Enjoy a fresh and flavorful twist on cauliflower rice with this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe with Coconut! This coconut cauliflower rice is low-carb, diabetic-friendly, vegan and perfect as a side or a light meal, bursting with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a hint of coconut. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
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Why you'll love this coconut cauliflower rice recipe
- Low Carb Recipe: Cauliflower replaces traditional rice and is perfect for those watching their carb intake, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying low-carb and gluten free option.
- Diabetic Friendly: With no added sugars and minimal carbs, this dish is great for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Made with coconut milk and without any animal products, it's ideal for vegan and dairy-free diets.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and creamy coconut milk creates a mouthwatering and refreshing taste.
- Quick & Easy: Using frozen cauliflower rice and simple ingredients, this dish is ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients needed
These are the simple ingredients needed for this creamy coconut cauliflower rice recipe.
- Frozen Cauliflower Rice - we used a frozen cauliflower rice. Provides a low-carb, grain-free base with a subtle nutty taste and satisfying texture.
- Garlic Clove - Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor.
- Canned Coconut Milk - full fat coconut milk adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut - Adds texture and extra coconut flavor.
- Lime Zest - Provides a concentrated burst of citrus flavor.
- Lime Juice - Adds tanginess and acidity.
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro - Adds a herbaceous, slightly citrusy flavor and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper
* See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
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Steps by step instructions
How to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice?
STEP 1: Dry Fry and Season the Cauliflower Rice: In a dry frying pan, fry the frozen riced cauliflower over medium heat. Stir occasionally to remove moisture and get the rice a little crispy. Once the cauliflower rice is slightly crispy on the bottom, add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
STEP 2: Toast the Shredded Coconut: Create a well in the center of the rice and add the shredded coconut. Toast it until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, then mix it in with the cauliflower rice.
- Step 1: Dry Fry and Season the Cauliflower Rice
- Step 2: Toast the Shredded Coconut
STEP 3: Add Coconut Milk and Garlic: Create another well in the center of the cauliflower coconut rice and add the coconut milk and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is softened, then mix it through the cauliflower rice.
STEP 4: Add Lime and Cilantro: Finally, add the lime zest, lime juice, and freshly chopped cilantro. Combine everything thoroughly and serve. Garnish with additional lime zest and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Garlic
- Step 4: Add Lime and Cilantro
Recipe tips and variations
- Even Cooking: Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for some heat.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds or cashews on top for added texture and flavor.
- Herb Mix: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil in addition to cilantro.
Storage
To store Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:
- Allow it to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat:
- Heat in a pan with a bit of oil or coconut milk until warmed through, or microwave in intervals, stirring between, until heated to desired temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower. Simply pulse florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-sized pieces.
Absolutely! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat as needed.
It’s not recommended as cauliflower can become mushy when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
REVIEW: Have you tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 zest of 1 lime
- 1 juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a dry frying pan, fry the frozen cauliflower rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally to remove moisture and get the rice a little crispy.2 cups cauliflower rice
- Once the cauliflower rice is slightly crispy on the bottom, add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Create a well in the center of the rice and add the shredded coconut. Toast it for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, then mix it in with the cauliflower rice.1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- Create another well in the center of the rice and add the coconut milk and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is softened, then mix it through the cauliflower rice.¼ cup coconut milk, 1 clove garlic
- Add the lime zest, lime juice, and freshly chopped cilantro. Combine everything thoroughly.1 zest of 1 lime, 1 juice of 1 lime, ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- Garnish with additional lime zest and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
More Information
This recipe card provides the basic details to make this recipe. For more information, tips and variations please review the content above the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If conflicting information between the video and recipe card, the recipe card will always have the most up to date information, ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
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.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
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Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Not only is this rice delicious, it’s so easy to make. I’ve made it twice now and will most definitely make it again!
JC says
This was delicious; I made it as a base for burrito bowls. yum! Thanks for the recipe.
Claudia-Cristina says
Just tried this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe, and it was amazing! Super easy to make and packed with flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Sonja says
"Put the lime in the coconut" *sings*
Ahem...sorry. I just love that combo. Always makes me think of the song and is so delicious.
Thank you for making cauliflower rice a dish worth eating on its own. This was so good, I didn't even want anything with it.
Adriana says
Lovely side without the carbs! Perfect healthy dish. Thank you!