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!

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
This was amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe! My whole family enjoyed it!
– Rita

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.

Large bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice with cut limes around the bowl.

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.

Large silver spoon scooping out a serving of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
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How to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice

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:

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Large white bowl filled with cilantro lime cauliflower rice with limes around the bowl.

5 Ingredient Cauliflower Rice with Cilantro and Lime

A light and flavorful side dish, this cilantro lime cauliflower rice is the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Made with just 5 ingredients, this recipe comes together in 10 minutes and pairs well with tacos, burrito bowls, and more. Using frozen cauliflower rice ensures the best texture and mild flavor, while fresh lime juice and cilantro add a bright, zesty finish. Naturally gluten free, dairy free, Whole30, paleo, and vegan (if those things are important to you).
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cilantro cauliflower rice, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, vegan cilantro lime cauliflower rice, whole30 cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

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

Notes

Tips:
  • 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

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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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.

How to make cauliflower rice in the food proceessor.

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26 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!! I love having you! Hope to see you again on Thursday! Pinned!

  2. I usually get one of the rice bowls at Chipotle but without the rice. I fill it with lettuce instead. I love cauliflower just about any way, but I think roasted cauliflower is my fav. I’ve never tried cauliflower rice, but your recipe has inspired me to do so. Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday.

  3. 5 stars
    What a great flavor combination! Happy to have found your site via the Healthy, Happy Green & Natural Party!

  4. 5 stars
    Who can resist this healthy and delectable dish! Thank you so much for sharing this yummy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.

  5. How delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! This post has been pinned on the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! I love having you and can’t wait to see you next week!

  6. I love cauliflower rice and chipolte rice — thanks for sharing! I would have never thought of it myself. It’s going to be on my list of recipes to try.

  7. I have been meaning to try cauliflower rice! This looks like a perfect recipe for Taco Tuesday!

  8. This looks like the perfect side dish and would go with almost anything! Thanks for sharing! Cauliflower is definitely the “it” vegetable! lol Looks delicious!!! :)

  9. 5 stars
    i so need to try these! was actually looking for the cauliflower rice from TJs the last time I was there and couldn’t find it! looks delish!

  10. Omg I need to go to Trader Joe’s and pick up some bags of this! What a great concept. I’m sure it wouldn’t take too long to chop cauliflower into little bits in a food processor and then boil, but having it already in little pieces is super convenient :)

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