Fitness / February 10, 2024

Green Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Everything’s gone green, including this Green Cauliflower Rice recipe, that combines your favorite rice substitute with green onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.

Green Cauliflower Rice Recipe featured image above

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Such is the versatility of cauliflower rice that I can write numerous recipes featuring it and still feel like I’m creating something unique. I’ve made Herbed Cauliflower Rice, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, and Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice—but today, I’m going to introduce you to Green Cauliflower Rice! What makes it green, you ask? Is the label due to its concern for the environment? Well, maybe. But it’s more because of its inclusion of lots of green ingredients. Items such as lime juice, jalapenos, green onions, and cilantro—even avocado oil makes me think “green”—give it the color that inspired its name and its taste that differentiates it from those variants of cauliflower rice I listed above.

The lime and cilantro make it a great addition to Mexican fare while also being amenable to breakfast dishes. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, which makes it a key rice substitute. Looking for a healthy boost for your next dish? This dish satisfies! And for another tasty twist on rice, try out this Ginger Rice recipe as well.

Is Green Cauliflower Rice Recipe Healthy?

Yes, Green Cauliflower Rice is healthy. Cauliflower is a vegetable chock-full of vitamins and minerals, as do the vegetables being added, like the onion, green onion, and jalapeno. We use either olive oil or avocado oil, which contains healthy fats. Green Cauliflower Rice is suitable for a number of diets, including low-carb, dairy-free, keto, gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo, and Whole30.

INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
½ onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cups cilantro, leaves and stalks
½ jalapeño
½ lime, juiced
2 green onions, chopped
salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Rice

Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-like. Set aside.

Blend

Combine olive oil, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, green onions, salt, and pepper in a clean processor until smooth.

Sauté

Sauté onion and garlic in an oiled pot over medium heat for 3-5 mins. Add cauliflower rice; sauté for another 5 mins.

Steam

Reduce heat, cover pot, and let steam for 5 mins.

Mix

Remove lid, add green sauce to pot, mix, and heat on low for a few mins.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Green Cauliflower Rice

Rice the cauliflower with short bursts otherwise your rice will be mushy.
If you like your cauliflower rice really soft, microwave it before adding it to the pot.
To make your rice really spicy, leave the seeds and membrane in the jalapenos.
For a pot, I use my Dutch oven. It’s large enough and conducts heat sufficiently.

Green Cauliflower Rice Recipe featured image below

FAQs

what if I don’t have a food processor?

Not a problem. You can either use a regular blender, grate as you would a block of cheese, or go old school and chop it up with a knife and a li’l elbow grease.

what can I use instead of cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, use parsley and/or basil (plus, both are green!).

any variations you recommend?

I would suggest ginger, finely chopped green bell peppers, and leafy greens like arugula or kale. For more inspiration and tips on how to use ginger, check out this ginger snapper steamer and ginger snap recipe.

how do I prevent my rice from going mushy?

After you have blended your cauliflower, press it between two sheets of paper towel to remove the excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl: A Mexican twist that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Mexican Chicken Bowl with Cauliflower Rice: Similar to the above recipe but with a protein boost of chicken.

Mango Curry Steak with Coconut Cauliflower Rice: Bold flavor and a substantial meal with a coconut variation of on the rice.

Easy Southwest Tofu Scramble With Cauliflower Rice: Go meatless with this tofu-based dish from the Southwest that can work for both breakfast and dinner.

How To Prep And Store Your Green Cauliflower Rice

Let the cauliflower rice cool completely then store it in an airtight container. It should keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The jury is out on whether freezing cauliflower rice is a good idea. Personally, I’ve never had to. It’s just too easy to make fresh that I don’t stockpile it in the freezer. If you choose to do so, though, keep it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When it thaws, use paper towels to absorb the resulting moisture, then heat in the microwave or on the stove. You may also want to warm it in the oven to dry it out.

Green Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Everything’s gone green, including this Green Cauliflower Rice recipe, that combines your favorite rice substitute with green onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings

Calories 113kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower cut into florets
¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
½ onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
2 cups cilantro leaves and stalks
½ jalapeño
½ lime juice
2 green onions chopped
salt and pepper

Instructions

Put the cauliflower florets into your food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower turns into a rice-type texture. You might need to do it in batches. Set aside.
Combine ¼ cup of olive oil, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, green onions, salt and pepper in clean processor until smooth.
Heat a large, heavy-based pot over medium heat. Drizzle in the rest of the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic then sauté for 3–5 minutes. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5 minutes more. Turn the heat down, cover with the lid, and let it steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and scrape in all of the green sauce. Mix together. Replace on low heat for a few minutes.