Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is the perfect low carb side dish! It pairs perfectly with just about any cuisine but is especially delicious with Mexican and Thai inspired dishes. This side dish only has 5 ingredients and takes 10 minutes and is vegan, Whole30 , grain free and keto friendly!
Why this recipe works:
- If you have ever had the cilantro lime rice from Chipotle, you know how good that combination is with Mexican inspired food! This is a lower carb version that you can make at home and enjoy anytime!
- This recipe only requires 5 ingredients (that you can easily buy at any grocery store) and is great for quick and easy weeknight dinners or for meal prep!
- Naturally gluten free and grain free, cauliflower rice is great if you are trying to increase your vegetable intake or reduce your carb intake!
What is riced cauliflower?
Cauliflower rice is cauliflower that has been grated or chopped into small rice like pieces. You can make riced cauliflower at home using a box grater or a food processor or you can buy it in most stores in the frozen food sections.
How do you make cauliflower rice at home?
To make cauliflower rice at home, you can use a box grater (which can be quite a messy process) or use your food processor.
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To make cauliflower rice in your food processor:
- Cut the green leaves and thick bottom stalk away from the cauliflower. Chop the cauliflower into small enough pieces that they will easily fit into your food processor (you don’t need to worry about the shape of these pieces).
- Add about ½ of the cauliflower to the food processor and process on high for about 20 seconds, until the cauliflower resembles rice. Note: Some people like to use the larger grater attachment of their food processor for this since it creates a more uniform consistency.
- Process all the cauliflower and you can use it immediately, store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2 months in a well-sealed freezer safe bag or container.
Where can you buy cauliflower rice?
- Most large grocery stores now carry cauliflower rice. Look in your frozen food section near the other frozen produce.
- Some large grocery stores (like Walmart, Costco, Target) also have fresh cauliflower rice.
- I like to buy the frozen cauliflower rice because I don’t have to worry about it going bad or not using it fast enough, so I usually only buy that if I know I will be using it in the next 2-3 days.
How do you make cilantro lime cauliflower rice?
Preheat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium heat.
Spray the skillet with non-stick spray (I love avocado oil) and add the riced cauliflower.
Cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note: if you are cooking fresh cauliflower rice, cook covered for the first 4 minutes for the best texture.
Once the cauliflower is cooked through, turn off the heat. Add the lime juice, cilantro and salt and black pepper (optional).
What else could you add to cilantro lime cauliflower rice?
- Sliced jalapenos (fresh or jarred)
- Fresh onion and garlic, finely chopped and cooked for a few minutes before adding the cauliflower rice to the skillet.
- Garlic powder (or garlic olive oil)
- Chipotle powder
- Cumin
- Pineapple
- Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
Storage
- Once cooked, you can store this cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a well sealed container for up to 4 days in the fridge. I love these glass container for this!
- Once cooked and fully cooled, you can store this cilantro lime cauliflower rice in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure you store it in a freezer safe bag or container.
- To defrost, you can defrost the cauliflower rice in the fridge overnight and cook it in the microwave or skillet the next day or cook it from frozen in the microwave or skillet.
What can you serve with cilantro lime cauliflower rice?
- 10 minute skillet taco chicken
- Black bean burgers
- In burrito bowls with shredded chicken, homemade guacamole and fajita style veggies
- In taco salads (like this grilled veggie Mexican chopped salad)
- Serve with tostadas
- As a base for your favorite Thai meal!
- In tacos with jalapeno cilantro hummus on top
If you love this recipe, you should try:
- Healthy Broccoli Tots (vegan, Whole30)
- Low carb cheesy broccoli cauliflower soup (dairy free)
- Crockpot low carb vegetable soup
- Vegan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Low carb pasta
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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is the perfect weeknight side dish! This vegan, gluten free, grain free dish pairs perfectly with Mexican or Thai food and is ready in just 10 minutes! All you need is 5 ingredients to make this low carb, Whole30 friendly recipe!
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Servings: 4
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cauliflower rice - or 1 small cauliflower, riced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro - chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a pan to medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray (avocado oil)
- Add package of frozen cauliflower rice and cook for 7-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Take off of heat and add lime juice, chopped cilantro and salt and black pepper (to taste)
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Notes
Note: if you are cooking fresh cauliflower rice, cook covered for the first 4 minutes for the best texture.
How do you make cauliflower rice at home?
To make cauliflower rice at home, you can use a box grater (which can be quite a messy process) or use your food processor.
To make cauliflower rice in your food processor:
- Cut the green leaves and thick bottom stalk away from the cauliflower. Chop the cauliflower into small enough pieces that they will easily fit into your food processor (you don’t need to worry about the shape of these pieces).
- Add about ½ of the cauliflower to the food processor and process on high for about 20 seconds, until the cauliflower resembles rice. Note: Some people like to use the larger grater attachment of their food processor for this since it creates a more uniform consistency.
- Process all the cauliflower and you can use it immediately, store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2 months in a well-sealed freezer safe bag or container.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
41
Carbohydrates
8
g
Fiber
3
g
Sugar
3
g
Protein
2
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in July 2015, but was published again in July 2019 to include step by step directions, recipe notes and new photos.
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Rita
This was amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe! My whole family enjoyed it!