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    Home » Gluten Free » Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    Published: May 8, 2019 · Modified: Jan 22, 2021 by Carolyn

    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    13.6K shares
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    Looking for a truly delicious cauliflower rice recipe? Then this keto 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!

    Cilantro lime cauliflower rice in a pan on a white table.

    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.

    Cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime, on a plate with grilled chicken.

    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.

    Top down photo of cilantro lime cauliflower rice on a white table.

    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.

    Easy low carb Cilantro lime cauliflower rice on a plate with chicken

    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

    Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

    Cauliflower Risotto

    Loaded Cauliflower Soup

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice

    Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    Top down photo of cilantro lime cauliflower rice on a white table.

    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    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. 
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: cauliflower rice recipe, cilantro lime cauliflower rice
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 79kcal

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces riced cauliflower (about 4 cups or 1 medium head)
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
    • 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
    • 2 tablespoon lime juice
    • Additional salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Remove from heat and add chopped cilantro, lime juice and any additional salt and pepper to taste.
    Nutrition Facts
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
    Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
    Calories 79 Calories from Fat 50
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5.6g9%
    Carbohydrates 6.1g2%
    Fiber 2.2g9%
    Protein 2.2g4%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    13.6K shares

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    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lynn says

      March 21, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      Made this many times…so often, in fact, that I made my husband plant cilantro in our backyard. This is a religious experience.

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        March 21, 2020 at 2:50 pm

        Ha, I love it! <3

        Reply
    2. Pam says

      February 02, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      Hmmmm…did I miss it? I’d love to watch your video, especially the trick for chopping cilantro, which I always use. I am going to make this recipe and do not see a video or a link. Please let e know how to find it. Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        February 02, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        The video is right there. If you’re not seeing it, try a different browser.

        Reply
        • Pam says

          February 03, 2020 at 4:29 pm

          Ok I’ll give that a try – thanks for the quick reply!

          Reply
    3. Claudia says

      September 26, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        September 26, 2019 at 9:50 pm

        Excellent!

        Reply
    4. Michelle says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:45 pm

      Perfect low-carb side dish with grilled fish, thank you!!

      Reply
    5. Sandy says

      June 22, 2019 at 10:34 pm

      Do you have a link to this chicken? I’d love to try this whole recipe!

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        June 23, 2019 at 6:32 am

        Those were just some chicken thighs that I cooked in my air fryer with some Mexican spices on top.

        Reply
    6. Maria Isais says

      June 03, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      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!!!

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        June 03, 2019 at 7:36 pm

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    7. Scarlet says

      May 30, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      This sounds delish! I just love cilantro- it makes everything better. I am pinning this cauliflower rice recipe to try soon!

      Reply
    8. Dean Chongris says

      May 19, 2019 at 8:45 pm

      Do you defrost the frozen cauliflower rice before you put it in the pan? Is there excess water with the frozen cauliflower rice?

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        May 19, 2019 at 8:57 pm

        No, not at all. I’ve made this with both fresh and frozen, no need to defrost.

        Reply
        • Dean Chongris says

          May 22, 2019 at 9:22 am

          Thanks Carolyn! Love all your recipes and cookbooks.

          Reply
    9. Jennifer says

      May 16, 2019 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      This cauliflower rice is going to be on repeat all summer long!!

      Reply
    10. natasha says

      May 14, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      this would be so delicious with the cafe rio sweet pork

      Reply
    11. Kristyn says

      May 14, 2019 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      I have really learned to love cauliflower rice! I love making it! It’s a great, healthier option & so good!!

      Reply
    12. Beth Pierce says

      May 14, 2019 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      This was such an easy recipe to make and was the perfect side dish with our grilled chicken last night!

      Reply
    13. Cheryl S says

      May 14, 2019 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      We could eat this with almost every meal! Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
    14. Sue Bohlin says

      May 09, 2019 at 11:25 am

      I can’t find the link to the video. What am I missing?

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        May 09, 2019 at 11:26 am

        There is no link to the video. It’s right in the recipe. Try a different browser…

        Reply
    15. Angela says

      March 11, 2015 at 9:06 am

      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!!!!

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        March 11, 2015 at 9:21 am

        Nothing is ever going to truly taste like rice but rice. But I do think this method of pan-frying the rice does help.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          March 11, 2015 at 9:35 am

          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!

          Reply
    16. Lin says

      January 13, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      I love their carnitas!!! Love cilantro lime rice, too. So this is perfect.

      Reply
    17. Candace @ Cabot says

      June 25, 2014 at 6:08 am

      Cilantro and Lime are such fresh flavors together. I love this combo!

      Reply
    18. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

      June 23, 2014 at 9:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
    19. Kim - Liv Life says

      June 21, 2014 at 9:53 pm

      I saw this on FB earlier this morning and haven’t forgotten it!! This has my name all over it!!

      Reply
    20. Lorraine says

      June 21, 2014 at 8:30 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        June 21, 2014 at 9:49 am

        We do what we gotta do on this WOE! 🙂

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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