Dinner

Easy Pineapple Lime Rice with Cilantro Recipe

ByHugo Harnd October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

This easy pineapple lime rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on its own, it brings a tropical twist to your table with minimal effort.

A white bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with small yellow corn pieces and finely chopped green herbs, creating a light yellow and green speckled texture throughout. On top, a single green cilantro leaf sits as garnish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with small corn pieces scattered around, and a bunch of fresh green cilantro sits to the right. A green and white checkered cloth is partly visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tbsp butter
½ medium onion, diced
½ tbsp garlic, minced
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 cup pineapple juice
1 ½ – 2 cups water (depending on cooking method)
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup pineapple, diced into ¼ inch pieces (canned or fresh)
Lime zest from 1-2 limes
Lime juice from 1-2 limes
½ cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: For Instant Pot, select the “saute” option and melt butter once the pot is hot. Sauté onions and garlic for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat all grains with butter.
Step 3: Add pineapple juice, 1 ½ cups water, salt, pineapple, and lime zest. Seal the Instant Pot and set the vent to “sealing.” Press “rice” and cook according to your Instant Pot settings.
Step 4: Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes without venting. Afterward, turn the vent to “venting” to release remaining steam. Open the lid, then stir in cilantro and lime juice. Fluff rice with a fork.
Step 5: For stovetop, heat a medium saucepan on medium-high and melt butter. Sauté onions and garlic 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Step 6: Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring well.
Step 7: Heat pineapple juice and 2 cups water until very hot, then pour into the saucepan. Add salt, pineapple, and lime zest. Cover immediately and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until simmering softly.
Step 8: Remove lid, stir in lime juice and cilantro, and fluff rice with a fork until evenly mixed.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, or canned pineapple packed in juice for convenience.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
To make it vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil.
For extra texture, toss in toasted chopped cashews or sliced green onions right before serving.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture and fluff with a fork before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a silver spoon holding fluffy cooked white rice mixed with small yellow pineapple chunks and tiny green herb pieces. The rice grains are separate and soft, the pineapple pieces are cubed and juicy, and the herbs are finely chopped, adding specks of green throughout. The spoon is held above a white marbled surface blurred in the background with more rice and pineapple visible, and some green leaves appear faintly in the upper part of the image. The scene is bright and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but cooking times and liquid amounts will differ. Brown rice usually requires more water and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Can I prepare this rice ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make it in advance and refrigerate. Reheat as needed, adding a little water to prevent drying out and fluffing well to restore texture.