This cilantro lime rice recipe is perfect for the rice cooker and full of flavor. It’s an easy way to upgrade your dinner without adding extra dishes.

I started making cilantro lime rice when I wanted a side dish with a bit more flavor than plain white rice.
This recipe is fresh and ridiculously easy. Especially when you let the rice cooker do all of the work!
It pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled chicken, or burrito bowls, and it is excellent for anyone who likes meals that are big on flavor but low on fuss.
If you’ve got cilantro and a lime hanging around, you’re already halfway there!
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Ingredients
Scroll down for the complete recipe with ingredient measurements.
- Long Grain Rice
- Olive or Vegetable Oil
- Lime Juice
- Cilantro
- Water

I used my Cuckoo Rice Cooker. It makes up to 6 cups of rice at a time, and it works great!
Be sure to follow directions per your rice cooker. They may differ from this recipe.

Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker
Skip the stovetop and make cilantro lime rice in your rice cooker. It’s quick, tasty, and pairs with just about everything from tacos to grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice
- 1 ½ cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ⅓ cup Cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup Lime Juice juice from about 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons Salt to taste
Instructions
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Add water and rice to the rice cooker.
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Cook until the water has been absorbed. Most rice cookers alert when the rice is finished.
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Fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the oil, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
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Add salt to taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.75cupCalories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 20.4gProtein: 1.9gFat: 23.5gSaturated Fat: 3.4gSodium: 585mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
Types of Rice to Use
You can use many different types of rice to make cilantro lime rice in your rice cooker. We always have long-grain white rice on hand, so that is what I used.
However, different rice varieties require varying amounts of water, so keep that in mind.
- Long-Grain White Rice – A budget-friendly option that is widely available and produces a fluffy texture.
- Basmati Rice – Known for its fragrant aroma and dry, fluffy texture after cooking.
- Jasmine Rice – Offers a slightly softer texture and works great in cilantro lime rice.
- Brown Rice – A healthier option than white rice, but it requires longer cooking time and may have a chewier texture.
Types of Rice to Avoid
- Medium-Grain Rice (such as Arborio) – This type of rice tends to be too dense and sticky.
- Short-Grain Rice (such as Sushi Rice or Calrose – This type is also sticky and clumps together when cooked, making it not ideal for Cilantro Lime Rice.
Store Leftovers
Cool the rice to room temperature as quickly as possible, ideally within 1 hour.
Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For more extended storage, you can freeze for up to 3 months. Although the cilantro may brown and keep less of its flavor.
To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover loosely, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. The length of time depends on the amount of rice.
More Side Dish Recipes
Is this recipe not precisely what you were looking for? Here are a few more side dish recipes.

Hi, I’m Katie!
I’m so glad you’re here. Want to make something fabulous? I’m here to help!