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19 Creative Cauliflower Rice Recipes That Satisfy Every Craving

There's a reason cauliflower rice is trending right now. Here, learn how to whip it up in a variety of tasty ways.
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If you've recently gone Paleo, or just looking to lower your carb intake, cauliflower rice is a satisfying, healthy alternative to rice, pasta and all those other carb-centric staples. And just about everyone is obsessed with it these days. Case in point: Trader Joe's recently announced it was rationing its cauliflower rice in certain locations due to high demand.

Luckily, making your own is actually relatively simple. Here's how to make cauliflower rice: The first (and easiest) method involves a food processor. All you have to do is chop up a head of cauliflower into one- or two-inch florets, cram as many as you can into your food processor, and pulse until the cauliflower is shredded into tiny pieces that are about the size of rice.

If you don't have a food processor on hand, you can still make cauliflower rice with the help of a cheese grater. Just shred a head of cauliflower against the larger side of a grater. This will definitely take more manpower than pressing a button on your food processor, but it works. And hey, you can always buy pre-shredded cauliflower rice when you're in a pinch (just maybe go somewhere other than TJ's).

Once you've made your cauliflower rice, the options for dressing it up are basically endless. Click through for 19 cauliflower rice recipes that'll satisfy your hunger without a ton of carbs.

Image via The Movement Menu, Fit Foodie Finds, Vegan Richa, The Whole Smiths

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Cauliflower Spanish Rice
Whip up this Spanish-style cauliflower rice recipe for a tasty Taco Tuesday side dish. (Margarita not included.)

Ingredients:
1 large cauliflower head, riced
1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt (and more to taste)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4-1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:
Cut your cauliflower in half and in half again. Remove stem and discard. Chop the head of the cauliflower into chunks (1-2 inch pieces). Place inside a food processor and pulse. You probably need to do this in 2-3 batches. Between each batch, remove and set aside.

Heat up a large skillet to medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes. Add in riced cauliflower, salt, and cumin. Stir around the veggie mixture to coat. Add in tomato paste, then 1/4 cup broth, and bump up heat to medium high.

Continue to stir around until the tomato paste dissolves in the mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add in more broth by the tablespoon. If the mixture is slightly wet, continue to cook until the liquid dissolves. Serve hot with garnished cilantro and added salt to taste.

Image and recipe via Wholesomelicious

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Cauliflower Fried Rice
Who says takeout has to be unhealthy? Get your fried rice fix with this lighter (yet equally delicious) cauliflower-ified version.

Ingredients:
1 medium-sized cauliflower head, riced
2 Tbsp sesame oil
1 large carrot, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen edamame
2 beaten eggs
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
6 green onions, minced

Directions:
Prep cauliflower: Shred cauliflower using the largest side of a grater or by just pulsing some rough cut pieces in a food processor; the end product should resemble smallish grains of rice.

Stir fry: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the carrots and garlic and stir fry until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, edamame, and remaining sesame oil to the pan; stir fry quickly to cook the cauliflower to a soft (but not mushy) texture.

Finishing touches: Make a well in the middle, turn the heat down, and add the eggs. Stir gently and continuously until the eggs are fully cooked. Stir in the soy sauce and green onions just before serving.

Image and recipe via Pinch of Yum

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Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Just because you're following a vegan or keto diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy rice. Just try this Mexican-inspired cauliflower rice recipe for a carb-free treat.

Ingredients:
3 cups cauliflower florets, riced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalepeno, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
3/4 cup bell peppers, diced
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp paprika powder or red chili powder
1 Tbsp coriander or cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Cilantro, sliced avocados, jalepeno, and/or lime juice for topping

Directions:
Add cauliflower florets to a food processor or chopper and pulse till the cauliflower resembles small bits (like rice). Make sure not to go all the way or it can turn mushy. See picture for reference. Heat oil in a pan and add onions, garlic and jalapenos. Stir fry for a few minutes till the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add tomatoes, cumin powder, paprika powder and salt to the pan. Cook the tomatoes for a few minutes till they soften. Add the diced bell peppers and cauliflower rice to the pan and mix well. Stir fry the cauliflower for 3-4 minutes till it's tender. Top with your favorite topping and serve hot.

Image and recipe via My Food Story

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Creamy Avocado Cauliflower Rice
Truth: Avocado elevates just about any meal -- including this take on cauliflower rice.

Ingredients:
1 cauliflower head, riced
1/4 cup coconut oil
3/4 tsp sea salt, divided (1/2 and 1/4)
2 avocados
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro, minced
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 cloves garlic, pressed
Cracked pepper for garnish

Directions:
Chop cauliflower florets into pieces resembling rice (do not over-chop). Sauté cauliflower rice in a large sauté pan with coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, stirring frequently for about 5-10 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat. In a high-speed blender, combine avocados, olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, cilantro, lime juice, and pressed garlic and blend until smooth. Pour creamy avocado mixture over the cauliflower rice and stir gently. Top with pepper and serve immediately.

Image and recipe via Spirited and Then Some

BY CHRISTINA HEISER | AUG 11, 2017 | SHARES
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