lime Rice can typically be stored in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months without significant loss of quality. After this time, the rice may still be safe to eat, but its texture and flavor might deteriorate.

Thawing and Reheating:

When you’re ready to use the frozen Cilantro Lime Rice, there are a couple of ways to thaw and reheat it:

1. Thawing: Transfer the frozen rice portion to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can also place the sealed bag or container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the rice is fully thawed.
2. Reheating: Once thawed, reheat the rice thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can reheat the rice in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If the rice seems a little dry after reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to restore some moisture.

Keep in mind that freezing and reheating may cause a slight change in the rice’s texture compared to when it’s freshly cooked. However, it remains a convenient way to store leftover Cilantro Lime Rice and enjoy it at a later time.

When you’re finished, why not give your Instant Pot a deep clean with this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Can I use different types of rice for this recipe? Yes, you can use different types of rice, such as jasmine rice, white basmati rice, or brown rice. Adjust the cooking time according to the specific type of rice you choose.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.

3. Can I make a larger batch of Cilantro Lime Rice and freeze it? Yes, you can make a larger batch of Cilantro Lime Rice and freeze it for later use. Divide the rice into individual portions or family-sized servings before freezing for easy portioning and thawing.

4. Can I omit the garlic if I don’t like it? Of course! If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip adding it to the recipe. The Cilantro Lime Rice will still be flavorful and delicious without it.

5. Can I add other vegetables or spices to the rice? Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables, spices, or herbs. Chopped bell peppers, corn kernels, or diced tomatoes can be excellent additions.

6. Is this recipe suitable for vegans and vegetarians? Yes, this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is both vegan and vegetarian, as it contains no animal products.

7. Can I use frozen cilantro instead of fresh? While fresh cilantro provides the best flavor, you can use frozen cilantro as a substitute if fresh is unavailable. Keep in mind that the taste might be slightly different.

8. How long will the cooked Cilantro Lime Rice stay fresh in the refrigerator? The cooked Cilantro Lime Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days if properly stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I serve this rice with non-Mexican dishes? Absolutely! Cilantro Lime Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, not just Mexican-inspired ones. It can complement Asian, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern cuisines too.

10. Can I use this rice as a base for other dishes? Definitely! Cilantro Lime Rice serves as an excellent base for various dishes like rice bowls, salads, or stuffed peppers. Get creative and experiment with different combinations.

12. Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of freshly squeezed? While fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute if needed. However, be sure to choose a high-quality lime juice without any added preservatives or artificial flavors.

Remember, if you have any specific dietary restrictions or preferences, feel free to modify the recipe to suit your needs. Enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Rice!