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• What Is Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot?
• Tips for Cooking and Prepping
• Recipe Variations and Substitutes
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Tips
• FAQs
• Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Recipe

If you love the flavors of a good steak burrito bowl but hate the idea of dirtying five pans to get there, this Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Seared steak and zesty, garlicky rice cook together in one pot in under 30 minutes, giving you all the flavor of your favorite taco truck bowl without the fuss. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and dinner is basically done.

What Is Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot?

Cilantro lime rice is a bright, herby side dish popularized by Chipotle-style burrito bowls, made by cooking rice with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro so every grain is infused with citrusy, herbaceous flavor. This Instant Pot version takes that beloved side and turns it into a full one-pot meal by seared, tender steak on top of the rice before pressure cooking.

The magic of the Instant Pot here is twofold: it lets you sear your steak right in the same pot you’ll cook the rice in, and it cooks the rice and finishes the steak simultaneously under pressure. The result is a steak rice bowl base that’s packed with flavor, ready in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop, and requires minimal cleanup.

Tips for Cooking and Prepping

#1: Don’t skip the sear

Searing the steak in avocado oil before adding the rice builds a deep, browned crust and leaves flavorful bits in the pot that season the rice as it cooks.

#2: Scrape the pot before pressure cooking

After adding the broth, cilantro, and lime juice, scrape up any browned rice or steak bits stuck to the bottom to prevent a ‘burn’ notice on your Instant Pot.

#3: Use long grain rice for best texture

Long grain rice holds its shape and stays fluffy under pressure, unlike short grain varieties which can turn gummy in this cook time and liquid ratio.

#4: Let the steak rest under pressure

Placing the seared steak directly on top of the rice lets it gently finish cooking in the steam, so it stays juicy rather than overcooking.

#5: Choose natural release for tender steak

A natural pressure release gives the steak a few extra minutes to relax and finish cooking evenly, resulting in a more tender bite than a quick release.

Recipe Variations and Substitutes

Swap the sirloin or New York strip for flank steak, chicken thighs, or even shrimp added toward the end of cooking for a different protein twist. You can also use vegetable or beef broth instead of chicken broth, or add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the rice for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Pile this cilantro lime rice and steak into bowls with diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, shredded lettuce, bell peppers, and a dollop of sour cream for a build-your-own burrito bowl night. It’s also fantastic wrapped into a warm tortilla or served alongside black beans and a squeeze of extra lime.

Storing, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Tips

Store leftover rice and steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank, skirt, or ribeye steak all work well in place of sirloin or New York strip; just adjust searing time slightly based on thickness.

Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

It’s not required for this recipe, but rinsing the rice briefly can remove excess starch and help prevent it from clumping under pressure.

What if I get a burn notice on my Instant Pot?

This usually happens if bits of steak or rice are stuck to the bottom of the pot, so be sure to thoroughly scrape and deglaze the pot after adding the broth before sealing the lid.

Can I make this without meat for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, simply skip the searing steps and cook the cilantro lime rice on its own using the same rice, broth, lime juice, and seasoning measurements.

How do I know the steak is cooked through?

Since the steak finishes cooking under pressure alongside the rice, it’s a good idea to check doneness with a meat thermometer and slice into it before serving to confirm it’s cooked to your liking.

Cilantro Lime Rice Instant Pot Recipe

Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 20 min | Total time: 30 min | Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 12-18 oz sirloin or New York Strip steak
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 TBSP avocado oil
• fresh garlic, minced
• fresh lime juice
• 1/4 tsp pepper, if desired

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

• 2 tsp avocado oil
• 2 cups long grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 TBSP lime juice
• 3 TBSP cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute mode.
2. Pour in 2 TBSP avocado oil.
3. Season the steaks with sea salt, pepper, garlic, and lime juice, to taste.
4. Sear the steaks in the bottom of the Instant Pot for a few minutes per side; you only need to sear the outside, as the center will finish cooking with the rice.
5. Remove the seared steaks and set aside.
6. Add about 2 tsp more avocado oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot (you can turn the IP off for a few minutes if it feels too hot).
7. With the Instant Pot on saute, add in the rice.
8. Stir and scrape the bottom so the rice does not burn, cooking for about 2 minutes.
9. Add in the garlic and stir well.
10. Add in the chicken broth, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin, and stir well, scraping the bottom and sides of the Instant Pot.
11. Place the seared steaks on top of the rice.
12. Close and lock the lid.
13. Set the Instant Pot to Manual, high pressure, for 12 minutes.
14. When the Instant Pot beeps, let it release pressure naturally; if you’re in a hurry, you can do a manual release, but be careful because it is hot.
15. Cut the steaks and serve with a helping of rice, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, bell peppers, guacamole, sour cream, or your other favorite steak rice bowl toppings.

For extra flavor, let the steak marinate in the garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper for 20-30 minutes before searing. Leftover rice makes a great base for burritos, tacos, or a quick fried rice the next day.