Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Name: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 4 large garlic cloves (pressed or minced); 16 ounces frozen cauliflower rice; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 3 Tablespoons lime juice (1 lime's worth of juice)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is an easy, low-carb side dish packed with fresh flavor that comes together in just 20 minutes.

A close up image of a wooden spoon holding a scoop of cilantro clime cauliflower rice.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Cauliflower Rice Cilantro Lime
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make Cauliflower Frozen Rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Making Frozen Cauliflower Rice
What To Serve With Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Other Healthy Side Dish Recipes To Try
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Why You'll Love This Cauliflower Rice Cilantro Lime

I often have a tough time finding delicious, healthy recipes that actually fit into a busy weeknight, but this one completely delivers. At first, I was slightly intimidated by the idea of turning a whole head of cauliflower into rice, so I picked up a bag of frozen cauliflower rice, and it worked just as well!

What I love most is how versatile it is. Cauliflower rice really picks up the flavors of whatever you add to it, and this cilantro lime version pairs perfectly with just about any Mexican-inspired meal. It also comes together quickly and easily, making it the perfect healthy weeknight side dish. Here's why this cauliflower rice recipe is a total winner:

Ready in just 20 minutes
Low-carb and healthy
Fresh, vibrant flavors
Incredibly versatile
Freezer friendly

An overhead image of cauliflower rice in a pan.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Cauliflower rice- Frozen cauliflower rice is my go-to, but fresh or store-bought pre-riced cauliflower both work great here as well. Fresh may cook a tad quicker, so keep an eye on it.
Olive oil- Used to sauté the garlic. Avocado oil works as a substitute.
Lime juice- Adds a citrusy brightness that ties everything together. Lemon juice can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Fresh cilantro- Adds a bright, fresh finish. If you're not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley works as a substitute.
Garlic- Adds a savory, aromatic base. Measure this with your heart. Garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
Salt and black pepper- Season to taste.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make Cauliflower Frozen Rice

Step 1- Sauté the garlic.

Heat the olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Don't let it burn.

Olive oil heating in a pan and then minced garlic added and cooking.

Step 2- Add the cauliflower rice.

Add the cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently.

Step 3- Finish and serve.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Give everything a good stir and serve immediately.

Cauliflower rice added to the pan and cooking and then lime juice and cilantro added at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is riced cauliflower?

It's simply cauliflower that's been processed into small, rice-sized pieces. It makes a great low-carb substitute for regular rice and picks up whatever flavors you cook it with.

How to make cauliflower rice?

Cut a head of cauliflower into pieces and run them through a food processor in small batches until you get a rice-like texture. Just be careful not to over-process it. You want small pieces, not a puree.

How to cook frozen cauliflower rice?

Simply add it straight to a hot pan with a little oil and season to your liking. No need to thaw it first.

A close up image of cauliflower rice in a pan.

Tips For Making Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Keep the garlic moving. It can burn quickly at medium-high heat, so stir frequently and keep a close eye on it.
Add the cilantro and lime off the heat. This preserves their fresh, bright flavor. Adding them while the pan is still hot can dull them.
Taste as you go. This is one of those recipes where you can really eyeball the ingredients and adjust to your liking.
Skip the cilantro if it's not your thing. Fresh parsley makes a great substitute and gives a similar fresh finish without the polarizing flavor.
Bulk it up. Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans are all delicious additions that make it even more of a complete side dish.
Add some heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño tossed in with the garlic is a great way to kick things up a notch.
Ingredients to prep ahead- The cauliflower can be riced and stored in the fridge a day in advance. The garlic can also be minced ahead of time.
Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat.

A pant of frozen cauliflower rice that's been cooked with a spoon in it.

What To Serve With Mexican Cauliflower Rice

This pairs so well with any Mexican-inspired meal! Here are a few of my favorites to build out a full spread:

Other Healthy Side Dish Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!