Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light and tasty side dish that brings zesty flavors to your meal! Cauliflower is chopped up to look like rice, mixed with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
This dish is perfect for adding brightness to tacos or grilled foods. I love how quick it is to make—you just sauté and season—making it a great weeknight favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient! Fresh cauliflower is great, but you can also use frozen riced cauliflower for convenience. Just skip the ricing step and sauté it directly.
Olive Oil: I find olive oil gives a lovely flavor, but you could use avocado oil or coconut oil if you prefer. Both options will work well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma but can be swapped with garlic powder—about 1/2 teaspoon would do if you’re in a pinch!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for that vibrant flavor! If you’re not a fan, try fresh parsley or green onions instead. They bring a nice freshness too.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice is best for flavor. If you don’t have lime, you can use lemon juice as a substitute, though it changes the overall taste slightly.
How Do You Perfectly Rice Cauliflower?
Ricing cauliflower is key for this dish, and it can be tricky! If you’re using a food processor, make sure not to over-process it. You want rice-sized pieces, not mush. Here’s how:
- First, break the cauliflower into smaller florets for easier processing.
- Add them to the food processor in batches to avoid crowding.
- Pulse a few times until you achieve a rice-like texture. Stop when you see rice-sized pieces forming.
- If you don’t have a food processor, a sharp knife works too! Just chop the florets finely on a cutting board.
Once you’ve riced it, cook it right away for the best texture. Enjoy making this easy dish!
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups riced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick side dish that’s loaded with flavor and can be paired with many meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Start by rinsing and thoroughly drying the cauliflower. Cut it into florets. This will make it easier to rice!
2. Rice the Cauliflower:
If you have a food processor, add a few florets at a time and pulse them until they resemble rice-sized pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a knife to finely chop the cauliflower into tiny pieces. Either way works great!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Cook the Cauliflower Rice:
Next, add the riced cauliflower to the skillet. Stir well to mix it with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. You want it to maintain some texture!
5. Add the Flavor:
Once the cauliflower rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. This is where the dish gets its fresh kick!
6. Season and Serve:
Season your cilantro lime cauliflower rice with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve it warm, garnished with lime wedges if you like. Enjoy this vibrant side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen riced cauliflower to save time. Just skip the ricing step and sauté it directly in the skillet. You may need to cook it a little longer to ensure it’s heated through and tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Without Garlic?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic or need to avoid it, you can leave it out entirely or use a pinch of garlic powder for a milder flavor. The dish will still be delicious without it!
What Can I Serve This With?
Cilantro lime cauliflower rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or as a base for a stir-fry. It’s versatile and goes well with a variety of main dishes!
