Close-up shot of fluffy Instant Pot rice with lime zest garnish in a white bowl

Rice dishes

instant pot rice with lime zest

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

08 Apr 2025
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let's talk about rice. I know, I know…it might sound a little boring, but trust me on this one. I recently discovered the magic of making rice in my Instant Pot, and it's become my go-to method! It's ridiculously easy, and the result? Perfectly fluffy rice every single time—without any of the usual rice-cooking dramas.
A person happily eating a bowl of rice
This recipe is super simple, but the lime zest adds such a bright and refreshing element. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, from tacos to grilled chicken or even just a simple veggie bowl. I've found that the subtle zest complements the rice's natural sweetness wonderfully. It's the perfect way to dress up a basic side!
Close up of lime zest on rice

Required Equipments

  • 6-quart Instant Pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rice cooker (optional)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Fine grater or zester
  • Serving bowls

Instant Pot Rice with Lime Zest

This recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook perfect fluffy rice, then elevates it with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lime. A simple yet delicious side dish!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings servings

Preparation Time: 1 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, rinse the rice: Give your rice a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticking. Don't skip this step, it makes a huge difference!
  2. Next, add ingredients to the Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt to your 6-quart Instant Pot. Give it a gentle stir just to combine everything nicely.
  3. Secure the lid and set the settings: Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to the "Rice" function. You can typically leave it on the default setting but check your Instant Pot's instructions for confirmation.
  4. Pressure cooking: Allow the Instant Pot to cook according to the cycle time. Usually this is around 12-15 minutes, but always refer to your Instant Pot's settings and rice type. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully performing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
  5. Fluff the rice: Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid and fluff the cooked rice with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and create a lighter texture.
  6. Zest and serve: Finely zest the lime and sprinkle it generously over the fluffy rice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy! (or later—leftovers are delicious!)

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf while cooking. Remember to remove it before serving.
  • If you prefer a softer rice, add a little more water and adjust the cooking time to your liking.
  • Don't overcook the rice! Overcooked rice loses its texture and flavor!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 200 kcal

Protein: 3 g

Fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 43 g

Fiber: 0.5 g

Calcium: 1 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

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