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Cilantro lime cauliflower rice, garnished with a lime wedge, in a white bowl on a marble countertop.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

The easiest, tastiest side dish for paleo, low carb, and vegan Mexican recipes!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield:4 servings

Equipment

  • Large microwave-safe bowl glass or ceramic
  • Plastic wrap or lid for microwave-safe bowl
  • Microwave
  • Fork
  • Large wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredients

  • 3 cups riced cauliflower fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro more or less to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice juice from approximately ½-1 medium lime, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons full-fat, unsweetened coconut cream at room temperature, see Notes; plus more as needed
  • ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste

Instructions

For the Riced Cauliflower

  • Add riced cauliflower to large microwave-safe bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or lid, then place bowl in microwave.
  • Microwave cauliflower 3 minutes, then carefully remove bowl from microwave and uncover. Fluff cauliflower rice with fork, then replace cover and return bowl to microwave.
  • Microwave 2 minutes more, until riced cauliflower is tender. Note: frozen riced cauliflower may need longer in microwave.
  • When rice is fully steamed, carefully remove bowl from microwave and uncover. Fluff cauliflower with fork, then set aside to cool slightly.

For the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

  • Add chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, coconut cream, and salt to bowl with steamed cauliflower rice. Gently stir until all ingredients are blended and liquids are fully incorporated.
    Ingredients for cilantro lime cauliflower rice in on a light marble countertop.
  • Taste cauliflower rice and add cilantro, lime juice, coconut cream, or salt as desired. When satisfied with flavor of rice, drain excess liquid (optional) and serve cauliflower rice warm with desired entrée.

Notes

  • Draining the excess liquid is optional, but it will help the rice stay fluffy and light. If you don't drain the liquid, your rice will be creamier and more wet.
  • Coconut Cream: Do not use coco lopez or coconut creamer - they aren't the same thing as coconut cream and they will throw off the flavor of the dish.
  • Steaming Cauliflower: To steam the riced cauliflower on the stove, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower and cover the skillet with a lid immediately. Cook the cauliflower, shaking the skillet or stirring the rice occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until the cauliflower is hot and cooked through.
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate leftover rice in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1serving | Calories: 56kcal | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 165mg | Total Carbs: 5g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Net Carbs: 3g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Recipe By:Cheryl Malik