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    Home » Side Dish

    Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice

    Published: March 9, 2019 · Modified: July 5, 2023 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    chipotle cauliflower rice pin.

    This Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice. Enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a base for a burrito bowl - either way, it's a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals!

    Rice in a white bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Cauliflower Recipes You'll Love
    • Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice
    • #respond

    Check out my Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower and my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites for more delicious cauliflower ingredients.

    This copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice recipe is a healthier alternative to the rice typically served at the popular fast-food chain. It's made with fresh ingredients such as cauliflower, garlic, lime, cilantro, and butter.

    To make the recipe, you start by ricing the cauliflower in a food processor, and then sautéing it in a pan with garlic and butter until it's tender. The lime juice and chopped cilantro are added to give the dish a fresh, bright flavor.

    You can adjust the salt to taste and serve the cauliflower rice as a side dish or as a base for a burrito bowl. It's a great option for those who are looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian alternative to traditional rice.

    Rice in a bowl set on a kitchen towel.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's a healthy alternative to traditional rice. By using cauliflower instead of rice, you're reducing the number of carbs and calories in the dish. This makes it a great option for those who are trying to eat a more balanced diet.
    • It's easy to make. This recipe only requires a few ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. Plus, it's a one-pan dish, so you don't have to worry about washing a lot of dishes.
    • It's versatile. You can serve this cauliflower rice as a side dish or use it as a base for a burrito bowl. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables.
    • It's a budget-friendly dish. Cauliflower is often less expensive than rice, making this dish a budget-friendly option for those who are looking to save money on their grocery bill.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the cauliflower rice.
    • Butter: Used in this recipe to add flavor and richness to the cauliflower rice.
    • Garlic: Adds a delicious flavor to this dish.
    • Riced Cauliflower: A great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to rice.
    • Lime: Adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish.
    • Cilantro: Adds a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.
    • Salt: Used to enhance the flavor of the dish.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the cauliflower rice.

    Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Step 2: Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender.

    Step 3: Squeeze the lime juice over the cauliflower rice and mix well.

    Step 4: Add the chopped cilantro and salt to taste. Mix well.

    Cauliflower lime rice in a white bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • Use fresh cauliflower. For the best results, use fresh cauliflower that is firm and free from blemishes. Avoid cauliflower that has a strong odor or has turned yellow.
    • Don't overcook the cauliflower. Cauliflower rice cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Cook it just until it's tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
    • Squeeze out excess moisture. Cauliflower rice can release a lot of moisture as it cooks. To prevent a soggy texture, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
    • Serve it hot. This dish is best served hot, so be sure to serve it immediately after cooking. It can be reheated, but it may lose some of its texture and flavor.

    Variations

    • Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the cauliflower rice, such as bell peppers, onions, or corn, to make it more colorful and nutritious.
    • Add protein: To make this dish a more filling meal, you can add your favorite protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You could also add black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
    • Make it spicy: If you like your food spicy, you can add jalapenos, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the recipe to give it a kick.
    • Make it creamy: To add a creamy texture to the cauliflower rice, you can mix in some cream cheese, sour cream, or coconut milk.
    • Change the herbs: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can try using other herbs such as parsley, basil, or mint.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Cauliflower rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

    Freezing: Let the cauliflower rice cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice, but it may have a softer texture and may require less cooking time. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for cooking time and adjust the recipe accordingly.

    Can I use ghee or oil instead of butter?

    Yes, you can use ghee or oil instead of butter, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.

    Can I omit the garlic?

    Yes, you can omit the garlic, but it will change the flavor profile of the dish.

    Can I use lemon instead of lime?

    Yes, you can use lemon instead of lime, but it will change the flavor slightly.

    Can I make this dish vegan?

    Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter or oil instead of butter.

    More Cauliflower Recipes You'll Love

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter!

    Thumbnail of copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice.

    Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice

    5 from 20 votes
    By Kate
    This copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice. It's low carb, gluten free, and vegetarian, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs. Enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a base for a burrito bowl.
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 5 minutes mins
    Cook 10 minutes mins
    Total 15 minutes mins
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 101kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Cutting Boards
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Citrus Squeezer
    • Ceramic Frypan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 16 ounces riced cauliflower pre-packaged frozen or use a cheese grater on fresh cauliflower
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 lime juiced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender.
    • Squeeze the lime juice over the cauliflower rice and mix well.
    • Add the chopped cilantro and salt to taste. Mix well.

    Notes

    • For the best results, use fresh cauliflower that is firm and free from blemishes. Avoid cauliflower that has a strong odor or has turned yellow.
    • Cauliflower rice cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Cook it just until it's tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
    • Cauliflower rice can release a lot of moisture as it cooks. To prevent a soggy texture, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
    • This dish is best served hot, so be sure to serve it immediately after cooking. It can be reheated, but it may lose some of its texture and flavor.
    • Storing: Cauliflower rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
    • Freezing: Let the cauliflower rice cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 33mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

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    281 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. cyndy

      April 05, 2020 at 5:03 am

      I love cilantro rice and making it with cauliflower is such a great idea! All the taste but with less guilt.

      Reply
    2. Adrianne

      April 05, 2020 at 4:57 am

      I would have this as a side dish for so many recipes!! It looks so healthy and I love the cilantro lime combo. Yum, nice one!

      Reply
    3. Nart | Cooking with Nart

      April 04, 2020 at 11:08 pm

      I've heard just about everyone rave about cauliflower rice and I don't think I can resist now! You recipe looks really easy so it will be the first one I try!

      Reply
    4. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      April 04, 2020 at 11:01 pm

      I love lime in my rice, so I am sure that I would love it in cauliflower rice. This looks so good as a side dish 🙂

      Reply
    5. Tamara J.

      July 06, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      What a perfect, healthy alternative to that delicious cilantro rice from Chipotle!

      Reply
    6. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef

      July 02, 2019 at 10:09 am

      A great healthy side dish to go with so many meals or even as a stand-alone, cilantro and lime is a favorite here!

      Reply
    7. Morgan

      July 02, 2019 at 2:50 am

      I’m a huge fan on the cilantro rice at Chipotle! This looks like the perfect way to satisfy that craving without all of the carbs! I will definitely give this a try!

      Reply
    8. Colleen | Bakes & Blunders

      July 01, 2019 at 10:53 pm

      Yes!! I love Chipotle, but eating only have a bowl is so disappointing. Now I can make my own at home and eat (almost) as much as I want 🙂

      Reply
    5 from 20 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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