4-ingredient Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, LD
- Last Updated
In less than 30 minutes, this delicious and refreshing rice can be a great addition to your lunch or dinner. Using only 4 ingredients, Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is easy to make and keeps well for multiple meals.
Professional Insights on Grains and IBD
As an IBD dietitian whose husband has Crohn’s disease, I understand the importance of selecting the right foods for individuals managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Rice, particularly the Basmati variety used in this recipe, is often a staple in IBD diets due to its low fiber content and easy digestibility. Its gluten-free nature also makes it suitable for those with concurrent gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
One of the key benefits of rice for IBD patients is its ability to thicken stool, which can be particularly helpful for those experiencing frequent diarrhea. Additionally, rice is included in various therapeutic diets for IBD, such as the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), as it promotes gut health and reduces inflammation.
The combination of cilantro and lime in this recipe not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides antioxidants and vitamin C, further enhancing the dish’s nutritional profile for those with IBD.
Cilantro Lime Rice offers benefits for IBD
Symptom management is important for IBD warriors, and this recipe can help.
- Cilantro contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. This helps with immunity and may alleviate digestive symptoms like bloating for some people.
- Lime has vitamin C which helps your body absorb more iron from your meal. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout your body. This helps keep you energized and ready for the day.
- Rice is a grain that can offer great nutrients and minerals without too much fiber. 1 serving of this rice offers 1g of fiber and a helpful 4g of protein to keep you full until your next meal.
Benefits of Basmati Rice
- Basmati rice is a long-grain nutrient-dense variety of rice.
- Basmati rice contains all amino acids that your body needs to build protein.
- It typically has a lower glycemic-index than other white rice varieties.
- It has a unique aroma and a sweet nutty flavor.
Should I rinse rice before cooking?
For fluffy rice with nicely separated kernels, a pre-rinse is key. Rinsing until the water runs clear removes excess starch from the rice kernels. If you don’t rinse the rice, the starch sticks together making your rice a bit gummy. It will be harder to stir in the cilantro and lime evenly.
Rinsing rice before cooking can also help remove potential traces of arsenic. One study found rinsing Basmati rice to reduce arsenic levels by 10%. According to the FDA, rinsing rice may have a minimal effect, though this may depend on the type of rice or cooking method.
Combo meals with Cilantro Lime Rice
This recipe works as a great base for lots of delicious meals. The following IBD-friendly recipes pair well with Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Gluten-Free Orange Glaze Turkey Meatballs
- Salmon and Veggie Skewers with Yogurt Dip
- Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
- Honey Glazed Carrots
Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
You may be familiar with the Cilantro Lime Rice from Chipotle. Comparably, the recipe we are sharing today provides less saturated fat (0g) and significantly less sodium (less than 1% Daily Value). It uses fresh lime juice only, and has no added oils or salt.
How to make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear (about 4-5 times in a fine strainer). Add rice and fresh water to your Instant Pot. Cook the rice on the quick pressure release setting. Prevent sticky rice by draping a tea towel over the top of the rice and putting the Instant Pot lid back on. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
This recipe also works in a pressure cooker. It can also work well with Jasmine or long-grain white rice. These alternate methods might require slightly different cook times.
How to store Cilantro Lime Rice
Do you like to meal plan? Or did you end up with leftovers? Refrigerate this cilantro lime rice in an airtight container for up to three days. If you won’t be consuming it within the same week, you can freeze any leftovers for up to three months.
This recipe yields about 4 cups of cooked rice (up to 8 servings).
Warm up your Cilantro Lime Rice with a sprinkle of water in the microwave or in a covered pan on the stove.
You can count on Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice for many diet plans:
- Beef Free
- Chicken Free
- Corn Free
- Dairy Free
- Egg Free
- Elimination
- Gluten Free
- Kosher
- Latin
- Low Fodmap
- Mediterranean
- Nightshade Free
- Nut Free
- Oil Free
- One Pan
- Pescatarian
- Porkfree
- Seafood Free
- Soy Free
- Sugar Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- 1 strainer
- 1 instant pot
- 1 tea towel
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
- 2 medium Limes juiced
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rinsed rice and the appropriate amount of water to your Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid securely.
- Select the "Rice" button on your Instant Pot to start the cooking process.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure quickly by turning the steam release valve to the "Venting" position. Be careful of the hot steam.
- After the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. To prevent the rice from becoming too sticky, drape a clean tea towel over the top of the rice in the Instant Pot. Place the Instant Pot lid back on top of the tea towel to cover it.
- Allow the rice to rest for at least five minutes, but no longer than 10 minutes. This will help the rice steam and fluff up.
- Remove the lid and tea towel, stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. If you won’t be consuming it within the same week, consider freezing any leftovers for up to three months.Serving Size
One serving is equal to approximately 1/2 cup rice.Nutrition
Take Home Message
Dress up your rice with lime and cilantro for added flavor and nutrition benefits. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a great addition to an IBD-friendly diet. This recipe is naturally Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free and fits the Mediterranean diet.
Want to learn more?
- Learn key facts and ways to boost your iron
- Find great IBD-friendly recipes for the holidays
- Enjoy more gluten-free recipes
References
- Panoff M, Lauren, Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN, Adda. 8 surprising health benefits of coriander. Healthline Web site. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coriander-benefits. Updated 2019. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
- Mudgal S, Singh N. Diversity in phenolics, amino acids, rheology and noodles glycemic response of brown rice from non-basmati and basmati rice. Food Res Int. 2022;158:111500. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922005580. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111500.
- Shetty DN. Is basmati rice healthy? A comprehensive nutritional analysis. PharmEasy Web site. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/is-basmati-rice-healthy-a-comprehensive-nutritional-analysis/. Updated 2023. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
- Raab A, Baskaran C, Feldmann J, Meharg AA. Cooking rice in a high water to rice ratio reduces inorganic arsenic content. J Environ Monit. 2009;11(1):41-44. doi:10.1039/b816906c
- Nutrition, Center for Food Safety and Applied. What you can do to limit exposure to arsenic: Tips to limit exposure to arsenic. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site. https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/what-you-can-do-limit-exposure-arsenic. Updated 2022. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
- Griddle, Garden to. The most effective way to remove arsenic in rice. . 2021. https://gardentogriddle.com/removing-arsenic-when-cooking-rice/. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
- Calories in white rice from chipotle. Nutritionix Web site. https://www.nutritionix.com/i/chipotle/white-rice/529e7dc1ea63d493350014b0. Updated 06/26/18. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
- Instant pot cooking time tables. InstantPot.com Web site. https://instantpot.com/instantpot-cooking-time/. Accessed Dec 11, 2023.
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