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.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Prepare the cauliflower rice. Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor.

- Sauté the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the garlic until fragrant.

- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir to combine.

- Stir-fry the cauliflower rice. Remove from the heat once the cauliflower rice is soft.
- Add the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.

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 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
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.
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