Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker) – You ever had one of those moments where you look at your dinner and think, “Well, this is…boring?” That was me last Thursday. I had grilled chicken on the plate, roasted veggies, and—let’s be real—a pile of plain white rice that wasn’t doing anyone any favors. I was desperate for something, anything, to make dinner less snoozy. Then I remembered that bag of limes in my fridge and the cilantro I’d bought (with good intentions) but hadn’t touched.
So, I decided to wing it. Lime, cilantro, rice cooker—it couldn’t be that hard, right? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. The smell alone was enough to make me feel like I’d suddenly turned into some kind of culinary genius. When my husband went back for seconds (and thirds), I had to stop myself from doing a little victory dance in the kitchen.
Now it’s my go-to when I need a side dish that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy—like, rice-cooker-does-all-the-work easy. If you’re like me and love a recipe that makes you look like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker) Recipe?
Here’s why this dish is about to become your new BFF:
- Low Effort, Big Flavor: Your rice cooker takes the wheel, so you can focus on, I don’t know, sipping a margarita?
- Bright and Zesty: Lime zest and juice give this rice such a fresh, vibrant flavor, it’s like sunshine on your plate.
- Healthy and Versatile: Gluten-free, low-fat, and pairs with pretty much anything. Taco night? Yes. Grilled salmon? Absolutely.
- Minimal Ingredients: If you’ve got rice, lime, and cilantro, you’re basically 90% there.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down why these simple ingredients work so well together:
- White Long-Grain Rice: Basmati or jasmine are my favorites—they cook up light and fluffy. Just remember to rinse it like you’re washing away all your bad decisions (it makes a huge difference in texture).
- Grapeseed Oil: Light, neutral, and doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Don’t have it? Olive oil will get the job done.
- Pink Himalayan Salt: Yes, it’s a little bougie, but it adds such a nice subtlety to the flavor. Table salt’s fine too—this is a judgment-free zone.
- Cilantro: Both leaves and stems bring flavor here. And if you’re one of those cilantro-haters? I get it. Maybe try parsley instead?
- Lime: Zest for fragrance, juice for tang. Organic limes are best since you’re using the zest, but no one’s judging if you just grab whatever’s in the store.
Pro Tip: Always zest your lime before juicing it. I’ve learned this the hard way more times than I care to admit.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)?
Cooking this rice is honestly so easy, you’ll feel like you’re cheating. Here’s the breakdown:
- Rinse Your Rice
Don’t skip this step! Rinse your rice until the water runs clear. It’s a little tedious, I know, but it’s the difference between light, fluffy rice and a gloopy mess. No one wants gloopy. - Load Up the Rice Cooker
Add the rinsed rice, water (use the measurement guide on your rice cooker), grapeseed oil, and salt. Give it a gentle stir—don’t go wild, we’re not making soup. Close the lid and select the plain rice setting. That’s it. Now you wait. - Add the Flavor
When the rice cooker beeps, the fun part begins. Fluff the rice with a spatula (or, let’s be real, a fork if that’s what you’ve got handy). Stir in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste it. Maybe a pinch more salt? You’re the boss. - Serve Immediately
Once it’s mixed, unplug the cooker and transfer the rice to a serving bowl. Leaving it in the cooker too long can make it dry, and no one wants dry rice.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water to bring back that fluffiness.
- In the Freezer: Portion it into freezer bags and it’ll last for about two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Different Rice: Brown rice adds a nutty flavor, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice.
- Add Spice: A diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes will bring some heat.
- Garlic Lover? Stir in some minced garlic for a savory twist.
- Cilantro Swap: If cilantro’s not your thing, try parsley or even a little fresh dill.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)?
This rice is a team player—it pairs well with so many dishes:
- Tacos: Chicken, shrimp, or fish tacos get an instant upgrade with this on the side.
- Grilled Anything: Chicken, steak, salmon—you name it, this rice makes it better.
- Burrito Bowls: Layer it with beans, guac, and your protein of choice. Taco Tuesday just got a glow-up.
- Seafood: The citrusy flavor makes it perfect with shrimp or a nice piece of grilled white fish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without a rice cooker?
Totally! Just cook your rice on the stovetop and stir in the lime and cilantro after it’s done. Same flavor, slightly more effort.
What if I don’t have fresh limes?
Bottled lime juice technically works, but fresh is really where the magic happens. Trust me on this one.
How do I keep my rice fluffy?
Rinse it well before cooking and fluff it immediately after. These little steps make a big difference.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out! Seriously, drop a comment or shoot me a message—I’d love to hear what you paired it with.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice rinsed (measured using the rice cooker cup; basmati or jasmine preferred)
- Water fill to the level marked for 1 cup of rice in your rice cooker
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped (including stems and leaves)
- Zest of 1 lime organic recommended
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice approximately ½ large lime
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and ensures the rice cooks to a fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Combine Ingredients in the Rice Cooker
- Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker. Pour in water to the level marked for 1 cup of rice. Stir in the grapeseed oil and ½ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt. Gently mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook the Rice
- Close the rice cooker lid securely and select the "plain" or "white rice" cooking setting, as per the rice cooker’s instructions. Allow the rice cooker to complete its cooking cycle.
Incorporate the Flavor
- Once the rice cooker signals that the rice is ready, use a rice paddle or spatula to fluff the rice. While the rice is still warm, gently fold in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the rice from the rice cooker to prevent overcooking. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish, complementing tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled proteins.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
