This cilantro lime cauliflower rice dish is a practical and satisfying option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals with family and friends.

What We Love About This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice 

  • Practical Side Dish: This recipe offers a straightforward and practical option for incorporating more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.
  • Beginner-friendly: This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is definitely beginner-friendly and requires no fancy cooking techniques. 
  • Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of cilantro and lime adds a subtle tanginess to the cauliflower rice, making it suitable for pairing with a variety of main dishes.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Ingredients

  • Cauliflower Florets: Cauliflower florets serve as the base for the ‘rice’ alternative.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and helps to sauté the cauliflower rice.
  • Garlic: Garlic provides depth of flavor and aroma to the dish. 
  • Lime: Both the zest and juice contribute a subtle citrus flavor to the cauliflower rice.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Adds a hint of freshness and herbed flavor to the dish.
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper help enhance the flavors of the dish. 
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice 

  1. Prepare the cauliflower rice. Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor.
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  2. Sauté the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the garlic until fragrant. 
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  3. Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir to combine. 
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  4. Stir-fry the cauliflower rice. Remove from the heat once the cauliflower rice is soft. 
  5. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. 
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Make Ahead and Reheating Instructions: 

  • To Make Ahead: Prepare the cauliflower rice in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. 
  • To Reheat: Reheat the cauliflower rice in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe Variations

  • Add a protein to make it a complete meal: Stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added protein and texture.
  • Add chopped vegetables: You can add cubed cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, and more.
  • Mix with quinoa: Mix in some cooked quinoa to make this cauliflower rice dish more filling. 
  • Add water for softer cauliflower rice: If you find that your cauliflower florets are too firm or dry, simply add a tablespoon or two of water while heating it in the pan. 

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound cauliflower florets
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ medium lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles rice.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the cauliflower ‘rice’.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until cauliflower rice is soft.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Add the lime juice, lime zest and cilantro and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve.

Notes

For best results, pulse the cauliflower mixture until it resembles grains of rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 356mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Leave a comment and review below!

Emma Kelly

Hey, i’m Emma (and this is my cat ‘Chonk’😂). I am the author of the Refrigerator Cookbook and love gardening, pickling (of course), baking (mostly desserts and bread), and cooking (of all kinds). Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more easy, seasonal recipes, and learn more about me here (as well as take a peek inside my kitchen!).

This post may contain affiliate links (I love sharing my favorite ingredients and cooking equipment with you all!)

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