Imagine transforming ordinary white rice into a zesty, restaurant-worthy side dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Instant Pot Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen - a foolproof recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're craving a perfect accompaniment to your Mexican-inspired meals or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this recipe promises to transport you straight to your favorite Mexican restaurant with just one bite.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot inner pot, then pour in the chicken broth and salt. Stir gently to combine ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing" position. Select the "Rice" setting or manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5-7 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and fluff rice with a fork to separate grains.
- Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, gently folding into the rice to distribute evenly.
- Let the rice sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and excess moisture to evaporate.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy, separated grains.
- Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the most vibrant flavor - bottled juice and dried herbs simply can't compare.
- The natural pressure release is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked rice, so resist the temptation to quick release immediately.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for a richer taste profile.
- If you prefer a more intense lime flavor, you can add a small amount of lime zest along with the juice.
- Let the rice rest uncovered for a few minutes after cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate and flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute water for chicken broth, though you'll lose some depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
