Plain cauliflower rice makes an amazing substitute for regular rice when serving it with curries, stir fries, and in meal bowls. And while it in itself is definitely healthy, it’s probably not a dream meal option for a lot of people. If you’re looking for a substitute for rice as a side dish—a la Rice-A-Roni (the San Francisco treat!)— cauli-rice can be a little bit lacking.

Solution? Spice up that cauliflower rice! This trio of keto cauliflower rice recipes has something for everyone—and Indian-inspired rice with garam masala and turmeric, Lemon & Herb cauliflower rice that’s perfect for serving with your favorite protein, and Spanish cauliflower rice for an epic burrito meal bowl. You’ll want to instantly add these to your rotation – and to your meal prep!

While some cauliflower rice recipes call for steaming or microwaving the cauliflower, I’ve found that it’s worth it to get out a big skillet and make it on the stovetop with ghee or oil. The result is cauliflower rice that’s lightly browned and a little bit nutty—totally perfect and with the extra flavor it needs to upgrade from an otherwise bland veggie.

These cauli rice recipes are from Martina Slajerova’s latest cookbook Keto Slow Cooker & One-Pot Meals. If you’re into keto or low carb, you undoubtedly know Martina from her amazing blog, KetoDiet, and apps. I’ve been a fan of her food blog for some time, and I knew her cookbook wouldn’t disappoint—and it didn’t! It’s full of simple one-pot dinners that the entire family will love. I made the Halloumi Jalfrezi last week with the Masala Cauliflower Rice and it was a huge hit; the Greek Briam, Ratatouille Soup, and Broccoli & Mushroom Alfredo Casserole are all on my list to make soon.

Print Recipe

Cauliflower Rice Three Ways

Skip the starchy sides and make keto-friendly (and vitamin-C-rich) cauliflower rice instead: it’s the perfect partner for slow-cooked meat and flavorful sauces. Just add your favorite spices and you’re good to go!

Course: Side Dish

Servings:

Ingredients

Basic Cauliflower Rice:

1 medium cauliflower 720 g/1.6 lb
2 tbsp ghee/cooking oil
salt + pepper

Masala Cauli-Rice

1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/8 tsp chili powder

Lemon & Herb Cauli-Rice

2 tbsp 8 g/0.3 oz fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley
1 tsp fresh lemon zest
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Spanish Cauli-Rice

1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions

Run the cauliflower florets through a hand grater or food processor with a grating blade. Pulse until the florets resemble grains of rice.
Grease a large saucepan with ghee and add all the aromatics for the preferred cauli-rice recipe: Masala, Lemon & Herb, or Spanish.
Mix and cook over medium-low heat for up to 1 minute. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with slow-cooked meat and sauce.
To store, let it cool and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.