How to Make Cauliflower Rice

5 from 5 votes
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Cauliflower Rice is a healthy alternative to rice that comes together in minutes. Use it to sneak more servings of vegetables into all your favorite rice dishes! 

A bowl of cauliflower rice on a blue background.
Featured with this Recipe
  1. Ingredients in Cauliflower Rice
  2. The Best “Ricing” Method
  3. Storage and Shelf Life
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Recipes That Work Great with Cauli-Rice
  6. How to Make Cauliflower Rice
  7. How to Make Cauliflower Rice Recipe

I’ve tried store-bought cauliflower rice several times, and I haven’t been impressed. I wasn’t convinced by the texture or the taste. However, I am always looking for ways to sneak more veggies into my diet, so I thought I’d give it a try at home. I was so happy with the results. The texture actually resembled rice and it also tasted delicious! I am looking forward to incorporating this rice into some of my favorite meals, especially stir fries and rice bowls. It is such a good gluten-free grain alternative If you aren’t totally sold on it yet, you can also try just substituting half the rice in your recipes.

Ingredients in Cauliflower Rice

  • Cauliflower
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Other Optional Flavorings – cilantro, lime, turmeric, garlic, lemon, parsley
A plate of cauliflower rice on a blue background with parsley scattered around the plate.


The Best “Ricing” Method

I tried two different methods – the cheese grater method and the food processor method. While the box grater produced a better shape, it was a MESS. It looked like it snowed inside my kitchen. The food processor was a much easier and quicker method with less clean up. When you use the food processor, cut the cauliflower into large chunks or use precut cauliflower florets. Make sure you only use quick pulses. If you over-process the cauliflower then it will turn out mushy. You may have to pull out and re-process larger pieces a few times to get the right shape and texture.

Riced Cauliflower on a cutting board next to a box grater.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store leftover rice in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days. You can also freeze raw cauliflower rice for up to a month. Store in the freezer in an airtight container. Cook frozen cauliflower rice the same way as if it were thawed. The cooking time will just be a little longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you cook cauliflower rice the same as regular rice?

No, instead of boiling it in water, you sauté it in a pan with oil.

How much cauliflower rice equals 1 cup rice?

You can substitute cauliflower for cooked rice 1:1.

What are the benefits of cauliflower rice over regular rice?

Cauliflower rice has fewer carbs and more fiber than regular rice. It is great for low-carb diets.

Read Next: 35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Surely Love

Recipes That Work Great with Cauli-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.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice on a gray bowl.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

5 from 5 votes
Cauliflower Rice is a healthy alternative to rice that comes together in minutes. Use it to sneak more servings of vegetables into all your favorite rice dishes! 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8

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

  • Store leftover rice in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
  • You can also freeze raw cauliflower rice for up to a month. Store in the freezer in an airtight container.
  • Cook frozen cauliflower rice the same way as if it were thawed. The cooking time will just be a little longer.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1gCalories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 22mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

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About the author

Kelsey Crist

Kelsey lives in Washington with her husband, Alex, and two cats, Diana and Nova. Her happy place is in the kitchen listening to an audiobook and trying new recipes. When she's not in the kitchen you can find her hiking, shopping at Trader Joe's, or playing Animal Crossing. Her favorite food is pasta and Alex loves when she makes Homemade Oreos.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    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!

  3. 5 stars
    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 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    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!