Easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (from Frozen)

Full of bold, zesty and herbaceous flavor, this easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light yet flavorful side dish. Cooked on the stove, it's simple to pull together and is the perfect, versatile veggie for chicken, fish, beef, pork or vegetarian meals.

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Cilantro cauliflower lime rice in a bowl with cherry tomatoes served on a kitchen counter.

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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Rice is probably one of my favorite simple side dishes because it's just so easy to make and it goes with pretty much anything. But sometimes I want something a little lighter. That's when I turn to cauliflower rice - the texture is very similar to real rice, but instead it's just rice-sized pieces of fresh cauliflower.

Cauliflower is such a great ingredient that I always forget about, but it's a totally great secret vegetable that my kids don't mind. Dishes like Mexican cauliflower rice and cauliflower curry are a great way to sneak in extra veggies into our family dinners.

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is such an easy side dish to make. It works with all kinds of Mexican dishes, whether it's pulled pork tacos or beef tostadas. Cauli rice can often have a weird mushy texture, but I've figured out the perfect method to truly make this a great substitute for traditional rice - the stovetop. It's gonna change your life! (Like it did mine.)

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This has quickly become one of my favorites recipes because of how simple it is to make. It will be the star of the show at dinner tonight:

This recipe is light and friendly for many diets. It's a wonderful dish to make for those who have dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian.
You can serve this side with many different proteins. It's versatile, yet flavorful. No one likes bland cauliflower rice.
It only takes 20 minutes to make. I don't know about you, but I am always looking super quick and easy recipes. This is definitely one of them!

Overhead view of ingredients for a recipe on a marble countertop, including riced cauliflower, diced onion, cilantro, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice, with labels.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For this recipe, you can make your own riced cauliflower or use frozen cauliflower rice like I do. You'll just need a box grater or a grating attachment for a food processor to grate a head of cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.

I recommend using fresh lime juice for the best flavor in this easy cauliflower rice recipe. But you can also grab bottled lime juice at the grocery store to use in this recipe. Embolden the lime flavor by mixing in a bit of lime zest, as well as the lime juice. Grab fresh cilantro or use the frozen cubes - one of my favorite cooking hacks!

You'll need a simple cooking oil like olive oil. Avocado oil or refined coconut oil will work too. Diced onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper all bring layers of extra flavor, but still let the lime and cilantro shine.

Two bowls of cilantro lime cauliflower rice garnished with lime wedges and cherry tomatoes, accompanied by gold spoons on a marble countertop.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Follow these simple instructions with step-by-step photos and this tasty cauliflower rice will be on your dinner table in no time:

A non-stick frying pan on a white surface containing chopped garlic, cilantro, and oil, with a wooden spoon mixing the ingredients.

A frying pan filled with cilantro lime cauliflower rice and a wooden spoon on a marble countertop.

Add olive oil and chopped onion to a large skillet and for for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat until tender.

Use your hands to break up the bags of frozen riced cauliflower rice and add it to the large pan.

Squeezing lime juice into a pan of cilantro cauliflower lime rice and herbs using a handheld citrus juicer.

Cilantro cauliflower lime rice in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.

Remove the riced cauliflower from heat. Add lime juice, garlic powder, chopped cilantro, salt and black pepper.

Mix until combined. Continue cooking the mixture for 8-10 minutes. Serve warm.

Stir frequently so that the cauliflower cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

This is the perfect base for a keto burrito bowl with some hearty ground beef taco meat that's loaded with your favorite toppings, like guacamole and fajita veggies.

It's also a great substitute for rice in Instant Pot stuffed peppers, and is the perfect veggie side dish for enchiladas.

You can even serve it as a simple side dish with things like pesto salmon and grilled pork tenderloin.

A bowl of cilantro cauliflower lime rice with lime wedges and cherry tomatoes on a marble countertop.

Tips for Success

Check out these few tips so that you can have the best cilantro lime cauliflower rice:

If you're making this for taco night, I recommend making it just before your plan on serving dinner. The flavor is best when it's fresh and hot!
Making homemade cauliflower rice from fresh cauliflower? Then make sure you grate it small enough so that the texture is perfect!
Add more lime juice or even some zest if you want a more bold lime flavor. You can also add more salt, pepper and garlic to taste.

A close-up of a spoonful of cilantro cauliflower lime rice.

FAQ

Why is my cauliflower rice soggy?

If you end up with cauliflower cilantro rice that is soggy, then you likely sautéed it for too long. You also may have added too much lime juice. Be sure you follow the cooking instructions for best results, and use the correct measurements of the other ingredients.

What is a substitute for cilantro?

Fresh cilantro has a very distinct flavor, but there are a few substitutes you can use. They will change the flavor of the dish, but will still be tasty. Use fresh parsley, fresh basil or even dill to add flavor without cilantro.

How do you store cilantro lime cauliflower rice?

Place leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat each serving on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can freeze leftover cauliflower rice, but keep in mind that the texture will change after being frozen and thawed. However, if you want to freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Did you make this recipe?

If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

5 from 1 vote

This savory and tangy cilantro lime cauliflower rice is delicious! Who knew low-carb dishes could be so flavorful?

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Author: Madison Wetherill

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ ¼ cup diced onion
▢ 24 ounces frozen riced cauliflower or 2 to 2½ pounds whole cauliflower, riced, about 5 to 6 cups
▢ 2 tablespoons lime juice from about 1 whole lime
▢ 1 tablespoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon pepper
▢ ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

In a large pan, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and ¼ cup diced onion, cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
Using hands, break up 24 ounces frozen riced cauliflower and add the contents to the pan. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Notes

Storing leftovers: Place leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat each serving on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing leftovers: You can freeze leftover cauliflower rice, but keep in mind that the texture will change after being frozen and thawed. However, if you want to freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.