For those of you still under the impression that “rice” equals “carb-loading,” may I introduce you to your new best friend? Her name is cauliflower rice. And for those of you that think the only way to get cauliflower rice is to haul out the food processor and make a huge mess grinding up a whole cauliflower head (like I did until recently), get ready to have your mind blown. Once you pick up a bag of pre-riced cauliflower at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, or even easier and way more economical, grab one of the frozen bags of cauliflower rice located in just about any grocery store now, and you will truly never go back. There’s no excuse to skip out on these delicious cauliflower rice recipes.
Now that I always have at least two bags of cauli rice in my freezer at any given time, I’ve been experimenting with all the ways I can get that stick-to-your-ribs rice-y feeling in a low-carb way. (And gluten-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30 friendly, come to think of it!) From sushi rolls to salads, risotto to fried rice, scroll on for all the delicious ways you can use up that bag of cauliflower rice. Share your faves in the comments!
Cauliflower and Kimchi Fried Rice from Goop
Why I love it: If you’re a fried rice enthusiast then you don’t want to miss this delicious variation from Goop. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and tons of flavor.
Hero ingredient: Kimchi gives this tasty fried rice a zesty tang.
Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Peppers by The Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: It’s a simple, easy recipe with just 10 ingredients that yield seriously flavorful results. Cauliflower rice is sautéed lightly with green onions, garlic, beans, salsa, and lime juice. Another perk of this recipe is that it’s easily made ahead of time, and then baked when you’re ready for it.
Hero ingredient: Smoky spices create a savory filling that is perfect in the sweet bell peppers.
Mediterranean Gluten-Free Tabbouleh
Why we love it: This is the perfect lunch or side dish. It’s an herbaceous mix of fresh parsley and cilantro combined with refreshing vegetables. It’s super healthy and couldn’t be easier to make.
Hero ingredient: I can’t get enough of the flavorful, lemony dressing.
Cauliflower Rice Spicy Tuna Rolls from Wicked Spatula
Why we love it: Just as delicious as regular sushi, these cauli rice rolls couldn’t be easier to make. The method is almost identical to regular spicy tuna rolls, except these are grain-free—perfect for a paleo diet. Don’t be intimidated, it’s super simple!
Hero ingredient: Wicked Spatula notes that it’s important to use delicious sushi-grade tuna when making homemade cauliflower rice sushi.
Quick Cauliflower Risotto With Asparagus & Cilantro-Basil Hemp Seed Pesto from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Guiltless risotto? Yes, Please. It may be hard to believe that a grain-free risotto is good, but this is delicious. It’s also a versatile and easy dish to adapt or build with flavors of your choice.
Hero ingredient: The hemp seed pesto is making magic here.
Cauliflower Rice Lettuce Cups With Sriracha Peanut Sauce by Veggie and the Beast
Why we love it: I love veggie wraps, and these are bursting with nutritious vegetables that are full of volume, texture, and nutrients like cauliflower, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and lettuce. Yum! All these delicious veggies keep calories low, so there’s plenty of room for lots and lots of sriracha peanut sauce.
Hero ingredient: The sriracha peanut sauce will speak to peanut butter lovers’ souls.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Arancini from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: This is not your Nonna’s arancini recipe, but this plant-based version was inspired by the texture and flavors. You’ll be pleased to know it’s absolutely delicious—savory, flavorful, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. And for how satisfying they are, they’re also surprisingly healthy. The best of all worlds.
Hero ingredient: Sun-dried tomatoes are an unexpectedly delightful addition.
Thai Cauliflower Rice Salad With Peanut Butter Sauce from The Awesome Green
Why we love it: It’s a delicious salad full of the gorgeously bright Thai flavors that you know and love. It’s also a simple way to enjoy a wholesome, tasty meal.
Hero ingredient: The ginger peanut lime sauce takes this salad to the next level.
Cauliflower and Roasted Garbanzo Rice and Peas Salad from Rawmazing
Why we love it: There are few things as easy as throwing together a raw salad, but this one takes the cake. Cauliflower and fresh peas go together beautifully, you won’t be disappointed.
Hero ingredient: Lemon and cumin dressing adds a burst of bright, zesty flavor.
Cauliflower Rice Kitchari from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: This inspired dish is flavorful, hearty, soothing, and full of fiber and protein. It’s just as delicious as it is good for the body and soul. It’s an ultra comforting option you’ll turn to again and again.
Hero ingredient: Whole spices along with fresh ginger and serrano pepper gives this dish a lovely kick.
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Rice Tater Tots from Spoon Fork Bacon
Why we love it: Tater tots lovers are going to flip over these crispy, baked delights. They’re great with eggs for breakfast or just a snack or side dipped in ketchup or ranch.
Hero ingredient: There’s a bit of cheese hiding in there that elevates the richness of flavor.
Cauliflower Rice Peanut Chili from Full of Plants
Why we love it: It doesn’t get much more comforting than this rich, nutty, slightly spicy chili. It’s a satisfying and filling meal that is so easy it can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
Hero ingredient: If you want it even spicier, kick up the chili powder or sriracha.
Southwest Cauliflower Rice by Budget Bytes
Why we love it: It’s the perfect side dish for a Southwest or Mexican meal, or you can use it as the base for a burrito bowl or stuff it into peppers along with beans and cheese.
Hero ingredient: Homemade taco seasoning gives this rice the extra punch of flavor.
Cauliflower Rice Carne Asada Bowls With Mango Salsa from Half Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Indulgent while still being healthy, these bowls are a treat that won’t weigh you down. It’s a colorful dish that is bursting with those beloved Mexican flavors we all crave.
Hero ingredient: Carne asada.
Curried Cauliflower Rice With Lentils & Crispy Shallot from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: This mujadara-inspired cauliflower rice dish is a healthful alternative that is easy, full of flavor, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.
Hero ingredient: The crispy shallots are an absolute dream.
