Cauliflower rice
Rice has been a staple culinary ingredient around the world for thousands of years, and here we present a great alternative that is big in flavour: Cauliflower rice. It is quick to make and very versatile. Coarsely grated cauliflower is enhanced by a hint of butter and aromatic shallots and brightened by a dash of lemon juice and parsley, creating a delicious mix of delicate flavours that make the perfect side for many dishes.
Ingredients
Cauliflower rice
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25 g
Butter
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3
Shallots (about 150 g), finely chopped
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750 g
Cauliflower, coarsely grated
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1 tsp
Coarse salt
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10 g
Flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
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1½ tbsp
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
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To garnish
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Lemons, zest, finely grated
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Pick a fresh, medium to large head of cauliflower. Check carefully to ensure it is firm to the touch and free of any blemishes. For the best texture, use a food processor with a grater attachment – you want the prepared cauliflower to resemble rice grains. Be careful not to over-process the cauliflower, as this will make the rice mushy. And do not worry if you do not have a food processor – a box grater is just as good, though it may take a little longer to prepare.
The best cauliflower rice is light and fluffy, so to avoid soggy rice, ensure it is dry before you start cooking. The best way to remove excess moisture is by using a clean towel to gently press the cauliflower grains. Roasting on a baking tray can also help achieve a drier, nuttier flavour.
FAQ: Questions about cauliflower rice
Want to make perfect cauliflower rice? Our FAQ section answers the most common questions to help you get just the right texture and enjoy every bite. Learn how to avoid mushy rice and try different cooking techniques for the best results.
What is cauliflower rice?
Cauliflower rice is coarsely grated cauliflower with a soft, fluffy texture that resembles rice. It absorbs other flavours, which makes it a great choice for, for example, curries and stir-fries. It also works well as a side for various meats, vegetables, and more.
Can I roast the cauliflower rice instead of sautéing?
Yes, you can roast the cauliflower rice instead of sautéing it. Roasting gives it a nutty, toasty flavour and a firmer texture with a bit of crispiness. To roast, preheat your oven to 220 °C. Mix the cauliflower rice with melted butter, salt, and other seasonings you like, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep in mind that roasting causes more shrinkage due to moisture loss, so you will end up with a smaller portion.
Can you freeze cauliflower rice?
Yes, you can freeze cauliflower rice. To freeze uncooked cauliflower rice, make sure the grated cauliflower is dry before portioning it out in freezer bags and squeezing out the air. Lay it flat in the freezer, where it will keep for 4-6 months. To freeze cooked cauliflower rice, let it cool completely before freezing. Use it within 2 months, and note that the texture will become softer if you have prepared the cauliflower rice with other ingredients, as these bring moisture. To reheat, cook it in a skillet with a little butter to restore some crispness.
How long does cauliflower rice last?
Cooked cauliflower rice, prepared with sautéed shallots in butter, salt, parsley, and lemon juice, stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the cauliflower rice completely at room temperature within 2 hours of cooking and store it in an airtight container in the coldest part of your fridge.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
101 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 15.2 % | 3.8 g |
| Fat | 47.1 % | 5.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37.7 % | 9.4 g |
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Try this easy recipe for cauliflower rice
Imagine a dish that delights your taste buds with its light, airy texture and burst of zesty freshness. Our cauliflower rice does just that, offering a delicious alternative with simple, vibrant flavours and satisfying texture enriched by the comforting flavours of butter and sweet shallots. A finishing touch of lemon and parsley adds a lively, refreshing note to every bite.
What sets this cauliflower rice apart? Unlike the traditional view of rice as a side dish, this is more a foundation on which to build exciting new flavour experiences.
With aromatic shallots, a dash of lemon juice, and fresh parsley
We have kept this recipe to a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients to leave room for the cauliflower to shine. The sautéed shallots add a subtle sweetness, while a final touch of fresh lemon juice and vibrant parsley elevated the dish, adding a refreshing zing that tantalises the taste buds.
Add it to your favourite recipes
Cauliflower rice is a simple recipe that you can adapt to suit your tastes and invites you to explore different flavours and textures. For example, swap some or all of the brown rice in these stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice or in this salmon and rice bowl. The cauliflower rice will bring a bit of crunch and alter the flavours, so you get a different experience.
You can also try it in other recipes traditionally served with rice, such as curries, stir-fries, and one-pots. Cauliflower rice can also be served as a side for dukkah chicken or other dishes with meat or fish.
Experiment with the recipe and refine your culinary skills
With cauliflower rice, the possibilities are limitless. Try swapping parsley for coriander or maybe adding lime for a fresh twist. Cauliflower rice is the perfect base for embracing flavours from around the world. Try adding soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired take, or perhaps go Mediterranean with lemon juice, fresh mint, salad cheese, and olives. You can even transform it into a flavourful pilaf with raisins, almonds, and a hint of cinnamon.
This dish is simple, adaptable, and invites you to explore different flavours and textures. So, enjoy the endless possibilities and make cauliflower rice a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe for cauliflower rice is a high-protein recipe. Find more protein in our high-protein salads and high-protein snacks or read about sources of protein for vegetarians.
