Easy Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice made in the rice cooker, is a light, fragrant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect alongside chicken, beef, fish, tacos, fajitas, salads, and more! With just six simple ingredients, including Jasmine rice, this Chipotle copycat recipe is easy to make and ideal for busy weeknights.

Using the rice cooker makes it hands-free, allowing you to focus on other meal prep without hovering over the stove. Check out more of my rice cooker recipes If you love easy, one pot delicious and flavorful rice!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Rice Substitutions and Measurements
• Ingredient Substitutions
• Rice cooker recommendations
• Instructions
• Topping and seasoning ideas
• Dishes to serve with cilantro lime rice
• Tips for perfect rice cooker cilantro rice
• Storage tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More rice cooker recipes to try
• Cilantro lime rice in rice cooker

Ingredients

Jasmine rice - This variety is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It’s a long-grain rice that cooks up soft and fluffy, making it perfect for lime rice as it absorbs the flavors of the aromatics without becoming too dry or overly sticky. If you don’t have Jasmine rice, check out the alternative options below.

Cilantro - A bright, citrusy herb that enhances the rice's fresh and zesty flavor.

Lime - An essential ingredient for its fruity, fresh, and tangy acidity.

Butter - A  pat or two adds a touch of savory richness to balance the citrus and herbs.

Bay leaf -  This aromatic leaf brings an extra layer of flavor to the dish, adding depth to the rice.

Rice Substitutions and Measurements

This recipe uses Jasmine long-grain rice, but if it’s unavailable, here are some great alternatives with approximate water measurements. Be sure to wash and drain the rice thoroughly for perfectly cooked grains! Note that the rice-to-water ratio may need slight adjustments depending on your rice cooker model.

• White Rice (Short or Medium Grain): 1 cup rice to 1 ½ cups water

• Basmati Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 ¼ cups water

• Long-Grain Brown Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 ½ cups water

Adjust as needed for your cooker and preference!

Ingredient Substitutions

Lime: Fresh lime juice is ideal for the best flavor, but store-bought lime juice works as a convenient alternative.

Butter: For a vegan or vegetarian option, swap butter with vegan butter—Miyoko’s is a great choice.

Water: For bolder flavors, replace water with vegetable or chicken broth, or use a 50/50 mix of water and broth.

Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley leaves make an excellent substitute.

Rice cooker recommendations

Rice Cooker – The two rice cookers I've used that make great rice are the Tiger JBV S series  and the Cuckoo six cup model. Both are compact enough not to take up much counter space, yet they have the capacity to cook up to 5 cups of dry rice, making them perfect for larger gatherings.

Instructions

1). Rinse the rice three times and drain well.

2). Add rice, water, butter, bay leaf and salt to the rice cooker's inner pot, then press the cook button!

3). Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro leaves. Mix well and enjoy!

Topping and seasoning ideas

Want to boost the flavor of your rice cooker cilantro lime rice? Try these delicious add-ons!

• Fresh Pico de Gallo– Spoon over the rice for a burst of fresh, tangy flavor.

• Guacamole – Serve on the side (skip the cilantro for a different twist).

• Rice and Beans Bowl – Add black beans or pinto beans for a hearty meal.

• Loaded Vegetable Bowl – Top with sautéed onions, bell peppers, oven-roasted corn, or any favorite sautéed veggies.

• Avocado Salad – Add a refreshing side with an avocado and veggie salad for a crunchy contrast.

• Extra Seasoning – Enhance the flavor of the rice by mixing in cumin powder, garlic powder, or onion powder.

• Heat It Up – For spice lovers, sprinkle in some chopped fresh jalapeños.

Dishes to serve with cilantro lime rice

This versatile rice pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve alongside it:

Shrimp Tacos – The zesty rice balances the savory seafood flavors.

Rockfish Tacos – A light and flavorful pairing with citrusy fish tacos.

Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos – The tender, spiced beef complements the bright lime and cilantro notes.

Tips for perfect rice cooker cilantro rice

• Rinse Thoroughly: Wash and drain the rice well to prevent it from becoming soggy when cooked.

• Use Standard Measuring Cups: Measurements are based on a standard U.S. measuring cup, not the smaller cup provided with most rice cookers.

• Adjust for Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on your rice cooker model, so check accordingly.

• Go Fresh: For the best flavor, always use fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice.

• Repurpose Leftovers: This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice cooker rice—just reheat and add the lime juice and cilantro before serving

Storage tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

• Freeze in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. 

Frequently Asked Questions

More rice cooker recipes to try

Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card and a comment below! That'll make my day!

Let's be friends! Follow me on social media @ Instagram, Pinterest. Give me a tag @apeachyplate when you try out a recipe!