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cilantro lime cauliflower copycat rice recipe

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Before diving into the star of the show, let’s chat about what you can pair with cilantro lime cauliflower rice .This dish makes a fantastic side that complements various main courses.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 48 kcal

Equipment

  • skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1 large garlic clove minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 green jalapeño deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust as needed
  • Zest from 1/2 lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro divided
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Start by gathering and preparing your ingredients. Rinse the cauliflower and chop it into smaller pieces if using fresh cauliflower.
  • If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, ensure it's thawed and drained. Dice the white onion, mince the garlic, chop the jalapeño, and gather your cilantro and lime.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it until it's translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño.
  • Stir for about a minute until fragrant. This step is crucial—don’t rush! The aromatics are the base of your flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

  • Time to add the riced cauliflower! Stir it into the skillet with the onions and jalapeños. Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle the sea salt.
  • Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still has a slight bite. The broth will create a lovely steam effect that helps fully cook the cauliflower.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

  • Once your cauliflower rice is cooked, it’s time to kick it up a notch. Remove the skillet from the heat and add lime zest, lime juice, ground cumin, and half of the cilantro. Stir to combine all those vibrant flavors. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Finally, garnish with the remaining cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve it warm as a side dish or use it as a base for your main dish.

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a huge difference in flavor. Don’t substitute with bottled lime juice.
  2. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño. Conversely, if you like a kick, leave the seeds in for more spice.
  3. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your cauliflower. Overcooked cauliflower can become mushy. You want it tender but with a bit of crunch.
  4. Add Variations: Feel free to toss in other vegetables during the sauté phase. Bell peppers or corn can add a sweet crunch.
  5. Make-ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time. Simply reheat it before serving to save time.

Nutrition

Serving: 73gCalories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 2.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 229mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
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