CILANTRO LIME CAULIFLOWER RICE

If you like Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice you will fall in love with this cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Ella loves the white rice at Chipotle so much that when she orders a burrito bowl she gets double rice and no beans! I knew I had to make her a low-carb version of this rice. Let me introduce you to Healthy Foodie Girl’s cilantro lime cauliflower rice. It’s just as tasty as Chipotle’s rice without all the carbs. Ella is obsessed with this low-carb rice and we believe you will be too!

It’s a game changer for burrito bowls and the perfect side dish for any meal you want to replace the rice. If you have not tried making rice with cauliflower, this is the one that will make you a believer! Grab some riced cauliflower and let’s make the most delicious cilantro lime cauliflower rice you have ever had!

Why You Will Love This Cauliflower Rice

• It’s grain-free, low-calorie, and low-carb.
• The cilantro, lime juice, and garlic add incredible flavor.
• This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, and Paleo-friendly.
• Easily make this recipe with frozen riced cauliflower.
• It’s the ultimate copycat of Chipotle cilantro lime rice, made healthier with riced cauliflower!
• It’s a delicious way to eat vegetables.
• This cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime comes together quickly with a few simple ingredients.

What Is Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice?

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a spin on cilantro lime rice made with riced cauliflower! We used frozen riced cauliflower to keep this recipe simple and easy. Or, you can pulse fresh cauliflower florets into a rice-like texture. Either way, the riced cauliflower is cooked in a skillet and seasoned with fresh crushed garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that is full of flavor.

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen Riced Cauliflower: We used Trader Joe’s frozen riced cauliflower. You can also use fresh riced cauliflower.
• Olive Oil: Spray the pan with olive oil to sauté the garlic and cook the cauliflower rice.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible flavor to this cauliflower rice and is not to be missed. Crush a clove of garlic and sauté it in the pan.
• Cilantro: Wash and dry one bunch of cilantro. Then, remove the stems and chop the cilantro leaves.
• Lime: Squeeze lime juice from a fresh lime.
• Salt: Season this cilantro lime cauliflower rice with salt to enhance the flavors.
• Green Onions: As an option for another dimension of flavor, add sliced green onions.

How To Rice Cauliflower

You can rice the cauliflower yourself if you’re not using frozen riced cauliflower or bagged pre-riced cauliflower. To do this, buy a head of cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into pieces and add them to a food processor. Lightly pulse them in the food processor until riced. Repeat this process in batches and don’t over-process the cauliflower or it will become mushy. Stop pulsing the cauliflower once it becomes a rice-like consistency. Or, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use the large side of a box grater to grate cauliflower.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Step 1: Wash and dry the cilantro. Then, remove the cilantro stems.

After that, finely chop the leaves.

Step 2: Spray a pan with olive oil over medium heat on the stove. Then, sauté the crushed garlic in the pan.

Step 3: Add the frozen riced cauliflower to the pan. Cook the riced cauliflower for 5-7 minutes, moving it around with a spatula.

Step 4: Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Then, add the chopped cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and optional sliced green onions.

Step 5: Mix the cilantro lime cauliflower rice, serve it, and enjoy!

What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

There are so many ways you can serve this cilantro lime cauliflower rice! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Bowls: Add this cilantro lime rice to a burrito bowl! Top with cooked protein such as chicken, beef, pork, salmon, or shrimp. Some other delicious additions are grilled corn, Pico de Gallo, guacamole or sliced avocado, pinto or black beans, and salsa. Or, make a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with this cauliflower rice, grilled chicken, tzatziki, veggies, and hummus.
• Burritos: Add some of this cauliflower rice to burritos. Or, add some to tacos or fajitas.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use this cilantro lime cauliflower rice as a filling for lettuce wraps along with your choice of cooked protein and favorite toppings.
• Side Dish: Serve this cauliflower rice as a delicious side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve it with roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.

Expert Tips

• Remove Cilantro Stems: Remove the stems from the cilantro before chopping the leaves.
• Salt To Taste: Season this cilantro lime cauliflower rice with salt to taste.
• Cook The Garlic: Sauté the garlic in the pan before adding the riced cauliflower.
• Fresh Cauliflower: If you use fresh riced cauliflower, add a couple tablespoons of water or more olive oil when cooking it. I love using frozen riced cauliflower because it cooks fast and you only need a light spray of olive oil.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cilantro lime cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or the microwave when ready to serve it again. Or, you can serve it cold.

Variations

• Lime Zest: Add some lime zest from the fresh lime for another dimension of flavor.
• Fresh Or Frozen: You can make this recipe with fresh cauliflower. Or, buy frozen cauliflower rice to save time.
• Rice Variation: You can use entirely riced cauliflower in this recipe or a mixture of riced cauliflower and cooked white or brown rice.
• Garlic Clove Substitution: If you don’t have a fresh garlic clove, substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Cilantro Substitution: If you don’t like the flavor of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, basil, or a mix of preferred fresh herbs.
• Add Onion: You can sauté some diced onion with the garlic for another layer of flavor.
• Add Heat: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cumin for extra flavor and a hint of heat. Or, mix in some seeded and finely diced jalapeño.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Last?

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is best enjoyed within three days of making it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I Use Frozen Riced Cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen riced cauliflower! I love using frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe, it makes it quick and easy. Simply cook the cauliflower rice in a skillet without thawing it. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until the excess water has evaporated.

How Do I Prevent Cauliflower Rice From Becoming Mushy?

To avoid mushy cilantro lime cauliflower rice, cook it over medium heat so the excess moisture evaporates. Also, avoid over-cooking it in the skillet. Additionally, don’t place the lid on the skillet or cover it, this will create steam and make the rice mushy. If you use fresh cauliflower, don’t over-pulse it in the food processor.

Can I Freeze Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice?

Yes, you can freeze this cilantro lime cauliflower rice. After cooking it, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for 1-2 months. When ready to serve, reheat it directly from frozen in a skillet.

Is Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Healthy?

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a healthy, low-carb, and low-calorie alternative to traditional rice. Also, it contains vitamins and minerals.

More Recipes To Try Next!

• Savory Cottage Cheese Burrito Bowl
• Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga
• Mango Corn Salsa
• Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bowl
• Cottage Cheese Queso

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.