Healthful, fast, side-dishes are a must for staying on track with my health goals. This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is super-simple, absolutely delicious, and ready in minutes. It is always a welcome addition to our dinner table.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is an Easy, Tasty Side!
I love to cook, but around my house, simple side dishes are a must. I like ones that tie a meal together without being at all fussy.
This cauli-rice is the perfect example. It comes together in about 15 minutes – a few minutes longer if you make your own “rice” – making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauli- Rice
1 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2 Add the “rice”, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until it reaches your desired tenderness.
3 Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cauliflower rice?
It is simply where you cut the vegetable to resemble rice. It is seasoned and served in the same way that you would serve grains.
How do you make cauliflower into rice?
While you can buy it in both the fresh and frozen produce section of grocery stores, it is also easy to make. The quickest way is with a food processor. To do this, it into florets, and place it in the food processor. You can also throw the trimmed stems in, in pieces no larger than the florets. Pulse, until the mixture resembles rice. Be careful not to let the food processor run too long, or you will have something that resembles mashed potatoes.
What does cauliflower rice taste like? Does it taste like rice?
Correctly seasoned, it tastes surprisingly similar. While no vegetable is going to exactly mimic the texture, cauli-rice is an excellent low carb substitute.
Can you eat raw cauliflower rice?
Sure – it is just a chopped up vegetable so if the urge strikes you, go for it! Don’t expect it to resemble rice though – this comes from the seasoning and softening when you cook it.
Serving Suggestions
This is such a simple side and that goes with many things! Here are some suggestions
- Tacos or Taco Bowls (It is also a great addition to Taco Salad.)
- Air Fried Chicken or Grilled Chicken
- Salsa Chicken (recipe coming soon)
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Zucchini Enchiladas
- Slow Cooker Beef
Cauliflower Rice Nutrition
Cauliflower is an excellent source of potassium, vitamins C and B, and fiber. It is a cruciferous vegetable, which means that it contains glucosinolate compounds. Some research suggests that these compounds may have cancer-fighting effects. Like other sulfur-rich foods such as broccoli, cabbage, and radishes, it contains an antioxidant called glutathione. This antioxidant may be especially helpful to those with auto-immune diseases because it can help keep inflammation levels in check.
One cup of riced cauliflower has just 27 calories and 3.2 net carbs.
Storing Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
Uncooked it can be stored in a zip-top bag or other freezer-safe container for about 2 months. You can refrigerated it for about 5 days. Cooked it can be stored in the refrigerator for between 3 to 5 days.
Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified sales.
- If you would like to make your own cauliflower rice, a food processor is the easiest way to do this. This one is one of my most used kitchen tools. You can also use a hand grater.
Other Keto Side Dishes to Try:
- You can make this Keto Asparagus in the air fryer or oven. Whichever method you prefer, this is an easy side you will turn to again and again.
- Craving comfort food? You are going to love this Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash.
- Keto Brussels Sprouts are sheer perfection! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – this is one that never gets old.
- Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings” are sheer perfection. It is a great side to grilled meats, and also works well as an appetizer.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 12 ounces riced cauliflower
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes to desired tenderness.
- Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
Nutrition
More Keto Cauliflower Recipes:
- Street Style Mexican Grilled Cauliflower is a fun low carb side that you will turn to again and again.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower is great for those times you are craving big flavors.
Rebecca
Hello! If I am using frozen cauliflower rice, do I need to change anything? Thanks!
Wendy Polisi
Nope – I have used both with this.