If you’re a fan of rice but are looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative, look no further than homemade riced cauliflower. This delightful dish not only caters to keto and gluten-free diets, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can easily fit into any healthy meal plan.

Whether you’re meal prepping, trying to cut back on calories, or just looking for a nutritious side, mastering how to rice cauliflower is a fantastic kitchen skill. It’s surprisingly simple, takes just minutes, and can be made fresh or frozen for later use. In this guide, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to make riced cauliflower, tips for storage and cooking, and how to avoid ending up with a soggy result.

Let’s transform this humble vegetable into a delightful staple for your weeknight dinners!

Why Make This Recipe?

1. Cost-Effective: Making your own riced cauliflower is often cheaper than purchasing pre-packaged versions.
2. Quick Preparation: It literally takes just 5 minutes to whip up!
3. Meal Prepping: You can batch prepare and store it for those busy weeknights.
4. Customization: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or even cheese for a personalized flavor profile.

Tips for Making Perfect Cauliflower Rice

1. Don’t Skip Drying: Excess moisture can lead to soggy rice. Make sure it’s thoroughly dried.
2. Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select firm heads and avoid any that are limp or discolored.
3. Cook in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, or you’ll end up steaming instead of sautéing.
4. Flavor It Up: Consider adding garlic, onion powder, curry, or soy sauce to enhance the taste.
5. No Pre-cooking: Always use the cauliflower raw; it’s meant to be sautéed without pre-cooking.
6. Storage Tips: Store raw cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month after blotting dry.
7. Freeze in Portions: Use freezer bags and remove as much air as possible before storing in the freezer.

Additions Suggestions:

• Cauliflower Fried Rice: Mix in peas, carrots, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice: Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan.
• Lemon Herb Cauliflower Rice: Finish off with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
• Feel free to add other favorite vegetables like bok choy, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, and mushrooms.
• Consider mixing in sautéed chicken breasts or other cooked meats for added protein.

Shopping List

For exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card

Japanese Steakhouse Cauliflower Rice

• 2 cups riced cauliflower (raw, not cooked)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
• 3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sake
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 3 carrots, thinly shaved and diced (or fresh or frozen peas for color)

Shopping List for Cauliflower Italian Rice

• 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and riced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, squeezed by hand into a large bowl
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell or hot peppers
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 3 leaves)
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional: Grated Pecorino Romano or shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

Instructions

How to Make Riced Cauliflower

1. Start by ricing the cauliflower. You can use a box grater with medium-sized holes or a food processor with the grater attachment to achieve small rice-like pieces.
2. After grating, make sure to blot dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Next, sauté the riced cauliflower in a pan with olive oil for about 8 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Alternatively, you can store it in a tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Instructions for Cauliflower Italian Rice

1. In a medium-sized frying pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the garlic, peppers, and cauliflower for about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the juice from the squeezed tomatoes, along with the sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer until the cauliflower softens and about half of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Serve topped with grated cheese or mozzarella, if desired.

Instructions for Japanese Steakhouse Cauliflower Rice

1. In a large pan over medium heat, add oil and scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
2. Add the raw riced cauliflower (or cooked rice) along with the carrots and garlic. Sauté until the cauliflower is tender, about 7 minutes, stirring regularly.
3. Mix in the teriyaki and soy sauce along with the sake, then season with salt, pepper, and gomasio or honey.
4. Serve as a side dish or mix in cooked meats of your choice for a complete meal!