This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is so easy to make. Just 4 simple ingredients; fresh cilantro leaves, fresh lime, butter, and rice. Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime rice is perfect to serve with my pork tomatillo stew, slow cooker pinto beans or black bean soup.
Looking for more slow cooker recipe ideas? Check out more great recipes for a small slow cooker.
The 2-quart slow cooker is perfect for making this rice recipe and also you might enjoy my garlic butter rice.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- i
Long-grain white rice – My go to brand is Mahatma long grain rice. The secret to fluffy rice in the slow cooker is to always rinse until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch that makes rice sticky.
Butter- You can substitute a rice bran oil or anther neutral flavor oil.
Fresh Cilantro – use both the stems and leaves for the best flavor.
Lime juice - Don’t be tempted to go heavy on the lime juice, you should taste and then add more if needed.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Recipe Directions
Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess starch.
Add the rice and water into the 2-quart slow cooker and stir to mix. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.
After all the water is absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the butter, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste and fluff again to mix all the ingredients together. After tasting you can add more salt or lime to your taste.
Serve immediately. If freezing, allow the rice to cool completely before freezing.
Tips
- For added flavor also use the cilantro stems.
- Always rinse the rice when cooking a slow cooker.
- Recipe can be double, but use a larger slow cooker.
Enjoy more slow cooker recipes from A Weekend Cook
Equipment
A 2-quart slow cooker can be purchased on Amazon. This is the one I own and use for sauces, sides dishes, rice, and small-batch soups. I also own 3 and 4-quart models.
Storing Leftovers
The cooked rice can be frozen for up to a month. After the rice has completely cooled, portion out on a piece of plastic wrap and flatten and form into a rectangle. Double wrap or place in a Ziploc. Lay flat in the freezer.
To reheat: Unwrap and place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the covered bowl in the microwave and cook the rice on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave wattage.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 lime fresh squeezed juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- handful of cilatro leaves and stems chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess starch.
- Add the rice and water into the 2-quart slow cooker and stir to mix. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.
- After all the water is absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the butter, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste and fluff again to mix all the ingredients together. After tasting you can add more salt or lime to your taste.
- Serve immediately. If freezing, allow the rice to cool completely before freezing.
Yolanda
I'm trying to make this recipe. But am lost on how much water to use.
Sydney
So very sorry about that, it's a 2:1 ratio so this recipe will use 2 cups of water. I've updated the recipe card to include the amount of water. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Kate
Can I use basmati rice? Any changes?
Sydney
Hi Kate,
I have not used Basmati rice in the slow cooker so I can't speak from experience. However, Basmati and white rice are both long-grain kinds of rice and should use about the same amount of water to cook. I would love to know how it works for you.
Frances
Can you cook this in a rice cooker?
Sydney
Yes, this a great recipe for the rice cooker, instant pot, or stovetop method. The only adjustment will be the cook time.