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Cilantro lime cauliflower rice has been our favorite side dish lately. We are always looking for healthy sides that compliment our main dish and round out a meal. This dish is light and bright with a punch of lime and fresh cilantro.
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We often like to double down on veggies for a meal rather than doing a carb, so this cauliflower rice, or cauli-rice, acts like rice but without all the carbs.
Serve this up with our steak fajitas, pork carnitas, or smothered honey lime chicken burritos! It is the perfect compliment to any Mexican meal. Here are all our favorite Mexican main dishes so you can find the one that speaks to you!
What is Cauliflower Rice?
Cauliflower rice is cauliflower that has been chopped up into tiny pieces that resemble grains of rice in size and texture. It can be made at home by putting cauliflower florets in a food processor or it can be purchased already chopped at the grocery store.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
When it comes to easy side dishes, this one is right up there with the easiest. If you don’t buy cauliflower rice pre-chopped, take your head of cauliflower, remove the core and leaves, and break it into florets. Place the florets into your food processor or blender and pulse it until you have small pieces similar to the size of rice grains.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, garlic and cumin and cook until it is fragrant (about a minute). Then add the cauliflower rice, lime juice, lime zest and cilantro and salt to taste and stir everything together. Cook it while stirring until it starts to turn brown slightly. It will take about 5-8 minutes. Serve it up with more fresh cilantro and enjoy!
How to Make Cauliflower Rice Not Soggy
I have found that the key to keeping cauliflower rice not soggy or mushy is to pan fry it or roast it in the oven. With just a little olive oil, the cauliflower will cook up just great on the stove top. Cauliflower stores a lot of moisture inside it, so it doesn’t need any extra moisture added to cook it. Once the cauliflower has been pulsed, you can squeeze it in a cheesecloth to omit some of the extra water.
How Many Carbs are in Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice?
Cauliflower is a popular low carb vegetable because it is so versatile. A cup of raw cauliflower contains just 5 grams of carbohydrates and 3 of those grams are fiber. That’s just 2 grams of digestible carbs!
For this recipe, 1 cup of cauli-rice is 71 calories and only 6 carbs.
Is Cauliflower Gluten Free?
Yes! Cauliflower is gluten free. This recipe is gluten free too and so tasty!
Is Cauliflower Healthy?
Cauliflower is high in fiber and B vitamins and contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer. Eating cauliflower also helps strengthen bones and increase heart health. It is super healthy!
How Long Will Cauliflower Keep?
A head of cauliflower that is uncut can be stored in the fridge in a loose plastic bag for up to two weeks. If you cut it into florets, you store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Does Cauliflower Need To Be Refrigerated?
Cauliflower should be stored in the refrigerator. It is sensitive to ethylene, so it should be stored away from produce that are high in ethylene (which is just about ever single fruit or vegetable…apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumber, grapes, lemons, lettuce, limes, onions, watermelon…just to name a few).
Storage Tips for Cauliflower Rice
Leftovers of this cilantro lime cauliflower rice recipe should be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
Cauliflower rice freezes extremely well. Place it in a ziploc bag or freezer safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
The cauli-rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top.
Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, keto friendly, dairy free, paleo friendly, and just plain delicious for everyone out there no matter your diet (or no diet) of choice! Dig in and love it!
More delicious SIDE DISHES you’re sure to love:
- Brazilian Coconut Rice
- Macaroni Salad
- Wild Rice and Chickpeas
- Sweet Cornbread
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Herbed Focaccia Bread
- Best Mashed Potatoes
- Easy 7-Up Biscuits
- Grilled Corn
- Best Baked Beans
- Southern Macaroni and Cheese
- Best Potato Rolls
Easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
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3.87 from 22 votes
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 2 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 12 minutes mins
Description
It tastes like rice, but it's way healthier and full of garlic and zesty lime flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 Head Cauliflower
- 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Lime, zested and Juiced
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
- Salt
Instructions
In a blender, chop the cauliflower until like grains of rice.
1 Head Cauliflower
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic and cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Cloves Garlic, 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
Add the cauliflower and remaining ingredients, seasoning with salt to taste.
1 Lime, 1/4 Cup Cilantro, Salt
Cook until beginning to brown a little, about 5-8 minutes.Serve with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Cauliflower rice will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 298mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Author: Sweet Basil
Course: 200+ Easy Side Dish Recipes Every Mom Needs
Cuisine: American
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