Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice or jasmine rice (do not rinse)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Rice: Jasmine rice adds a slightly aromatic touch, but standard long grain white rice works just as well. Avoid short grain or sticky rice for this particular recipe.
- Water: If you want extra flavor, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth in place of water.
- Olive Oil: If olive oil isn’t available, use any neutral cooking oil like canola, avocado, or grapeseed.
- Kosher Salt: Regular table salt is fine—just reduce the quantity to about 3/4 teaspoon.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, consider swapping it out for fresh parsley or chopped green onion for a different kind of freshness.
Instructions
1. Combine the Base Ingredients Add 1 cup of rice, 1 1/4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt directly into the Instant Pot insert. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
2. Pressure Cook the Rice Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high pressure for 3 minutes.
3. Natural Pressure Release When the 3-minute cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot sit for 10 minutes. This natural pressure release helps the rice finish steaming and stay tender without becoming mushy.
4. Quick Release and Fluff After the 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Add Cilantro and Lime In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, the juice of half a lime, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Gently fold this mixture into the fluffed rice until well combined.
That’s it. No extra pans, no sautéing, no fuss—just flavorful rice in a flash.
Notes
- Don’t skip the natural release: It may be tempting to release pressure immediately, but letting the rice sit for 10 minutes helps prevent clumping and keeps the texture ideal.
- Fluff, don’t stir: Use a fork to gently lift and separate the rice grains. Stirring with a spoon can cause the rice to clump together.
- Taste and adjust: If you like a tangier flavor, add more lime juice. If you want a touch more richness, drizzle in a bit more olive oil before serving.
- Rice sticking to the bottom? A quick spray of oil or a light brush of oil on the bottom of the pot before cooking can prevent any sticking, especially if your Instant Pot tends to run hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes