Cauliflower rice is perfect if you're cutting carbs but still want to enjoy all your favourite dinners. Itโ€™s light, fluffy, and ready to soak up the flavours of whatever youโ€™re cooking. We give you many ways to prepare and cook Cauliflower Rice. Plus, find new tasty ways to serve it!
Cauliflower rice in a brown bown with lime and flowers.

Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Rice

Once you learn how to make cauliflower rice, my way, you will love it in so many ways. I have never been a huge fan of cauliflower at all. So, I have been experimenting with different ways to make it taste so much better.

Follow my easy step-by-step instructions and simple tips to make this fabulously versatile keto rice alternative in a few different ways.

Related recipes: Roasted Greek Cauliflower Salad / Cauliflower in Air Fryer with Lemon and Cumin

How To Prepare and Cook Cauliflower Rice

Here’s a simple guide:

1. Basic Sautéed Cauliflower Rice:

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 head of cauliflower (or pre-riced cauliflower)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic, herbs, or spices for extra flavor
  • Instructions:
  1. Rice the cauliflower: If you’re starting with a whole cauliflower, cut it into florets. Pulse the florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Be careful not to over-process.
  2. Heat a skillet: Warm the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook the cauliflower: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until tender but not mushy. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
  4. Serve: Enjoy as a low-carb side dish, or use it in place of regular rice in your favorite recipes.

2. Microwave Method:

  • Ingredients: Same as above.
  • Instructions:
  1. Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power, until the cauliflower is tender.
  4. Season and fluff with a fork.

3. Roasted Cauliflower Rice:

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 head of cauliflower (or pre-riced)
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or garlic powder
  • Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Spread the rice evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season.
  4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’re aiming for slightly crispy edges.

4. Steamed Cauliflower Rice:

  • Place the cauliflower rice in a steamer basket over boiling water.
  • Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes, until tender.
  • Season and serve.

5. Thermomix Cauliflower Rice:

  • Place the cauliflower florets into mixer; chop 4 sec/speed 5. Add extra time if still chunky.
  • To cook: Place the cauliflower rice into the Thermomix steaming basket.
  • Add 400g of water to mixer; steam 10 min/120°C/speed 3. (It takes longer due to the water having to come up to temperature.

6. Food Processor Method

  • Cut the cauliflower into small florets and process. I choose to do short bursts of the turbo button or onto high speed and check the consistency of the rice. You want to be the size of a grain of rice. Be careful not to over-process.

7. How to Make Cauliflower Rice with a Box Grater

  • Cut the cauliflower in halves or quarters, remove the leaves and grate on the largest grater on the box grater.
Chopped cauliflower on a wood cutting board
Chop into small florets

Ways to Serve Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a versatile base that pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it as a low-carb alternative to regular rice in stir-fries, burrito bowls, or sushi bowls. It’s perfect for soaking up rich sauces like curries or stews. Try it with Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, or Heaty Beef Casserole. You can also turn it into a refreshing tabbouleh or taboule salad, or toss it with basil pesto for a fresh, herby twist.

This can also be done with stock, coconut cream, saffron, and tomatoes to make Spanish Cauliflower Rice. Even just mixed with all the great flavours of keto fried rice recipe, or Banh Mi Bowl, is a perfect way to serve it.

Serve with simple weekday favourites like our Savoury Mince and Red Pickled Onions.

Of course, cooking in a sauce like my amazing new Spanish Chicken in The Healthy Family Keto Cookbook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does cauliflower rice taste like?

It has a mild, slightly nutty flavour that’s very neutral, making it perfect for absorbing the flavours of whatever dish you’re serving it with. It doesn’t taste exactly like rice, but it offers a great low-carb alternative with a similar texture.

How do you prevent cauliflower rice from getting mushy?

To keep it from turning mushy, avoid overcooking it. Sauté it quickly in a hot pan for just a few minutes until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming.

Can I freeze cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can freeze it! After pulsing the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces, store it in an airtight bag and freeze. It’ll last up to three months. When ready to use it, just sauté it straight from frozen, no need to thaw!

A brown pottery bowl filled with cauliflower sushi rice.

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Cauliflower rice in a brown bown with lime and flowers.

How Yo Make Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is perfect if you’re cutting carbs but still want to enjoy all your favourite dinners. It’s light, fluffy, and ready to soak up the flavours of whatever you’re cooking. We give you many ways to prepare and cook Cauliflower Rice. Plus, find new tasty ways to serve it!
5 from 76 votes!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Australian
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 15kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 10 serves
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
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Ingredients 

  • 600 g (4 cups) cauliflower (4 cups)

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Cut cauliflower into small florets and pulse in a food processor in short bursts until cauliflower resembles grains of rice.
  • Steam, fry or microwave until soft, this takes around 3-8 minutes.

THERMAL METHOD

  • Cut cauliflower into small florets and mix 5 sec/speed 5. Scrape from bowl in to steaming basket.
  • Pour 400g water into the mixer and insert steaming basket. Cook 10-14 min/120°C/speed 3. Check consistency and extend cooking time if needed. Season to taste.

Notes

Yield
600g of cauliflower is equal to approximately 4 cups, or 10 serves.
Store
Cauliflower rice can be made ahead and frozen in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. I do this often with cauliflower, so it never goes to waste and I can stock up when cauliflower is cheap.
More Recipes?
Love cauliflower recipes? Try our air fryer cauliflower, roasted cauliflower salad, Cauliflower Buns, or Chicken and Chorizo Paella.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1serve | Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.98g | Protein: 1.15g | Fat: 0.17g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 179.4mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 1.15g | Vitamin C: 28.92mg | Calcium: 13.2mg | Iron: 0.25mg | Magnesium: 9mg | Net Carbs: 2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

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52 responses to “How To Make Cauliflower Rice”

  1. Robyn

    When freezing cauliflower rice (made from blitzing fresh cauliflower), should you cook it before or after freezing?

  2. Ann

    Frozen cauli rice is best heated in microwave from frozen for a couple of minutes. Then snip corner of bag and squeeze and twist. Loads of water comes out and fry in a wok with a little coconut oil any any flavourings eg garlic / 5 spice. Stir fry til dry and cooked. Tastes much better.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks for tip Ann.

  3. Cristina

    Hi. Do you have a recipe using frozen cauliflower florets? Somehow, when I use a thermocooker, the caulirice turns to mush, compared to using a processor and cooking on stovetop.

  4. ANNE K

    5 stars
    I love faux rice but have never found a good way to reheat at work the next day for lunch. I have a 5 minute slot for the microwave and/or flat sandwich press. Any suggestions? Thx

  5. Jessica Kirk

    5 stars
    Always looking for ways to make this versatile side. Looking forward to serving this to the familly.

  6. Katie

    5 stars
    Made this for the family and it was a hit!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thats awesome Katie. Thanks for letting us know.

  7. Erika

    5 stars
    Cauliflower rice is awesome and the flavors you used here sound so good!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks Erica! Cauliflower rice is awesome, when it doesn’t taste like cauliflower lol.

  8. Jere Cassidy

    5 stars
    So many great tips for this cauliflower rice. That burger bun caught my eye, I will have to give that a try for sure.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is awesome Jere. Yes that recipe is a popular one too. Let us know if you enjoy it.

5 from 76 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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