I don’t know if I’ve ever told you guys but I really don’t like rice. I don’t dislike rice but it’s not something I’d choose to eat. The exception being Mexican restaurant rice and even then, I mix it into the refried beans because… that’s just the way it should be done.
Oh, and any kind of casserole that includes rice, cream of- soup, and tons of cheese.
But, like, plain rice? Nope. I don’t even like the cilantro-lime rice at those burrito joints (that this recipe is based on) unless it’s absolutely covered in salsa (and queso if we’re at Qdoba).
Weirdly enough, I really dig cauliflower rice. It’s the perfect substitute for those of use that either don’t like rice or maybe we’re trying to cut back on calories. But yeah, I eat cauliflower rice with everything. At one point, before my husband deployed, he had to tell me to cool it with the cauliflower rice because he was sick of it.
So naturally I switched to mashed cauliflower and he was not amused.
Since I’m currently going through one of my Mexican food phases, this Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice has become a staple in my diet. It’s really good and the perfect side dish for all the stuff I’m currently coating in cumin, dousing in lime juice, and covering in jalapenos.
Quick warning: if you don’t like cauliflower, you won’t like this. No amount of lime zest and cilantro can hide the taste (and smell) of cauliflower. If you do like cauliflower, you will looove it!
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- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- salt and pepper
- zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until the pieces are about the size of rice. You'll probably have to do multiple batches. (You could also use a grater to do it by hand if you prefer.)
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Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until translucent and softened. Add the riced cauliflower and coat it evenly with the oil. Add the salt, pepper, and lime zest. Cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until the cauliflower just begins to soften.
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Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
Chelsea says
I love rice, but definitely not plain – always mixed into some kind of dish :) But cauliflower rice is my favorite! Love this cilantro-lime version Amanda!
Caroline @ Pickled Plum says
You have convinced me to try cauliflower rice. I’ve been contemplating making some for a while now but I didn’t realize how easy it was. Pulsating in a food processor? Sold!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I love cauliflower and eat it a few times per week, at least! I don’t like rice per se either. It’s wasted carbs, I mean if I’m going to eat that much white empty carbs, it may be a muffin or a cookie is how I look at it :) I’d love your rice. Pinned!
Marie @ Not Enough Cinnamon.com says
I’ve been meaning to try cauliflower rice for AGES!! I don’t eat rice either (or at least avoid it!) and it seems to be the perfect substitute. Your recipe sounds really easy, I love that!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Oh yay! I made cauliflower fried rice and fell in love. I gotta try this the next time I get my hands on some cauliflower.
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
This looks awesome! The texture looks just like rice. And adding cilantro and lime makes everything taste better. I love cauliflower – can’t wait to try this!
Monica says
I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Jaclyn says
I have to try this recipe! I love cilantro lime rice but I’m still yet to try cauliflower rice – it looks so good!
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says
i’ve never had cauliflower rice. I need to try this. I love cauliflower
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This looks so good and hearty. Love the added cilantro & lime — two of my favorite things!