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    Home » Cauliflower Recipes » Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    Published: Dec 28, 2019 by Wendy Polisi Modified: May 3, 2021 · 856 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    • 281
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Collage of two images. The top is a bowl of keto cauliflower rice, the bottom is a skillet of the cauliflower cooking. In the middle it says "Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice."

    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.

    Overhead photo of a bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice garnished with tomato, lime, and jalapeno.

    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.

    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauli- Rice

    Photo of a skillet with onion, oil, and garlic with a metal spoon.

    1 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute.

    Photo of onion, garlic, cauliflower rice, and seasonings in a skillet with a spoon.

    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.

    Photo of a skillet of cauliflower rice, onion, garlic, seasonings, and cilantro.

    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.

    Photo of a white bowl with cilantro lime cauliflower rice on a white background with lettuce wrap tacos sitting beside it.

    Tools Needed to Make This Recipe

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn From Qualifying Sales

    • Large skillet or saute pan with a lid
    • 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.

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      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.
      Overhead square photos of Overhead photo of a bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice garnished with tomato, lime, and jalapeno.
      Print Recipe
      5 from 3 votes

      Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

      I’ve always loved rice, so I was skeptical that a vegetable could ever take its place. This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice blew my mind. This simple recipe is flavor-packed, and you will never miss the carbs. It goes brilliantly well with tacos and also works well as a side to grilled meats.
      Prep Time8 mins
      Cook Time7 mins
      Total Time15 mins
      Course: Side Dish
      Cuisine: American, Mexican
      Keyword: Cauliflower
      Servings: 6
      Calories: 61.22kcal
      Author: Wendy Polisi
      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

      Ingredients

      • 2 tablespoons olive oil
      • 2 tablespoons minced red onion
      • 1 garlic clove minced
      • 12 ounces riced cauliflower
      • ½ teaspoon sea salt
      • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
      • ¼ 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

      Calories: 61.22kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.55g | Protein: 1.26g | Fat: 4.86g | Saturated Fat: 0.69g | Sodium: 211.66mg | Potassium: 180.92mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 1.42g | Vitamin A: 44.99IU | Vitamin C: 31.16mg | Calcium: 16.16mg | Iron: 0.3mg

      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.
      « Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice
      Caramelized Onion Meatballs - Air Fryer or Baked »
      • 281

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Rebecca

        February 11, 2020 at 1:06 pm

        Hello! If I am using frozen cauliflower rice, do I need to change anything? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          February 11, 2020 at 1:07 pm

          Nope - I have used both with this.

          Reply
      2. Karen

        June 17, 2020 at 2:17 am

        5 stars
        Delicious! Had it with black beans and it was amazing! Thank you so much!!!

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          June 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm

          So glad that you enjoyed it.

          Reply
      3. Robyn

        October 06, 2020 at 1:30 am

        5 stars
        So delicious! Loved it!

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          October 12, 2020 at 4:38 pm

          So glad that you enjoyed it!

          Reply
      4. Theo

        February 02, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Do I have to use red onion?

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          February 02, 2021 at 6:09 pm

          Nope - feel free to leave it off if you like.

          Reply
      5. Rachel

        February 07, 2021 at 8:43 pm

        5 stars
        Love it! This has become my go to side for food prep. Thank you so much.

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          February 08, 2021 at 8:32 pm

          I am so glad that you enjoy it!

          Reply

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      Welcome

      I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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