Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a deliciously fresh and light twist on traditional rice as a side dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this low carb rice alternative is bursting with zesty, fragrant flavors from the lime and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side for grilled meats, Mexican-inspired bowls or even tossed into fresh salads.

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What is cauliflower rice

Cauliflower rice is exactly what it sounds like; cauliflower that’s finely grated or chopped into small, rice-sized pieces. It’s a popular low-carb alternative to traditional rice and also a great way to add more vegetables to your plate.

Nowadays, it’s very easy to find pre-packaged cauliflower rice in stores, making it even more easy to prepare this lime cilantro cauliflower rice recipe. But it’s also quick and easy to make at home, but requires just a little bit more time, and dishes. What else are husbands for?

How to make it

To make cauliflower rice, choose a fresh firm head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. You can also use the stem to make the rice, just finely cut it into small pieces. Or use pre-packaged cauliflower florets. I would, however, only use fresh cauliflower and not frozen for this recipe.

• In a blender or food processor: Add the florets and finely cut stem in a blender or food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower resembles rice. I recommend to work in smaller batches to have more control over the texture of the rice. When it’s over processed it will become too mushy and does not have a crunchy texture.
• With a grater by hand: You can use a box grater and grate the florets and stem by hand.

Which ingredients to use

• Cauliflower rice: Make your own cauliflower rice at home or use a store bought packet. Make sure to only use fresh cauliflower (either store bought or homemade) as this recipe calls for a crispy texture.
• Onion: Any type of onion will do. It creates a delicious depth of flavor to the cauliflower rice.
• Garlic: Don’t be shy with the garlic as it creates lots of extra flavor. Use fresh garlic over garlic powder for the best results.
• Lime: You’ll need both the lime zest and the juice, so use a fresh lime instead of concentrated lime juice. Use a fresh lemon as a substitute.
• Cilantro (or coriander): Definitely fresh cilantro or coriander as cilantro powder does not have the same flavor profile. If you really don’t like the taste of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley, chives or green onion.
• Olive oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil to sauté the aromatics and cauliflower will give that extra delicious aroma. As an alternative use coconut oil, avocado oil, butter or ghee.
• Seasoning: Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out all the flavors.

How to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice

Note: All the exact quantities of the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

This recipe comes together in no time and is very easy to prepare, especially when using store bought cauliflower rice.

• Prepare the vegetables: Peel and finely cut the onions. Peel and mince the garlic. Make the cauliflower rice or take the ready made store-bought packet. Roughly chop the cilantro.
• Sauté the garlic and onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan on medium heat. Sauté the onions for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute.

• Cook the cauliflower rice: Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes until the cauliflower has softened. Meanwhile season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lime and cilantro: When the cauliflower is soft and golden brown, add the lime zest, lime juice and chopped cilantro and toss together. Cook for another 30 seconds while stirring. Serve immediately.

How to store

You can make this lime cilantro cauliflower rice in advance or in a larger batch. Leave to cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days. To serve, just heat with a splash of olive oil in a pan until warm.

If using this cauliflower rice side dish later I would only add the fresh cilantro just before serving as otherwise it will loose its fresh taste.

You can also freeze this dish, but after thawing it will not have the same texture, so I would not recommend it.

How to serve

Serve dish cilantro lime cauliflower rice with any dish that has rice as a side dish and where the flavors work like this beef stuffed peppers, chicken stuffed peppers, chicken and sweet potato curry, pan fried trout and chili con carne.

You can also top this rice with Mexican salsas as a base for a burrito bowls like this guacamole, mango salsa, pico de gallo or restaurant style salsa.