Keto | Paleo | Side Dish | Whole 30
ByLisa JohnsonUpdated on
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Learn how to make cauliflower rice effortlessly using a food processor, box grater, or knife and creative recipe ideas to enjoy this nutritious and versatile alternative to traditional white rice.
Looking for more delicious ways to use cauliflower? Make sure to try my cauliflower recipes forRoasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup,Cauliflower au Gratin, andSimple Mashed Cauliflowertoo!
Does cauliflower rice taste like rice?
Cauliflower rice has a texture similar to rice, especially when cooked properly, but its taste is not identical to rice. You can season it with herbs, spices, and other flavorings to enhance its taste and complement the other ingredients in your dish.
Riced cauliflower can mimic the texture and appearance of rice in many recipes, making it a perfect low carb alternative for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or incorporate more vegetables into their diet.
Will you be able to fool your kids? Umm, that I cannot guarantee. The texture is definitely different than rice, but it might be worth a try. I would probably try it with one of their favorite dishes…or buried underneath their favorite dish.
What you’ll need
- Large head of cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
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- Box Grater (cheese grater)
- Food Processor – I have the same brand, but mine is 25 years old.
- Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
- 5 quart Saucepan
How to Make Paleo Cauliflower Rice
Wash the fresh cauliflower head thoroughly and dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture – no one wants soggy rice. Remove any green leaves.
Cut the cauliflower into large chunks, discarding the tough stem.
To make with a food processor:
Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor in batches.
Pulse until the cauliflower is broken down into rice-sized pieces. Be careful not the over-process, or it may turn into much.
To make with a grater:
Use a box grater to grate the cauliflower chunks into pieces that are the size of rice. Simply hold the cauliflower florets against the grater and grate them using the medium-sized holes.
To make with a knife:
Start by chopping the cauliflower florets into small pieces. Then, finely chop into tiny pieces that resemble the size and texture of rice grains.
Heat a medium saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper.
Add the raw cauliflower rice to the pan, cover and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture, stirring occasionally.
Once done, remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and serve as a side dish or as a base for your favorite recipes like; Loco Moco, Instant Pot Chinese Garlic Chicken, and Salmon with Pineapple Salsa.
The first time I made cauliflower rice, I served it with myPaleo Chicken Stir Fryand I didn’t even notice that it wasn’t regular rice!
What types of recipes can you use cauliflower rice in?
This cauliflower rice recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Stir-fries:Use as a base for vegetable stir-fries with your favorite protein, such aschicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Add in your choice of vegetables and seasonings for a quick and healthy meal.
- Fried rice:Make cauliflower fried rice by sautéing it with scrambled eggs, diced vegetables, and your choice of protein. Season with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for an authentic flavor. Like myShrimp Fried Rice,Chicken Fried Rice, orHam Fried Rice.
- Casserole:Use cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice or pasta in casseroles. Mix it with cooked chicken, broccoli, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a low-carb twist on classic comfort food. Like thisLow-Carb Chicken Divan, Paleo Shepherd’s Pie, orHealthy Hamburger Skillet.
- Soup:Add to soups and stews for added texture and nutrition. It works well in vegetable soups, chicken soup, andPaleo Jambalaya.
FAQ’s
Can I freeze cauliflower rice?
Yes! After ricing the cauliflower, spread it out on a baking sheet and freeze it until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use, you can cook it directly from frozen or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I do with leftover low-carbcauliflower rice?
Allow to cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can use it as a base for stir-fries, fried rice, grain bowls, soups, salads, or even as a cauliflower pizza crust.
How can I season cauliflower rice?
You an use a variety of herbs, spices, and other flavorings to suit your taste preferences. Common seasonings include fresh garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, curry powder, soy sauce, lemon zest, lime juice,and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Experiment with different seasonings until you find your favorites.
More delicious side dish recipes
- Steamed Broccoli
- Easy Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Sautéed Zucchini and Carrots
- Instant Pot Carrot Parsnip Mash
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls onInstagram&Facebookand leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!
Enjoy!!
Easy Cauliflower Rice
Learn how to make cauliflower rice effortlessly using a food processor, box grater, or knife for a versatile alternative to traditional rice.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 57kcal
Author: Lisa Johnson
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the fresh cauliflower head thoroughly and dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture – no one wants soggy rice. Remove any green leaves.
Cut the cauliflower into large chunks, discarding the tough stem.
To make with a food processor:
Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor in batches. Pulse until the cauliflower is broken down into rice-sized pieces. Be careful not the over-process, or it may turn into mush.
To make with a grater:
Use a box grater to grate the cauliflower chunks into pieces that are the size of rice. Hold the cauliflower florets against the grater and grate them using the medium-sized holes.
To make with a knife:
Start by chopping the cauliflower florets into small pieces. Then, finely chop into tiny pieces that resemble the size and texture of rice grains.
Cooking cauliflower rice
Heat a medium saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper.
Add the raw cauliflower rice to the pan, cover and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture, stirring occasionally.
Once done, remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and serve as a side dish or as a base for your favorite recipes.
Notes
- To freeze: After ricing the cauliflower, spread it out on a baking sheet and freeze it until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use, you can cook it directly from frozen or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. - To store leftovers: Allow to cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- You an use a variety of herbs, spices, and other flavorings to suit your taste preferences. Common seasonings include fresh garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, curry powder, soy sauce, lemon zest, lime juice,and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- See original post for serving and recipe ideas.
Nutrition
Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.5mg
