Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (2024)

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Katerina

5 from 3 votes

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Infused with coconut milk and bursting with zesty lime flavor, this Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal!

Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (2)

Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Welcome to a culinary tropical escape with our Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice! Simmered in creamy coconut milk and sparked with zesty lime, this riced cauliflower recipe is the refreshing, guilt-free side dish you’ve been searching for.

Have you experimented with cauliflower rice yet? If not, prepare for a revelation. Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb, grain-free alternative to traditional rice that hits that “satisfaction spot” but keeps it light and healthy. And when you infuse it with the exotic tastes of coconut and lime, you have a flavor fiesta that’ll make your tastebuds dance.

Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (3)

Why You’ll Love Riced Cauliflower

You know how things go during the summer – lounging by thepool, hanging out on the porch with your sister eating broccoli cheese veggie dip, and drinking all the strawberry pom mojitos? Well, now add this tropical cauliflower rice to the mix and you’ll feel less guilty about your choices. ? NO? Here are a few reason why that might turn into a YES.

  • Flavorful. The combination of coconut milk and lime transforms humble cauliflower into a delectable tropical side dish.
  • It’s versatile. Serve it alongside any protein for a well-rounded meal.
  • Cauli rice is low in carbs and calories but high in nutritional value, perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without compromising taste.
Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (4)

How To Rice Cauliflower

  • Start with fresh cauliflower florets and pulse them in a food processor until they break down into rice-like grains. Don’t let the food processor run continuously—pulsing is the key. Over-processing will result in a mushy texture.

How To Make Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice

Let’s be real and honest – cauli rice without flavor? HARD PASS. But add some coconut milk and lime, and I am IN. Remember to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete recipe.

Ingredients

Directions

  • Add cauliflower florets to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until the cauliflower looks like rice.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until tender. Stir in the garlic and cauliflower rice; cook for 1 minute.
  • Add coconut milk; continue to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the coconut milk is adsorbed. Stir in lime zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper.
Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (5)

Tips, Swaps, and Additions

  • Choosing Cauliflower: The color of the cauliflower should be uniform with no dark spots or blemishes.
  • Size Matters: Do not overcrowd your food processor when ricing your cauliflower. Rice it in batches.
  • Pulse, Don’t Blend: When processing, use the pulse function on your food processor to avoid creating cauliflower puree. You’re aiming for small, rice-like grains. If you’re short on time, pre-riced cauliflower, available in many grocery stores, works well too.
  • Use a Large Skillet: When cooking your riced cauliflower, use a large enough skillet to allow the cauliflower to spread out and cook evenly.
  • For an added protein punch, toss in some cooked shrimp or chicken.
  • Jazz up your dish with finely chopped red bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
  • Can’t handle dairy? Use a non-dairy alternative to coconut milk.
Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (6)

Serving Suggestions

  • This cauliflower rice recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled pork tenderloin, roasted veggies, or this Chicken Rogan Josh curry. Or, top it with a fried egg for a quick, healthy breakfast!

Storage

  • Prepared cauliflower rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
  • Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.
  • Uncooked cauliflower rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

ENJOY!

More Cauliflower Recipes

  • Lemon Paprika Roasted Cauliflower
  • Cheesy Baked Cauliflower
  • Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
  • Sausage and Cauliflower Rice Stuffing
  • Garlic Asiago Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (7)

Coconut Lime Cauliflower “Rice”

Katerina | Diethood

This Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" recipe is cooked in coconut milk, then loaded with fresh lime juice and lime zest! This is the ideal healthy side dish to any meal!

5 from 3 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 4 Serves

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned organic lite coconut milk, stirred
  • 1 whole lime, zested and juiced
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish, optional
  • lime wedges, for serving, optional

Instructions

  • Add cauliflower florets to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until cauliflower looks like rice. You may have to do this part in batches, depending on the size of your food processor.

  • Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add onions and saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic and riced cauliflower; cook for 1 minute.

  • Stir in the coconut milk and continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until the coconut milk is adsorbed.

  • Remove from heat and stir in lime zest and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper; taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.

  • Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Coconut Milk: Do not use coconut milk in a carton. You can get canned coconut milk at your local grocery store. Please stir it well before adding the coconut milk to the cauliflower rice.
  • Look for a fresh cauliflower that is firm with compact florets. The color of the cauliflower should be uniform, with no dark spots or blemishes.
  • No Crowding: Do not overcrowd your food processor when ricing your cauliflower. It’s better to work in batches than to end up with inconsistently processed cauliflower.
  • Pulse, Don’t Blend: When processing, use the pulse function on your food processor to avoid creating cauliflower mush. You’re aiming for small, rice-like grains.
  • Season Well: Cauliflower rice is like a blank canvas and takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with. Don’t be shy with herbs, spices, or other flavor enhancers.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and additions. Cooking the cauliflower rice in different broths or with added sauces can also change and enhance the flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 g | Calories: 255 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Sodium: 54 mg | Potassium: 654 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin C: 79 mg | Calcium: 57 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, American/Southwest, Caribbean

Keyword: cauliflower rice, coconut lime cauliflower rice, easy cauliflower recipe, how to make cauliflower rice, keto side dishes, low carb recipe

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Categories:

  • Dinner Recipes
  • One Pot Meals
  • Salads
  • Side Dishes
  • Sponsored
  • Vegetarian
Coconut Lime Cauliflower "Rice" - Easy Cauliflower Rice Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cauliflower rice not mushy? ›

Easy DIY Raw Cauliflower Rice Recipe (That's Not Mushy!)

