Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Introduction
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a fresh and flavorful low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect as a light side dish or a base for your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 lime (juiced)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the riced cauliflower and sauté, stirring often, for 7 to 10 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the cauliflower rice in the skillet before adding the butter and onions.
- Substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage
Store leftover cilantro lime cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or lime juice to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen riced cauliflower?
Yes, frozen riced cauliflower works well. Thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply replace the butter with olive oil or your favorite plant-based oil to keep it vegan-friendly.
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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light, flavorful, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Made with fresh riced cauliflower, aromatic garlic and onion, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice, this quick skillet recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and is a vibrant addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Rice
- 16 oz fresh riced cauliflower
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter to create a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the melted butter and stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing its sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn to maintain a fresh garlic flavor.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Add the fresh riced cauliflower to the skillet and sauté, stirring frequently, for 7 to 10 minutes or until softened but still slightly tender, resembling the texture of cooked rice.
- Season and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together well and serve immediately to enjoy the bright flavors.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best taste; bottled lime juice may alter the flavor.
- You can prepare riced cauliflower yourself by pulsing fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized.
- Serve as a side for grilled meats, fish, or as a base for stir-fries and bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: cilantro lime cauliflower rice, healthy cauliflower rice, low carb rice substitute, easy side dish, quick cauliflower rice
