Looking for a rice dish that's a breeze to make and tastes as delicious as white rice? You've got to try this recipe of Cilantro Lime Brown Rice! It's super easy and packed with flavor and nutrition. Topped with fresh lime juice and cilantro leaves, this pressure-cooker brown rice gathers quickly and is a no-fuss recipe!
It's only recently that I have introduced brown rice to my meals and I have been amazed to see how delicious and filling they are. The first time I made them was in Indian-style Brown Rice Pulao. I use an Indian brand of brown long grain rice and the best thing is that they cook fast. While I have made the brown rice from scratch, you may temper the leftover rice as well. This perfect pressure cooker recipe not only guarantees a speedy cooking process but also ensures a burst of flavor in each bite! It's one of my favorite ways to indulge in the deliciousness of rice and yet consume fewer calories.
You may also like Vegan Fried Brown Rice a great side dish!
If you are a fan of Chipotle's cilantro lime rice, you would love this recipe. With zero prepping needed, this recipe of cilantro brown rice is a perfect side dish. Add these fluffy brown rice to your burrito bowls, or fish tacos, or have them with curd or a gravy dish- Vegan Meatballs, Punjabi Chana Masala, Palak Paneer, Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, and Mushroom Stir Fry!
More Rice Recipes:
Indian Lemon Rice, Vegetable Rice, Pumpkin Rice Coconut Milk, and Jeera Rice.
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Why Will You Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with savory and zesty flavors from fresh lime and fresh cilantro.
- ZERO Meal prep.
- Easy Rice Recipe which is a low-calorie diet meal.
- Simple and readily available ingredients.
- A perfect gluten-free and vegan Healthy side dish.
- Customizable and scalable according to your preferences.
- Kids-friendly for a family-friendly meal.
- The Best Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Cilantro Fresh (Coriander Leaves): Packed with fresh aroma and a hint of citrus, cilantro adds a unique flavor to the brown rice. While I suggest using fresh cilantro leaves, you may try mint or parsley as well. In case you don't have cilantro or don't like it, find Best Cilantro Substitutes.
- Brown Rice: I have used Brown Basmati Rice from an Indian brand- Daawat. You may get this brand from the Indian section of the grocery store. If you are using any other brand, make sure to follow the package instructions on cooking time, etc. While you may use Jasmine rice or plain white rice, this recipe is more about healthy brown rice. Quinoa or wild rice can be used for a different texture and taste.
- Lemon Juice: I love the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice. You may use lime juice as well. It adds a tangy flavor to the cooked rice.
- Olive Oil- I love the aroma and depth that olive oil adds to these plain brown rice. You may use any vegetable oil or Ghee as well.
- Salt- The normal salt works well.
What is Brown Rice?
Brown rice is a healthy whole-grain rice that has had only the outermost layer, the hull, removed through the milling process. Unlike white rice, which has both the bran and germ removed, brown rice retains these nutritious components. As a result, brown rice is considered a whole grain, containing higher amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to its white counterpart.
The outer layers of brown rice give it a nutty flavor and a chewier texture. It comes in different varieties, such as long-grain, short-grain, and basmati brown rice. Due to its nutritional content, including fiber, antioxidants, and various essential nutrients, brown rice is often considered a healthier option than white rice. It's a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and side dishes.
How To Make Cilantro Brown Rice (Pressure Cooker)
Step 1. Prepping Brown Rice
Wash and soak brown rice in a bowl for about 20-30 min. Pls, Note that this may vary depending on the type of rice you use. While the rice is soaked, you may sort and chop the fresh cilantro leaves. I have excluded the stems of cilantro.
Step 2. Temper the Cilantro Rice
In the pressure cooker, heat olive oil. Once it's warm add brown rice and salt. Since brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, I use a ratio of rice to water as 1 cup of rice: 2.25 cups of water.
You may add water and pressure cook on a high flame for two whistles. Then, simmer the flame and cook for another 10-15 min. Switch off the flame then.
Step 3. Garnish With Cilantro and Serve
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and fresh lemon juice. Serve the zesty Cilantro Lime Brown Rice.