In a food processor, add the cauliflower florets and pulse for 30-60 seconds. Add 2-3 cups at a time and remove as it is riced. This will prevent the cauliflower from being over-processed. With a towel, pat dry or squeeze the liquid out from the cauliflower.

Is it cheaper to make cauliflower rice or buy it? ›

Cheaper: Making riced cauliflower from scratch will save you money in the grocery store. A head of cauliflower is cheaper than buying fresh or frozen riced cauliflower. Tastes Great: Because it's made fresh, it also tastes better. You can use it in any recipe that calls for rice.

How do you get moisture out of cauliflower rice? ›

If using a food processor, cut into small pieces and use the grater attachment to grate the cauliflower into “rice.” Optional: Transfer to a clean towel or paper towel and press to remove any excess moisture, which can make your dish soggy. Once you have your cauliflower rice, it's easy to cook (or enjoy raw)!

Is cauliflower rice healthier than white rice? ›

However, rice can be high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning it will fill you up without providing you with many additional nutrients. Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

Why is my cauliflower not softening? ›

"When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk. Be sure to check them before you turn the oven off and give them extra time if they are still too firm.

What happens if you eat too much cauliflower? ›

While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.

Is cauliflower rice actually healthy? ›

Cauliflower rice is a nutritious alternative to rice that's low in calories and carbs. It may even provide a number of benefits, such as boosting weight loss, fighting inflammation, and even protecting against certain illnesses. What's more, it's simple to make and can be eaten raw or cooked.

What is the best appliance to make cauliflower rice? ›

While using a food processor is one of the fastest and easiest ways to chop cauliflower into rice, there are a handful of other methods that can also be used. Chopping by hand, using a box grater, or substituting a food processor for a blender are all techniques that can also make cauliflower rice.

Which is better broccoli or cauliflower rice? ›

On the nutrient front, broccoli is slightly healthier, although cauliflower contains more folate and potassium. Both should be consumed regularly as they contain a slightly different balance of nutrients, antioxidants and phytonutrients and are extremely healthy options.

Why does cauliflower rice taste sour? ›

While product is hot, you can taste something a bit sour which is the malic acid, a NATURAL product (look it up, it's also used in cosmetics). **Product tastes best after stirred & cooled a little!** Before opening, use hands to squish around contents before opening to mix up the cauliflower.

Why is my frozen cauliflower rice soggy? ›

If you're cooking frozen cauliflower rice on the stovetop, cook it in small batches. Cooking too much at once can produce excess moisture and lead to soggy cauliflower rice.

Can you overcook cauliflower rice? ›

Why is my cauliflower rice soggy? The key to preventing soggy cauliflower rice is making sure you don't overcook it. Once the 'grains' are hot, you're ready to serve. The best cooking method to avoid any sogginess is to roast the cauliflower grains on a wide, shallow tray.

Is cauliflower rice good for belly fat? ›

Using cauliflower rice, which is rich in fibre, will benefit weight loss. Moreover, the cauliflower will give you additional nutrients, making your meal healthier without sacrificing the flavour and taste.

Does cauliflower rice spike blood sugar? ›

Cauliflower is much lower in carbohydrates than typical white rice, so therefore it has less of an impact on a person's blood sugar levels.

Which is healthier, quinoa or cauliflower rice? ›

Brown rice actually has more selenium (good for heart health) and vitamin B3 (needed for the production of sex and stress hormones) than quinoa, but quinoa is still the healthier choice. Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, gluten-free and nutrient-dense way to replace the white rice on your plate.

How do you keep rice from getting mushy after cooking? ›

Avoid Overcooking: Cook the rice just until done; overcooked rice tends to be mushy. Follow package instructions or use a rice cooker for precise cooking. Store in an Airtight Container: Store the cooked rice in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain its texture.

How to make cauliflower rice not soggy reddit? ›

-Heat a large lightly greased sauté pan (olive or avocado oil) on med-high heat. -Dump the cauli rice into the hot pan and spread out to a nice even layer. Wait a minute before tossing so the bottom browns up a little (but not burn). -Toss around with a spoon or spatula, then let it sit again for 30 sec to a minute.

Why is my cauliflower rice wet? ›

"Do not for any reason stockpile your pan with tons of cauliflower rice," Patel says. "If you add a whole lot of cauliflower to a small pot, it generates steam — and steam is going to make the whole thing mushy." Patel recommends using either a very large flat-bottomed pan or simply working in batches over high heat.

References

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