Are you a fan of Chipotle’s burrito bowls, but trying to avoid carbs? Check out our homemade Chipotle cauliflower rice recipe! It’s light on calories, low in net carbs, and ideal for vegan, Whole30, keto, and paleo diets. Plus, it’s infused with the refreshing flavors of lime and cilantro.
Cauliflower rice is a great carb-friendly alternative to steamed rice. We often enjoy Indian-style Cauliflower rice. Today, I want to share another favorite in my home: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice!
What is Cauliflower Rice?
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb, gluten-free substitute for traditional rice. It’s made by grating or processing cauliflower into small, rice-like grains. It’s a popular choice among those seeking healthier, lower-calorie alternatives to grains and is often used in various dishes like stir-fries, and casseroles, and as a base for other recipes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe is perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets, emphasizing vegetables!
- It’ll be ready in just 15 minutes, or even quicker if you grab some assistance from the store!
- It’s a healthy, fresh, and flavorful option that even kids love!
- This product caters to Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 diets, boasting just 71 calories and 4g net carbs per serving!
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower rice not only lets you enjoy more veggies but also, as per Healthline, it is:
- A superfood that provides nearly all essential vitamins and minerals.
- Rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and assisting with weight loss.
- This is a valuable source of antioxidants that aid in inflammation reduction.
- Cauliflower has only 5g of carbs in one cup, while rice has 45g in the same amount!
Ingredients For Chipotle Cauliflower Rice
This recipe mimics Chipotle’s cauliflower rice using readily available, fresh ingredients found in most stores.
- Oil: Chipotle restaurants utilize rice bran oil in their recipe, but we opted for olive oil instead.
- Vegetable: We utilized 4 cups of fresh cauliflower florets, sourced from a single large head.
- Citrus: We squeezed the juice from one big lemon and two limes.
- Fresh Herbs: We used freshly rinsed and dried cilantro before chopping it.
- Dried Spices: We added ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, but feel free to add more to suit your taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Chipotle Cauliflower Rice
- Begin by slicing the cauliflower head in half, and then into quarters. Carefully cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, and gently separate the florets.
- Grate the cauliflower: To grate it, add cauliflower florets to the food processor in 2-3 batches. Pulse until the cauliflower resembles rice-like crumbles.
- In a big cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Then, toss in the cauliflower and continue to stir until it turns a nice golden brown, which should take around 6 minutes.
- Remove the cast iron from the heat and gently add the lime and lemon juice along with a pinch of salt.
- Add the chopped cilantro. Toss everything and taste again and add more salt if necessary. Enjoy your favorite Mexican entree!
Tips!
- Continuously stir the vegetable rice while cooking to avoid burning it.
- After you’ve taken it off the heat, go ahead and incorporate the lime and lemon juice.
- The chopped veggies in this dish soak up the lime and lemon juice, so you might need to include more.
Serve
Serve Chipotle cauliflower rice as a flavorful and healthy side dish, or use it as a base for burrito bowls or tacos. Customize with your favorite toppings, such as protein, veggies, and salsas, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQs
The restaurant claims their dish contains 4g net carbs, 7g total carbs, 40 calories, and 2g sugar. Our homemade version has 3.6g net carbs, 6g total carbs, 90 calories, and 2.3g sugar per half-cup serving.
Yes! cauliflower is a nutrient-rich vegetable. In our recipe, it becomes gluten-free, dairy-free, and ideal for those following vegan, whole 30, paleo, or keto diets.
Cauliflower rice is mild, nutty, and slightly bitter with a crunchy yet soft texture.
Recipe Card
CHIPOTLE CAULIFLOWER RICE
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the cauliflower head in half, and then into quarters. Carefully cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, and gently separate the florets.
- Grate the cauliflower. To grate it, add cauliflower florets to the food processor in 2-3 batches. Pulse until the cauliflower resembles rice-like crumbles.
- In a big cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Then, toss in the cauliflower and continue to stir until it turns a nice golden brown, which should take around 6 minutes.
- Remove the cast iron from the heat and gently add the lime and lemon juice along with a pinch of salt.
- Add the chopped cilantro. Toss everything and taste again and add more salt if necessary. Enjoy your favorite Mexican entree!