Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

This oil-free Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is light and low in calories. It works beautifully with Sofritas Bowl (an elevated copycat of the Chipotle Mexican Grill bowl), Black Bean Bowl, and Easy Vegan Chana Masala.

If you didn’t know, now you know. Cauliflower rice is a thing! If you ever wanted to ramp up your veggie intake, then subbing out whole grain or white rice for cauliflower rice is an easy way to do that. This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is fluffy, tasty, and flavorful.

If you appreciate the health benefits of cauliflower and enjoy the flavor, be sure to check out this Cauliflower Steak recipe.

side view of a bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a red bowl on a wooden place mat with fresh cilantro and lime wedge blurred in the background

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (OIL FREE) has 3 key ingredients

Cauliflower
Fresh cilantro
Lime

How to Prepare

A food processor is golden!

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Start with a clean and dry small head of cauliflower (or half of a large head).
Chop your cauliflower head into large chunks to fit into a food processor. Use the pulse feature to process keeping an eye on clumping and scraping down the sides as necessary. Be careful not to over-process as the rice will get too mushy. If you don't have a food processor, use a sharp knife to mince your cauliflower head.
Preheat a large (preferably non-stick) skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice to the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Turn off heat. While the cauliflower rice is still warm, add fresh finely chopped cilantro and the juice from ½ a lime (or 1 Tbsp of freshly squeezed lime juice), and enjoy!

chunks of cauliflower head in a food processor — Add large chunks of cauliflower head in the food processor.

cauliflower that has already been processed in a food processor — Pulse and scrape down the sides as necessary.

Preheat a large (non-stick) skillet over medium heat and cook cauliflower for 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in cilantro and fresh lime juice.

top view of cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a red bowl with fresh cilantro and lime wedge

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers or are meal prepping, allow the rice to cool to room temperature uncovered. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Is cauliflower rice healthy?

Cauliflower is good for you, and it's delicious. Cauliflower may be considered a superfood because it is a cruciferous vegetable, making it a highly nutrient-dense food. It's high in fiber, potassium, Vitamins C and B6. As a cruciferous vegetable, it provides antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help protect our bodies against diseases like cancer. In addition, cauliflower is low in calories. The cauliflower nutrition facts for this recipe estimates that each serving is only 35 calories, which could help with weight loss.

Does cauliflower taste like rice?

Yes, we think so. If you're not careful, you may be fooled. Cauliflower rice mimics the texture, feel, and look of rice but has a unique taste of its own. However, you can barely taste the difference, so cauliflower rice is such a great alternative to rice. Cauliflower rice takes on the seasoning flavor, making it a very versatile dish.

How can I eat cauliflower rice?

You can honestly eat this dish all by itself or as a side dish to your favorite meal. We love it with the Sofritas Bowl, Best Blessed Black Bean Beauty Bowl, and Chana Masala. But you can add this cilantro lime cauliflower rice to Easy Cuban Black Beans and use it as a base for a burrito or taco. You can also use it as a base for a veggie stir fry or add it to your favorite soup. The options are endless. The key is to get creative.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

5 from 1 vote

Course: Sides

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 54kcal

Author: Gigi & Sersie

Print Pin Rate

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (OIL FREE) is light in texture and low in calories—and pairs well with our Sofritas Bowl, Black Bean Bowl, and Chana Masala. If you ever want to ramp up your veggie intake, then subbing out whole grain or white rice for cauliflower rice is an easy way to do that. This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is fluffy, tasty, and flavorful.

Equipment

▢
1 food processor

Ingredients

▢ ½ large cauliflower or 1 small head
▢ 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
▢ 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

Start with a clean and dry small head of cauliflower (or half of a large head).
Chop your cauliflower head into large chunks, so it fits into a food processor. Use the pulse feature to process keeping an eye on clumping and scraping down the sides as necessary. Be careful not to over-process as the rice will get too mushy. If you don't have a food processor, use a sharp knife to mince your cauliflower head.
Preheat a large (preferably non-stick) skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice to the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Turn off heat. While the cauliflower rice is still warm, add fresh finely chopped cilantro and the juice from ½ a lime (or 1 Tbsp of fresh squeezed lime juice), and enjoy!

Notes

Use a dry cauliflower: Make sure the cleaned cauliflower is dry. It helps keep the rice-like texture.
Pairings: This cilantro lime cauliflower rice goes great with Cuban black beans, copycat sofritas bowl, and nourish bowl.
Leftovers/Meal Prep: If you have leftovers or are meal prepping, allow the rice to cool to room temperature uncovered. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.