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Looking for a light, zesty, low-carb swap for traditional rice?
This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is fresh, vibrant, and ready in just 20 minutes — making it the perfect pairing for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, and seafood.
Gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with citrus and herbaceous flavor — it’s a feel-good side dish that fits beautifully into your everyday meals.
⏳ Quick Recipe Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, riced (or 1 (12 oz) bag frozen cauliflower rice)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high-heat cooking)
- 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Juice of ½ to 1 lime (about 1–2 tbsp, depending on preference)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
If using fresh cauliflower:
- Remove leaves and core. Chop into florets.
- Pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse rice. (Don’t over-blend into mush!)
If using frozen cauliflower rice:
- Thaw and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Prep your flavor add-ins:
- Finely chop fresh cilantro.
- Juice your lime — start with ½ and adjust based on taste.
2️⃣ Cook the Cauliflower Rice
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in salt and let it bloom for 1 minute.
- Add cauliflower rice, stirring well to coat.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally:
- For firmer texture: Cook closer to 10 minutes.
- For softer texture: Cook up to 15 minutes.
- For firmer texture: Cook closer to 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Add Lime & Cilantro
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir in lime juice while the rice is still warm to help it soak up the flavor.
- Gently fold in chopped cilantro just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
🌮 Pairs perfectly with:
- Tacos and burrito bowls
- Grilled chicken, steak, pork, or shrimp
- Black beans, grilled tofu, or chickpeas
🔥 Garnish with extra lime wedges for an extra citrusy pop!
💡 Tips & Variations
🍋 Adjust Lime Flavor: Start with ½ a lime and add more to taste.
🧄 Boost Flavor: Stir in ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder while cooking.
🌶 Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
🌱 Naturally Plant-Based: Vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb.
🥑 Add Protein: Top with shrimp, tofu, or a scoop of black beans for a full meal.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fat: ~4g
- Fiber: ~3g
✨ Final Thoughts: A Bright, Easy Side Dish
This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice brings brightness, crunch, and a refreshing twist to your plate — without the heavy carbs.
It’s quick, clean, and endlessly versatile — perfect for meal prep, healthy weeknight dinners, or whenever your plate needs a little extra life.
💬 Have you tried cauliflower rice yet? What’s your favorite way to flavor it? Let me know in the comments!
📩 Looking for more quick, healthy sides? Explore my favorite low-carb recipes here! 🌿🍋
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