Looking for a truly delicious cauliflower rice recipe? Then this cilantro lime cauliflower rice is for you. This low carb side dish is a healthy copycat version of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice, but so much lighter and healthier. With a new instructional video!
This easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe has been on my blog since 2014. It’s a favorite keto side dish so I thought it was time to give it a little update with a how-to video. You’re going to love it. And it goes with just about anything you can think of. It’s great with fish, chicken, taco meat, and my awesome Mexican Shredded Beef.
Watch my video and see just how easy it is to make!
I’m not much of one for fast food but if I am out and about and don’t have a lot of choice, Chipotle is the place to go. At least there I know I can find some healthy options and get a decent keto meal. Even on a low carb diet, there are some pretty flavourful choices. Of course, the chips are out, and the tortillas. And the rice, and anything made with corn.
But have them make you a big salad with carnitas and cheese and then top it with pico de gallo and some of their awesome guacamole and you have yourself a very filling low carb dinner.
I actually had that very salad early on in my low carb days. I was still struggling to figure out how to get my carbs down enough so that my fasting glucose wasn’t up over 100 every morning. I spent a few days tinkering with my food choices and that salad capped off my very first day of success.
The next morning, my fasting was 83 and I was so thrilled. And I hadn’t felt the least bit deprived, filling up on a big, meaty salad like that.
And now I’ve recreated their famous Cilantro Lime Rice in a keto friendly form. This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is so easy and only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
The cauliflower rice: I don’t bother anymore with making my own cauliflower rice. Almost every grocery store now carries pre-chopped cauliflower rice and it saves me time and effort. You can use fresh or frozen here, both work equally well.
But if you want to chop your own cauliflower, you go right ahead. My favorite way to do it is to pop the florets in my blender with some water and blend until it resembles grains of rice. Then I simply pour everything into a sieve to drain off the water. Adding water like this helps the grains become more uniform.
I recommend doing only half a head of cauliflower at a time at a time. Otherwise you tend to overwhelm your poor blender or food processor.
The pan: Choose a good sized skillet for this, one that is at least 10 inches in diameter. Cast iron, stainless steel or good non-stick skillets are your best choices. Don’t use a saucepan, they are too deep and the cauliflower rice doesn’t cook through as quickly or evenly.
The oil: I like to use butter for its rich flavor but any oil will do here. Want a dairy free version? Choose coconut oil or avocado oil. Even good quality olive oil would work.
Get the oil nice and hot in the pan before adding the rice. Once you do add the rice, you want to sauté it to coat it in the hot oil.
The lime: Please please don’t use bottled lime juice! Fresh is always best and you will be able to taste the difference. You can squeeze in as much as you like. I usually use a single lime. Adding some of the grated zest would be wonderful too.
The cilantro: Did you catch my great trick in the video for chopping cilantro? Be sure you check it out. I hate the way cilantro always sticks to the knife, so this trick is absolutely genius!
A little extra kick: I’m a fan of adding a little chipotle powder or chili powder for an extra kick of heat. And hey, it is a knock off of Chipotle, after all!
Season to taste: Add a little salt and pepper when cooking the cauliflower rice but don’t add too much. Salt is such a matter of taste, and I tend to like far more of it than most people. You can always add a bit more at the end.
Seriously, this cilantro lime cauliflower rice is the perfect keto side dish. I could eat it every single day!
I know I am not the first to think of it, because Chipotle is such a popular chain. But it really is a delicious way to jazz up your cauli rice. Saute the rice in butter, add a squeeze of lime, some freshly chopped cilantro, a little salt and pepper and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy low carb side dish.
More Delicious Keto Cauliflower Recipes
Slow Cooker Pepper Jack Cauliflower
Looking for a truly delicious cauliflower rice recipe? Then this cilantro lime cauliflower rice is for you. This low carb side dish is a healthy copycat version of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice, but so much lighter and healthier.
- 16 ounces riced cauliflower (about 4 cups or 1 medium head)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to froth. Add the cauliflower rice and toss to coat in the butter.
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Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and a little chipotle powder, if desired. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender crisp and just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and add chopped cilantro, lime juice and any additional salt and pepper to taste.
Lorraine says
Sounds like a great addition to my usual Chipotle! I will get a burrito bowl with chicken, mild salsa, cheese, and lettuce to go, then use my own low carb tortillas at home. It’s one of my three fast-food options. the others are getting Arby’s roast beef, then swapping out the bun , and getting gyros and using low carb pita bread at home.
Carolyn says
We do what we gotta do on this WOE! 🙂
Kim - Liv Life says
I saw this on FB earlier this morning and haven’t forgotten it!! This has my name all over it!!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I just made cauliflower rice for the first time the other day! I was really impressed with how it turned out. I’d love to make this version next time.
Candace @ Cabot says
Cilantro and Lime are such fresh flavors together. I love this combo!
Lin says
I love their carnitas!!! Love cilantro lime rice, too. So this is perfect.
Angela says
I’ve tried making cauliflower rice (not this recipe yet) before but after it’s done, I can still taste and smell the cauliflower so I gave up. Is there a trick when cooking it to get rid of it? I’d love to completely switch over to using Cauliflower as rice but I can’t seem to get the cauliflower smell and taste out? And the end product stinks up my kitchen. I would love any suggestions!!!!
Carolyn says
Nothing is ever going to truly taste like rice but rice. But I do think this method of pan-frying the rice does help.
Angela says
Ok, I read somewhere recently that someone mentioned something about cooking it longer or something and that helped to get rid of it but I haven’t tried that yet. I will try your recipe with frying the rice. I saved a fried rice recipe on another blog that I want to try but was hesitant but maybe if it’s in the method, then maybe it will work. I can’t remember the method used when I tried it before because it has been a while. Thank you for the input!
Sue Bohlin says
I can’t find the link to the video. What am I missing?
Carolyn says
There is no link to the video. It’s right in the recipe. Try a different browser…
Cheryl S says
We could eat this with almost every meal! Thanks for the recipe
Beth Pierce says
This was such an easy recipe to make and was the perfect side dish with our grilled chicken last night!
Kristyn says
I have really learned to love cauliflower rice! I love making it! It’s a great, healthier option & so good!!
natasha says
this would be so delicious with the cafe rio sweet pork
Jennifer says
This cauliflower rice is going to be on repeat all summer long!!
Dean Chongris says
Do you defrost the frozen cauliflower rice before you put it in the pan? Is there excess water with the frozen cauliflower rice?
Carolyn says
No, not at all. I’ve made this with both fresh and frozen, no need to defrost.
Dean Chongris says
Thanks Carolyn! Love all your recipes and cookbooks.
Scarlet says
This sounds delish! I just love cilantro- it makes everything better. I am pinning this cauliflower rice recipe to try soon!
Maria Isais says
I love, love, this version of cauli rice. It’s just so flavorful. I didn’t have lime, used lemon. Used butter and little avocado oil…Yummmy
Thanks!!!
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Sandy says
Do you have a link to this chicken? I’d love to try this whole recipe!
Carolyn says
Those were just some chicken thighs that I cooked in my air fryer with some Mexican spices on top.
Michelle says
Perfect low-carb side dish with grilled fish, thank you!!
Claudia says
FYI: I was at my local Costco (Vancouver, BC) today and they now sell 2kg bags of frozen cauliflower! 100% organic cauliflower, no seasonings or additives. Only $11.99 a bag. GAME CHANGER!!
Carolyn says
Excellent!