Low carb cilantro lime cauliflower rice recipe is an easy, 20 minute side dish that’s perfect with all of your favorite keto-friendly Tex-Mex recipes. Fluffy, grated cauliflower is seasoned with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It works great as a base for burrito bowls, too. Does it taste like cauliflower? Yep it does but depending on how you season it even dyed in the wool cauliflower haters may enjoy this dish.
For this recipe you’ll need: fresh cauliflower, olive oil, garlic, limes, fresh cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and guajillo pepper
I have always loved cauliflower so it was basically a no brainer for me to switch from carb loaded side dishes to the lighter, low carb cauliflower ones. Grating cauliflower to make “rice” is one of those brilliant things I wish I’d thought of decades ago. In fact, you can learn literally EVERYTHING you need to know in my guide to cauliflower rice. Trust me – it’s extensive!
I think cilantro tastes exactly like a summer day in Texas! I add it to salads and sandwiches – absolutely love it. It’s not a surprise that one of my favorite recipes is this cilantro lime cauliflower rice. It’s zesty, it’s tangy, and full of warm cilantro flavor.
You’ll want to experiment with different grater sizes. If you chop it in a food processor you get small pieces that are couscous like in texture. Medium grater ends up with a rice texture but some people prefer larger graters. Don’t be afraid to play around with it and see what you like best.
Table of Contents
Cauli-Rice FAQs
Experience level: Easy – some experience required. This recipe is easy for someone who has experience with using a grater/food processor and saut?ing food.
Does cauliflower rice taste like cauliflower?
Depending on the type of seasonings you use your cauliflower rice will taste more or less like cauliflower. It’s pretty bland but if you really hate the vegetable you may pick up some of that flavor in the cauli-rice. Adding things like lime and cilantro definitely gives it less of a cauliflower flavor and be sure you salt it!
How to store it.
Keep your yummy cilantro lime cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Some people freeze it but normally I don’t care for the texture after it’s been frozen – that’s up to you.
Variations on this recipe.
There are tons of ways to make this the perfect dish for your tastes. Here are some of my favorites –
- Add more cilantro
- Finely chopped jalapeno or poblano
- Finely chopped onion
- Use grapefruit instead of lime
- Substitute parsley or rosemary for cilantro
- Sprinkle in some low carb taco seasoning
- Add shredded cheese
Serve cilantro lime cauliflower rice with …
You’ll find many recipes on Lowcarb-ology that would be fantastic with a side of this! Here are some of my favorites!
- Grilled Shrimp
- Taco Casserole
- Chili
- California Club Sandwich Wrap
- Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Burrito Casserole
- White Chicken Chili
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
You’ll love how quick, easy, and versatile this dish is. Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or beef. If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Guijillo pepper
- 1/4 pound cauliflower riced
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
- Pinch cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped. Add more to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest or to taste
Instructions
To Rice Cauliflower
- Wash and thoroughly dry cauliflower, then remove the core
- Cut into chunks and grate with the box grater on the side with medium holes.
- OR Use the grater attachment of the food processor.
- Place on a clean tea towel and press as much moisture out as possible.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy skillet.
- Add chopped garlic and guijillo pepper
- Saute until the garlic is soft, being careful not to burn.
- Add cauliflower rice, salt, and cumin and saute until crispy tender – just a few minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 2 minutes or so.
- Remove guijillo pepper and fluff with fork.
- Serve.
Better than Chipotle