18 Cauliflower Rice Recipes That'll Make You Forget All About the Grain

We love cauliflower in every form, but riced cauliflower is at the top of our list. This standout technique allows you to turn the veggie into all kinds of sides and mains, including cauliflower fried rice, cheesy casseroles and cilantro-lime-infused favorites.

April 28, 2022

By: Meghan Hynes Cole

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All the Ways to Love Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower is a versatile veggie that can shine in many forms. We love it roasted, raw, mashed — the list goes on. You’ve probably heard of cauliflower crust pizza and even Buffalo cauliflower, as healthy cauliflower recipes abound. But have you made riced cauliflower yet? Once you’ve mastered how to make cauliflower rice, you won’t stop. One way we love it is in this cheesy chicken and cauliflower rice skillet bake. It's a healthier (and gluten-free!) version of the classic casserole, jam-packed with vegetables while still boasting the flavors you know and love. The usual condensed soup is swapped out for low-fat Greek yogurt, and riced cauliflower subs in for the typical grain.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Skillet Chicken and Cauliflower Rice

Healthy Cauliflower Rice

This recipe shows how simple it is to turn cauliflower florets into a healthy, low-carb meal or side dish. With the olive oil and browned onions, the cauliflower has enough flavor to satisfy by itself, and it can also be a base for stir-fries, beans and rice, and a whole lot more.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Cauliflower Rice

Shrimp and Cauliflower "Grits"

Cauliflower can be sneaky — especially when it subs for corn in grits. Whether you're not a fan of regular grits or you're looking to add more vegetables to your diet, riced cauliflower simmered in water and finished with butter and Parmesan is an impressive alternative to the real thing.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Cauliflower "Grits"

Healthy Sicilian Cauliflower Rice

Studded with raisins, lemon zest and pine nuts, this fluffy pilaf makes a flavorful, high-fiber side for chicken, salmon and pork.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Sicilian Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Cauliflower "Fried Rice"

This 5-star dish is filled with frozen mixed veggies, flavored with ginger and garlic, made hearty with diced chicken and scrambled eggs, and finished with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Cauliflower "Fried Rice"

Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice

Brighten up your everyday cauliflower rice with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime — a grain-free alternative to the traditional seasoned rice. Thawing the frozen "rice" in the microwave means this fast side dish comes together in a flash without skimping on flavors.

Get the Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice

Tex-Mex Cauliflower Rice Salad

A bag of riced cauliflower helps this dish come together quickly. Stir the rice together with fire-roasted corn, black beans and pico de gallo for a ready-to-eat side in only 20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Cauliflower Rice Salad

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Move over, scrambled eggs. Egg strips go beautifully with cauliflower fried rice. Simply beat two large eggs in a small bowl, then swirl into a heated pan to form a thin, crepe-like layer. When the eggs are cooked, remove them from the pan and cut them into thin strips.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower stands in for rice to re-create your favorite takeout classic but with fewer carbs. Our version is vegetarian, but it can easily be made with cooked bacon, diced ham or any other meat.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower Fried Rice with Curried Shrimp

A nod to savory Indian pulaos, cooked rice comes together with shrimp, cauliflower, aromatics and almonds for a satisfying meal you’ll want to make over and over again.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Fried Rice with Curried Shrimp

Spiced Cauliflower Rice

Combine cumin, pepper, turmeric, ginger and nutmeg to make a spice mixture that’ll add tons of flavor and beautiful color to cauliflower rice.

Get the Recipe: Spiced Cauliflower Rice

Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

This healthy spin on a takeout favorite is quick and easy — and fans agree it’s "really, really good."

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

Masala Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Marinate juicy cuts of chicken in a flavorful yogurt mix to deepen the flavors, and use broiled cauliflower to bulk up these rice bowls, stretching two chicken breasts to feed four people.

Get the Recipe: Masala Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Thai Fried Riced Cauliflower

A combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar gives this Thai-inspired dish its incredible flavor.

Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Riced Cauliflower

Spiced Steak with Cauliflower Rice

Season steak with a rub of salt, pepper, paprika and cinnamon for tons of warm and delicious flavor. Riced cauliflower with almond, celery and cranberry makes an excellent accompaniment that’s packed with veggies and healthy fats.

Get the Recipe: Spiced Steak with Cauliflower Rice