Easy Pineapple Lime Rice with Cilantro Recipe

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat all grains with butter.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: For stovetop, heat a medium saucepan on medium-high and melt butter. Sauté onions and garlic 3-5 minutes until translucent.
6. Step 6: Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring well.
7. 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.
8. 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

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.

Easy Pineapple Lime Rice with Cilantro Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Pineapple Lime Rice recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and lime with fragrant cilantro for a refreshing and vibrant side dish. Perfectly cooked in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop, the rice is infused with tropical juice and a hint of garlic and onion, making it a delightful accompaniment to many meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ medium onion, diced
• ½ tbsp garlic, minced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Liquids

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 ½ – 2 cups water (1 ½ cups for Instant Pot, 2 cups for stovetop)

Additional Flavorings

• 1 cup pineapple, diced ¼ inch pieces (canned or fresh)
• Lime zest from 1-2 limes
• Lime juice from 1-2 limes
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Instant Pot: Sauté Onion and Garlic – Select the ‘sauté’ option on your Instant Pot. When the pot is very hot, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
2. Toast the Rice – Add the rice to the pot and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring thoroughly to coat every grain of rice with the butter and aromatics.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning – Pour in the pineapple juice, 1 ½ cups water, and add the kosher salt, diced pineapple, and lime zest. Stir gently.
4. Cook the Rice – Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the venting knob to ‘sealing.’ Press the ‘rice’ cooking function and allow the rice to cook fully.
5. Natural Pressure Release and Finish – Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes without opening or venting. Afterward, turn the knob to ‘venting’ to release any remaining steam before opening the lid. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice, then fluff the rice with a fork to mix evenly.
6. Stovetop: Sauté Onion and Garlic – In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
7. Toast the Rice – Add the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring well to coat all grains with butter.
8. Heat Liquids – Meanwhile, heat the pineapple juice and 2 cups water in the microwave for 2-4 minutes or until very hot.
9. Add Liquids and Cook – Pour the hot pineapple juice and water mixture into the saucepan. Add salt, diced pineapple, and lime zest. Cover immediately and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer softly, cooking for 20 minutes.
10. Finish and Serve – Remove the lid after cooking, then stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork until all ingredients are evenly combined and serve warm.

Notes

• Use either canned or fresh pineapple based on availability; fresh offers more natural sweetness.
• Adjust water quantity slightly depending on rice package instructions or Instant Pot model.
• Letting the Instant Pot naturally release pressure helps achieve optimal rice texture.
• For extra zest, adjust lime juice and zest amounts to taste.
• This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a tropical side for vegetarian dishes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Keywords: pineapple lime rice, Instant Pot rice, tropical rice recipe, cilantro rice, easy side dish, pineapple rice