Cauliflower rice! It’s seems like it’s everywhere and in everything, so I thought I would take a few minutes to “dive deep” on this phenomenon, especially because I keep using it, and now I can just link to this post in future recipes ?
So what is it? It’s simply cauliflower pulsed in a food processor until it forms into granules that are about the size of rice. Is it as good as rice? Not on its own, but it’s a great starting point health-wise and texture-wise. When it’s seasoned well and used in a recipe with other great flavors and textures going on, it IS delicious and you’ll feel great about getting more vegetables into your day!
Stores often sell “riced” cauliflower in bags, but I prefer to make it myself because you never know how fresh those things are! Plus, it’s SO easy to make… here’s how I do it:
After your cauliflower is “riced,” you can use it plain and raw in any recipe that calls for cauliflower rice. Follow the directions in that specific recipe.
If you plan to use your cauliflower rice without a recipe, or if you want to sub cauliflower rice for regular rice, I recommend lightly cooking and seasoning it to take the raw, often bitter, bite off. See specific instructions in the recipe below.
Here are some of my favorite recipes that either use cauliflower rice, or would be delicious with cauliflower rice in place of the regular rice:
pictured above:
Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl / Red Curry Lemongrass Soup
Cauliflower Stuffed Poblano Peppers / Spiced Cauliflower “Couscous”
Happy ricing!
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- just of ½ lime
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Make sure your cauliflower is fully dry. Chop the cauliflower into large pieces. You can include the cores, but discard the leaves or save for another use. Place the cauliflower pieces in a food processor and pulse until it has the texture of rice. Work in batches if necessary and don’t over process or it will get mushy. Use this raw cauliflower rice in any recipe that calls specifically for cauliflower rice. Continue following that recipe’s instructions.
- If you plan to use your cauliflower rice without a recipe (or if you want to sub cauliflower rice for regular rice), I recommend lightly cooking it and seasoning it to take the raw bite off. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cauliflower and sauté until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime juice to help remove any bitterness from the raw cauliflower.
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