Artificial Food Coloring Free Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Bright, citrusy, and impossibly fragrant, this Instant Pot rice is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at dinner. Every ingredient here is exactly what it says it is — real limes, fresh cilantro, butter, salt, and plain long-grain white rice — so there's zero guesswork about hidden dyes or synthetic additives sneaking into your bowl. That matters more than people realize, since packaged seasoned rice mixes and restaurant versions often rely on artificial colorings to achieve that vivid, appetizing look. Here, the gorgeous green flecks come entirely from freshly chopped cilantro and a hit of lime zest, no shortcuts needed. Rinsing the rice before it goes into the pot keeps the texture light and fluffy, and the natural pressure release gives every grain a chance to finish cooking evenly. A final fold of lime juice ties everything together with a pop of acidity that makes the whole dish taste alive. Serve it alongside tacos, grilled proteins, or anything that needs a fresh, herby lift.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups water
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- 1
Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear, about 30 seconds.
- 2
Add the rinsed rice, water, butter, and salt to the Instant Pot insert and stir briefly to combine.
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