Variations
- Add Protein: Add the cooked tofu, paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese), or lentils of your choice.
- Add another vegetable: You may add green onion, mushrooms, or any other vegetable of your choice.
- Add another spice: Feel free to add cumin, bay leaf, garlic powder, or any other fresh herbs of your choice!
Expert Tips
- Make sure not to release the pressure from the cooker. Let it release on its own for the perfect rice!
- Read the cooking methods of brown rice on the package for your brand. It may vary from mine.
- You may cook the brown rice first and then temper it in a pan.
- If you love cilantro flavor, you may add the cilantro while tempering as well.
- Ensure proper water measurement for ideal rice texture.
Serving Suggestions
These brown rice with cilantro can be served with yogurt like Bathua Raita, Roasted Tomato With Curd, Apple Cucumber Salad, Beet Dip, Air Fryer Paneer Tikka, Onion Fritters, or a gravy dish- Vegan Meatballs, Punjabi Chana Masala, Palak Paneer for a complete meal.
How To Cook Cilantro Rice in Instant Pot
Add the rinsed rice, water (use a 1:2.25 ratio of brown rice to water), and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the cooking time to around 22-28 minutes, depending on your Instant Pot model and your desired rice texture (less time for firmer rice, more time for softer).
Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove top with a splash of water to maintain the rice's moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, The cooked brown rice is flavored with lime juice and cilantro at Chipotle.
Cilantro rice is made of cooke rice with little olive oil and salt. It is topped with lime juice and fresh cilantro leaves.
Yes, brown rice from Chipotle is made ain a healthy way with little or no oil. Since brown rice is a good source of fiber, it's a healthy choice when compared to white rice.
You May Also Like:
More Low Carb Recipes:
- Sweet Potato Chaat (Shakarkandi Chaat)
- Easy Vegan Latkes (Potato Pancakes)- Gluten Free!
- Spiced Walnuts Recipe
- Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- Indian Lunch Recipes-Easy & Veg
- Vegan Mango Avocado Cucumber Salad
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Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker can use instant pot
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cup raw brown rice if you are using cooked rice, you may use approx 4 cups
- ½ cup freshly chopped cilantro adjust as per your taste
- 2 small lemon juice squeezed for fresh lemon juice adjust as per your liking
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 4.5 cups water added to pressure cooker
- salt as per taste
Instructions
- Wash and soak brown rice in a bowl for about 20-30 min. Pls, Note that this may vary depending on the type of rice you use. While the rice is soaked, you may sort and chop the fresh cilantro leaves. I have excluded the stems of cilantro.
- In the pressure cooker, heat olive oil. Once it's warm add brown rice and salt. Since brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, I use a ratio of rice to water as 1 cup of rice: 2.25 cups of water. You may add water and pressure cook on a high flame for two whistles. Then, simmer the flame and cook for another 10-15 min. Switch off the flame then.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and fresh lemon juice. Serve the zesty Cilantro Lime Brown Rice.
- For Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice, water (use a 1:2.25 ratio of brown rice to water), and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the cooking time to around 22-28 minutes, depending on your Instant Pot model and your desired rice texture (less time for firmer rice, more time for softer). Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Notes
- Make sure not to release the pressure from the cooker. Let it release on its own for the perfect rice!
- Read the cooking methods of brown rice on the package for your brand. It may vary from mine.
- You may cook the brown rice first and then temper it in a pan.
- If you love cilantro flavor, you may add the cilantro while tempering as well.
- Ensure proper water measurement for ideal rice texture.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 bowl | |
| Servings: 5 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 309 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 5.1g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat 0.8g | 4% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 10mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 59.5g | 22% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars 0.8g | |
| Protein 6.3g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 25mg | 2% |
| Iron 1mg | 7% |
| Potassium 227mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition | |
Olivia Abbott says
This brown rice recipe is super amazing! I made it today and can't believe brown rice could bring so much flavor and deliciousness! Thank you for sharing!
Deepti says
Thanks, Olivia for such lovely words. I am so glad that you loved my recipe for brown rice. Stay tuned for more.