Easy Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a simple, nutritious and even sneaky side dish that is everyone will enjoy. My kids have even mistaken it for regular rice, so in other words it’s a great way to get anyone to eat vegetables. With cauliflower rice you can easily adjust seasonings using other things like cilantro and lime. Or trying to mimic the classic Mexican rice by including sautéed onion, tomato paste, cumin and chili powder. Other options are to make it lively and herbaceous by adding a blend of fresh herbs, or make it just a little more rich and lightly nutty in flavor by finishing it with some browned butter. Endless possibilities with it, just like with classic white rice. It starts very plain but you can build up those flavors and seasoning as you like. There’s just something about the trio of flavors used in this recipe though, they it will actually leave you craving it time and time again. That’s right, craving a vegetable! I think the secret is including some rather boldly flavored ingredients because cauliflower is very mildly flavored on it’s own. There’s just something addictive about that sharply toned yet very welcomed parmesan flavor included here, it really can turn the most drab and dull food into something that’s utterly enjoyable. Try this and you’ll see what all the hype is about!
Cauliflower Rice Recipe Ingredients
Cauliflower: You’ll need 1 medium head (about 2 to 2 1/4 lbs). Use the freshest you can find, free of browning. Olive oil: This is used for sautéing though butter will work great too. Salt and pepper: Season to taste. Garlic: I like this fairly garlicky so I go with 3 cloves, but of course you can adjust that amount to taste. Parmesan: Wait until the end to add so it doesn’t seize up in the skillet. Parsley: Feel free to double up the amount for an herbier flavor. Lemon juice: If you don’t want this flavor here you can skip it, I just prefer that bit of brightness it gives.
Scroll down for full printable recipe with ingredient amounts.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Can it be riced without a food processor?
Yes the other method is to grate a cauliflower head that has been quartered using a cheese grater.
How to Make it Vegan
Just go with a vegan parmesan cheese (such as Follow Your Heart Brand) to make this recipe vegan. Start with 1/4 cup then add more to taste.
Variations
Here are my other favorite ways to make it:
Tips
Only pulse the florets in short bursts in the food processor so it minces more evenly (giving the top layer a chance to fall and be blitzed). Pulse just to a small rice-like size, not like fine grains or it won’t have much texture. Careful not to burn the garlic or this dish can taste bitter. Only toss the “rice” occasionally while cooking. Cook just to al dente. It should have a very light bite to it, you don’t want it completely soft and mushy. Keep in mind it will cook a little off heat if you leave it in the pan from the residual heat.
More Simple Sides to Try
Coconut Rice Lemon Couscous Mexican Rice Roasted Cauliflower Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
