Learn how to make the best cauliflower rice recipe with just 3 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep! This light, fluffy, and naturally low-carb side dish is the perfect substitute for traditional rice—whether you’re serving it with soups, stir-fries, burrito bowls, or your favorite protein-packed meals.
It’s easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and so much more flavorful than store-bought versions. Once you try this homemade cauliflower rice, you’ll never go back to the packaged kind again!
This rice made from cauliflower is the perfect low-carb substitute for regular rice. Once you try it, you’ll be surprised by how similar the texture and taste are to classic white rice—only with fewer carbs and more nutrients.
It’s a light, flavorful, and grain-free alternative that works with just about any dish. Enjoy it as a side dish, serve it under stir-fries, or use it to make creamy and comforting dishes like cauliflower risotto.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy side that’s ready in minutes, this cauliflower rice recipe is a must-try. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with vegetables—a great way to sneak more veggies into your daily meals without sacrificing flavor.
You won’t regret giving this one a try—it might just become your new favorite weeknight side!
- 1 Why You’re Going to Love This Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- 2 Ingredients for This Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- 3 How to Make Easy Cauliflower Rice (In Just 10 Minutes!)
- 4 Cauliflower Rice Recipe Variations
- 5 Serving Ideas
- 6 Storing Ideas for Cauliflower Rice
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 More Cauliflower Recipes
- 9 Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Why You’re Going to Love This Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect last-minute side dish for busy weeknights.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer—ideal for meal prep and batch cooking.
- Low in Carbs: With only 7g net carbs per serving, it’s a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Versatile Side Dish: Cauliflower rice pairs perfectly with almost anything—from stir-fries and curries to grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggie bowls.
- Naturally Grain-Free and Gluten-Free: This recipe is dairy-free, grain-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Light and Flavorful: It’s not just a substitute—it’s genuinely delicious. The mild, slightly nutty flavor works beautifully in everything from burrito bowls to risottos.
- A Great Way to Eat More Veggies: Cauliflower is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, so this recipe is a delicious way to boost your veggie intake without even trying.
- Budget-Friendly and Fresh: Making cauliflower rice at home is cheaper and fresher than store-bought versions—and you control the texture and ingredients.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or sauces—like garlic butter, cilantro lime, or turmeric—to suit any flavor profile.
Ingredients for This Cauliflower Rice Recipe
You only need 3 simple ingredients—likely already in your kitchen—to make this quick, flavorful, and healthy cauliflower rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cauliflower: Use a medium-sized head of fresh cauliflower, free from blemishes or brown spots. For convenience, you can also use pre-riced cauliflower or frozen cauliflower rice—just make sure to remove any excess moisture before cooking.
- Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps sauté the cauliflower and enhances the flavor. You can also use avocado oil, ghee, or any neutral vegetable oil you prefer.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste. Start with a pinch of each, then adjust as needed. You can also customize the flavor by adding optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How to Make Easy Cauliflower Rice (In Just 10 Minutes!)
Enjoying rice on a keto or low-carb diet has never been easier. This homemade cauliflower rice is ready in just 10 minutes and requires no special cooking skills—just a few simple steps!
Prep the Cauliflower:
Rinse your cauliflower head thoroughly, remove the outer leaves, and cut it into small florets. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on (this helps prevent sogginess when cooking).
Rice the Cauliflower:
Place the florets into a food processor and pulse in short bursts until it resembles rice or couscous-like grains. Be careful not to over-process—it can quickly turn mushy.
No food processor? You can also grate the cauliflower using a box grater.
Cook the Cauliflower Rice:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs for extra flavor. Serve warm as a side dish, or use it as a base for stir-fries, bowls, or even low-carb risotto!
Cauliflower Rice Recipe Variations
One of the best things about cauliflower rice is how easy it is to customize! You can transform the flavor with just a few simple add-ins. Here are some tasty ways to switch things up:
- Add Crumbled Bacon: Stir in some crispy cooked bacon for extra flavor, texture, and a savory twist—perfect for pairing with eggs or grilled meats.
- Make It Cheesy: Mix in shredded parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella for a cheesy cauliflower rice that’s rich and comforting. Great for a low-carb mac-and-cheese vibe.
- Toss in Your Favorite Veggies: Add sautéed broccoli, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutrient-rich twist.
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a zesty flavor—perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or grilled shrimp.
- Garlic Herb Rice: Add minced garlic, a sprinkle of dried oregano, thyme, or basil for an Italian-style version that pairs perfectly with chicken or fish.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Add a splash of hot sauce if you like it fiery.
- Butter and Lemon: Finish with a pat of butter and a drizzle of lemon juice for a light, bright, and buttery cauliflower rice that pairs with just about anything.
Serving Ideas
This cauliflower rice is a great side dish recipe that can be paired with many main dishes. Here are some great ideas
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Meatloaf
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Oven Baked Salmon
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
Storing Ideas for Cauliflower Rice
Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, cauliflower rice stores beautifully and reheats well. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Fridge: Store any leftover cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled cauliflower rice to a freezer-safe bag or container. Flatten it out to save space and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. No need to microwave—this helps maintain the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Choose The Cauliflower?
Look for cauliflower with florets that are tightly packed, creamy white, and free of imperfections like blemishes, browning, or moist patches. You should also take a close look at the leaves. They need to be lively and fresh, which signifies that the cauliflower was just picked.
Can I Make Cauliflower Rice Without A Food Processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make cauliflower rice using a box grater. First, grate the cauliflower pieces using a cheese grater. The result will be the same—small, white bits about the size of rice—but it will require a little more work.
Is Cauliflower Keto-Friendly?
Sure, cauliflower is one of the best keto-friendly ingredients, and it can be used to create many interesting and delicious recipes. It’s low in calories, and it provides a lot of health benefits.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- BEST Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Best Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower Risotto
- Easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe
Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower medium-head
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Chop the Cauliflower. Start by removing the leaves and stem, then chop the cauliflower head into large chunks or smaller florets, depending on your preference.
- Grate or Process the Cauliflower. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the cauliflower into small, rice-sized pieces. It should resemble white rice or couscous in texture.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the riced cauliflower and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly golden.
- Season to Taste. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking. You can also add your favorite herbs or spices here for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy. Serve your warm cauliflower rice as a side dish, or use it as a base for bowls, stir-fries, or burrito fillings. Enjoy!
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.