This Green Cauliflower Rice recipe combines your favorite rice substitute with green onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried to swap out regular rice for cauliflower—it was during one of those ambitious New Year’s healthy eating kicks. My girlfriends swore that I’d barely notice the substitution, but of course I was skeptical. Could this humble vegetable rise up to meet the bold flavors I was looking for? Fast-forward a few years and more failed attempts than I care to admit, and I finally landed on this unforgettable green cauliflower rice recipe.
This vibrant, flavor-packed dish has become a staple in my kitchen. There’s something about the fresh and zesty ingredients that really makes this dish a standout. Sautéed onion and garlic come together in a savory base complemented by a bright punch of lime juice. Fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño round out the delightful flavor profile of this green cauliflower rice.
Pile your cauliflower rice under a generous selection of taco fillings for a fun twist on taco night. Or serve this as a side dish alongside a main course of grilled chicken. The dining possibilities are virtually endless for this winning, produce-packed dish.
Tips and tricks for customizing your green cauliflower rice
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is just how endlessly customizable it can be! Whether you’re looking to amp up the heat or add in some original ingredients, this recipe can be tailored to your specific taste. Love spice? Feel free to add in the jalapeño seeds or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste. Looking for a little extra protein? Stir in black beans, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or even crispy tofu to make this bowl a little more filling. If you’re a cheese lover like me, I also recommend topping your cauliflower rice with feta or cotija cheese just before serving. Finally, if you’d like to make the texture of this dish a bit creamier, you can stir in a scoop of sour cream or mashed avocado. Play around with these and other customization ideas of your own until you find the perfect combo!
How do I store leftovers?
After the cauliflower rice cools completely, transfer any leftover to an airtight container. You can store your leftover rice in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you would like to save your rice for longer, you can also freeze your leftovers for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that freezing your leftovers may ultimately affect the texture. If you choose to freeze your leftovers, make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can heat up your extra cauliflower rice on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving suggestions
There are so many delicious recipes that call for cauliflower rice! You could stir this rice into a Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl, a Mexican Chicken Bowl with Cauliflower Rice, a Mango Curry Steak with Coconut Cauliflower Rice, or this Easy Southwest Tofu Scramble With Cauliflower Rice. If you choose to serve your cauliflower rice as a side dish, I also recommend pairing it with a main of Grilled Chicken Tenders or Pan-Seared Salmon.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cups cilantro leaves and stalks
- 1/2 jalapeño
- 2 green onions chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/2 lime juiced
Instructions
- Put the cauliflower florets into your food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower turns into a rice-type texture. You might need to do this in batches. Set aside.
- Combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, green onions, salt and pepper in clean processor until smooth.
- Heat a large, heavy-based pot over medium heat. Drizzle in the rest of the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic then sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5 minutes more. Turn the heat down, cover with the lid, and let it steam for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and scrape in all of the green sauce. Mix together. Replace on low heat for a few minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment