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If you have ever wondered how to make Cauliflower Rice at home, it is actually really simple. It comes together fast, works in so many different meals, and is one of my favorite ways to add more vegetables to dinner without making a whole separate side dish.
5 Star Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love that this is such an easy way to add veggies into my kids’ diet and they eat it up willingly. This is a total mom win!! Thank you!” – Jen
“This is a great idea to make at home. The bagged cauliflower rice is always so expensive, so it’s a great idea to make it like this! Thank you for sharing.” – Alexandria
“This recipe is an excellent alternative to rice; it is true. The very truth is that it brings more veggies to the table!” – Irina
Why I Love This Rice Substitute
I have tried store-bought cauliflower rice several times, and honestly, I was never that impressed. The texture just was not my favorite, and the taste did not really win me over either. But I am always looking for easy ways to add more vegetables to our meals, so I decided to try making it at home. I was so happy with how it turned out. The texture was so much better, and it actually worked really well in meals like stir fry and rice bowls.
I also love that if you are not fully sold on swapping regular rice, you can start by doing half rice and half cauliflower rice and ease into it that way.
🩷 Kelsey
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cauliflower: A fresh head of cauliflower is the base of this recipe and gives the best texture.
- Oil: Olive oil works great, but butter, coconut oil, or sesame oil also work well.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning keeps it versatile so you can use it in all kinds of recipes.
- Optional flavor add-ins: Cilantro, lime, turmeric, garlic, lemon, or parsley are easy ways to switch up the flavor.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Use butter instead of olive oil if you want a richer flavor.
- Use sesame oil for an easy stir fry or Asian-inspired side.
- Add garlic and parsley for a simple savory version.
- Stir in cilantro and lime for burrito bowls, taco bowls, or grilled chicken.
- Add a little turmeric if you want extra color and a warm flavor.
- Try half cauliflower rice and half regular rice if you want to make the swap a little more gradually.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
- Prep the cauliflower. Remove the leaves and stem, wash the cauliflower well, and pat it completely dry. Cut it into several large pieces.
- Rice the cauliflower. Add the cauliflower to a food processor and pulse until it looks like rice. Be careful not to over-process it or it can get mushy. If needed, pull out the larger pieces and pulse them again.
- Remove excess moisture. Spread the cauliflower rice onto paper towels or a thin kitchen towel, wrap it up, and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This helps keep the texture light instead of soggy.
- Cook and season. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté until tender. Season with salt and pepper, then serve right away.
Food Processor vs Box Grater
You can make Cauliflower Rice with either a food processor or a box grater, but I definitely prefer the food processor.
- Food processor: Faster, easier, less messy, and my favorite method.
- Box grater: It works, and the shape can be great, but it is a lot messier and takes more time.
If you use a food processor, make sure to use quick pulses. If you let it run too long, the cauliflower can go from rice-like to mushy really fast.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the cauliflower well first. Extra moisture can make the final texture too soft.
- Use quick pulses only. This keeps the cauliflower in small rice-like pieces.
- Do not skip squeezing out the moisture. That step makes a big difference.
- Cook it just until tender. If it cooks too long, it can get mushy.
- Season it based on how you are serving it. A little lime juice can help brighten the flavor if it tastes too strong or slightly bitter.
- If you are using it in another recipe, add it near the end. That way it does not overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A box grater works just fine. I still prefer the food processor because it is much faster and less messy.
No. Instead of boiling it in water, you sauté it in a skillet with a little oil until it is tender.
Yes, both work. If I am using it as a rice substitute or serving it as a side dish, I prefer it cooked because the flavor is milder and the texture is better. Raw cauliflower rice works better in recipes that are meant for it.
You can generally substitute Cauliflower Rice for cooked rice 1:1.
Make sure the cauliflower is dry before you rice it, squeeze out the excess moisture after processing, and do not overcook it.
That usually happens when it is over-processed, holds too much moisture, or cooks too long.
Not exactly, but it has a similar texture when it is cooked well and it picks up the flavors of whatever you serve it with.
Raw cauliflower rice can develop a strong sulfur smell if it sits in the fridge for too long. That is why I think it is best to use it soon after making it or freeze it instead.
Yes. I think freezing it raw works best. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and cook it straight from frozen with a little extra cooking time.
Cauliflower rice has fewer carbs and more fiber than regular rice, so it is a great option if you want a lighter side dish or an easy way to work in more vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to make Cauliflower Rice ahead of time, you definitely can.
- Store cooked cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Store raw cauliflower rice in the fridge only briefly if needed, because it can start to develop a strong sulfur smell after sitting too long.
- Freeze raw cauliflower rice for up to 1 month for the best texture.
- Cook it from frozen the same way you would fresh cauliflower rice, just add a little extra time in the skillet.
Pairing Ideas
Cauliflower Rice works with almost anything you would normally serve with rice. This is pairs especially well with Asian inspired recipes like our General Tso’s Chicken, Massaman Curry, or Korean Beef Bowls. It also is great with Mexican recipes like our Taco Bowl Recipe, Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, or Sweet Pork Burritos.
Recipes For Using Cauliflower Rice
Honestly, you can use it for any recipe that uses rice. If the recipe calls for uncooked rice, then just skip that step and add the cauliflower rice at the end. If it cooks too long, then it will get mushy.
Homemade Cauliflower Rice is one of those simple basics that ends up being way more useful than you expect. It is quick, easy, and such a good way to add more vegetables to meals you already make all the time. I love that it can be kept simple or flavored to match whatever dinner we are having. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how you used it. I would love to hear your favorite way to serve Cauliflower Rice. 🍚💛
Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, alternatives: butter, coconut oil, sesame oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Wash thoroughly and pat dry.
- Chop the cauliflower into 5 or 6 pieces.
- Grate with a box grater or (preferred) shred the cauliflower in a food processor. You may have to do a few batches. Make sure larger pieces are picked out and re-processed.
- Place grated cauliflower on paper towels or a thin dish towel. Wrap the cauliflower up and squeeze out the excess moisture. You may have to repeat this step several times to get most of the moisture out.
- Heat oil in a pan or large skillet over medium heat.
- Saute cauliflower rice until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The food processor is the easiest and fastest method.
- A box grater works too, but it is messier.
- Quick pulses keep the texture from turning mushy.
- Squeezing out moisture helps prevent soggy cauliflower rice.
- Cook just until tender so it does not get too soft.
- Cooked cauliflower rice keeps well in the fridge.
- Raw cauliflower rice is best used quickly or frozen.
- Freeze raw cauliflower rice for up to 1 month.
- Add a little lime juice if you want to brighten the flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe is an excellent alternative to rice; it is true. The very truth is that it brings more veggies to the table! Making it tonight 🙂
My husband loves cauliflower and he is going to love this recipe! So simple and healthy!
I used the grater attachment on my food processor and the texture was perfect! I have tried it with a box and you’re right, it made a HUGE mess, so I have never done it again! Your idea is the perfect way to rice cauliflower! Thanks!
This is a great idea to make at home. The bagged cauliflower rice is always so expensive, so it’s a great idea to make it like this! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I love that this is such an easy way to add veggies into my kids’ diet and they eat it up willingly. This is a total mom win!! Thank you!