Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
I first started making this cilantro lime cauliflower rice in 2015, back when cauliflower rice was just starting to gain popularity. At the time, I was swapping it for everything, but this recipe quickly became a favorite. I must have made it at least 20 times that first year, and almost a decade later, it’s still in my regular rotation, probably because it pairs so perfectly with tacos!
I loved this recipe so much that I even added it to the menu when I ran my meal prep business. My clients appreciated how easy it was to add more veggies to their meals, and I loved that it only takes 5 simple ingredients. The secret to the best cilantro lime cauliflower rice? Using frozen cauliflower rice, it has a much more mild flavor than using fresh cauliflower.
If you love cauliflower rice as much as I do, you have to try my Mexican Cauliflower Rice (it tastes just like traditional Mexican rice!) or my Italian Cauliflower Rice with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Both are easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Not only is this recipe an easy way to add more veggies to your meal, but it’s also a delicious low-carb alternative to rice, and it’s Whole30-friendly too! With just five simple ingredients and frozen cauliflower rice for convenience, this flavorful side dish comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, spray with avocado oil and add frozen cauliflower rice (being sure to break up any large chunks). Cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and add fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt. Stir well and serve hot, cold or room temperature.
Sam’s Tips for Success
- Break up any large chunks of frozen cauliflower rice before adding it to the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat before adding the frozen cauliflower rice. This helps prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Let the moisture evaporate as the cauliflower rice defrosts. Stir occasionally and cook until the excess water is gone for the best texture.
- Avoid overcooking – once the water has evaporated and the cauliflower is tender, remove it from the heat to prevent mushiness.
- For fresh cauliflower rice, cover while cooking for the first 4 minutes to help it soften while retaining a good texture.
- Use cilantro stems and leaves for extra flavor! The thin stems have just as much fresh, bright taste as the leaves, just finely chop them before adding. Avoid thick, woody stems.
Other additions
- Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños (fresh or jarred), red pepper flakes, or a dash of chipotle powder (or chipotle in adobo) for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Aromatics: Sauté finely chopped fresh onion and garlic for a few minutes before adding the cauliflower rice for extra depth of flavor.
- Boost the flavor: Stir in garlic powder or drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil for a rich, savory taste.
- Warm, earthy seasoning: Sprinkle in cumin to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors.
- A touch of sweetness: Add small chunks of pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.
How to serve
This cauliflower rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, some of my favorites (besides using it in my taco night spread) include:
- Burrito bowls & Buddha bowls – Use it as a fresh, flavorful base and pair it with Mexican black beans for the ultimate combo.
- Black bean burgers – Serve it as a tasty side to air fryer black bean burgers for a veggie-packed meal.
- As the base for curry (especially my vegan red lentil curry)
5 Ingredient Cauliflower Rice with Cilantro and Lime
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cauliflower rice (12 oz package) - or 1 small cauliflower, riced
- 2 limes, juiced
- ¼ cup cilantro - chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea 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.1 package frozen cauliflower rice (12 oz package)
- Take off of heat and add lime juice, chopped cilantro and salt and black pepper (to taste)2 limes, juiced, ¼ cup cilantro, ½ teaspoon sea salt
Recipe Notes
- If you are cooking fresh cauliflower rice, cook covered for the first 4 minutes for the best texture.
- Break up any large chunks of frozen cauliflower rice before adding to a hot skillet.
- Store cooked cilantro lime cauliflower rice in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Common Questions
How do you make cauliflower rice at home?
Cauliflower rice is simply cauliflower that’s been grated or processed into small rice-sized pieces. To make cauliflower rice at home, you can use a box grater or pulse it in the food processor until it resembles rice.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to remove the green leaves and the thick stalk from the cauliflower before breaking it down into rice.
Use the fresh cauliflower rice 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.
I make a very similar recipe often. It’s still hard to believe it’s cauliflower.
How are you doing Sam? Is your PT exam scheduled for this week?
I have never tried cauliflower rice but this version sounds too tasty to pass up! I am off to buy cauliflower! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been really into cauliflower rice myself lately! So many ways to spice it up
I’ve actually never tried cauliflower rice, but I definitely need to because this looks so delicious! Cilantro and lime are the PERFECT pair! Thanks for sharing! :D
This looks like the perfect summer dish!! Pinning this so I can make it later in the week :)
I LOVE cauliflower rice! What a delicious twist – literally. I’m loving the idea of lime … maybe even some other herbs!
This looks SO good! I’m such a huge Chipotle fan so this is right up my alley!
This looks LOVELY! And anything at Chipotle is my fav. :)
I love the rice from Chipotle :) what a nice twist on the classic!
I love a good cilantro lime rice and this cauliflower version sounds delicious! A great low carb option!
We love coriander rice. Not just because it is a lower carb alternative, but because it is so much quicker than rice too.
I was thinking of trying cauliflower rice out on my family. I think I’ll have to start with part rice & part cauliflower. Yours looks so good. I am inspired.
Love cauliflower rice and I had no idea Trader Joes sells it in the freezer section. They’re building one by me now so I can’t wait!
I think my friend and I are making fish tacos at some point this week–this would be perfect to add on the side, or inside for more stuffing! <3 Looks delicious! :D
You know I’m a glutton for citrus. This would be amazing in a burrito!