Cilantro Lime Rice in Rice Cooker

Cilantro Lime Rice in Rice Cooker

This easy Cilantro Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and packed with fresh flavor. Made effortlessly in the rice cooker, it’s finished with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of garlic for a bright, restaurant-style side dish. It’s the perfect base for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled meats, or meal prep.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican Inspired

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword burrito bowl rice, cilantro lime rice, easy cilantro lime rice, healthy rice side dish, mexican rice side dish, rice cooker cilantro lime rice, rice cooker side dish, taco night side dishes

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 249kcal

Equipment

Rice cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Fork
Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice jasmine rice also works
Water fill to the 2-cup line in the rice cooker
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
¾ tsp garlic powder
Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Directions: Rice Cooker

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker.
Fill with water to the 2-cup line inside the rice cooker pot.
Stir in the olive oil and salt.
Cook using the white rice setting.
Once finished cooking, fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and garlic powder.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Stovetop Method (Optional):

Rinse 2 cups rice until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine: rinsed rice, 3 cups chicken broth or water, olive oil, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and garlic powder.

Notes

Rinsing the rice helps keep the grains fluffy and separate. 
Add lime juice after cooking so the rice texture stays light. 
Fresh lime zest adds extra bright citrus flavor. 
This rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
Great for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled chicken, or steak.

Nutrition