Making cauliflower rice in a food processor is fast and easy. It’s a healthy, low carb swap for regular rice. You can sauté it, steam it, or microwave it. Great for bowls, stir fries, or as a simple side. Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner or just want something lighter, this is a great place to start.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make cauliflower rice in a food processor, step-by-step. You only need one ingredient and a few minutes of your time. Once it’s done, you can sauté it, steam it, or microwave it for an easy side dish or base for your favorite meals.
Why You'll Love Cauliflower Rice
- Low in carbs, gluten free, and full of nutrients.
- Easy to make with just one ingredient.
- Pairs with seafood, meat, or veggies.
- An easy substitute for white rice without the starch.
- We love cauliflower rice with roasted rellowtail snapper, shrimp tacos, and this marinated chuck steak.
How To Make Cauliflower Rice in a Food Processor
1. Use the S Blade
Cut the cauliflower into chunks. Add a few pieces at a time to your food processor fitted with the S blade. Pulse in short bursts until the texture looks like rice. If any big pieces are left, scoop them out and re-process.
2. Use the Shredding Disk
Attach the shredding disk to your food processor. Feed the cauliflower through the chute. It shreds into small, even pieces in seconds.
Cooking Cauliflower Rice on The Stove
Once the cauliflower is broken down, you can enjoy it raw or cook it for a few minutes in a skillet.
- Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cauliflower and stir to coat.
- Cover and let it steam for 3 minutes.
- Uncover, stir, and cover again. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings.
Flavorings
Here are some simple flavorings for cauliflower rice.
- Garlic or onion: Toast 2 cloves of garlic or sauté a small yellow onion in butter before adding the cauliflower to the pan.
- Coconut aminos, green onions, and sesame: After steaming the cauliflower rice for 3 minutes, uncover and stir in coconut aminos and chopped green onions. Cook until tender. Off the heat, finish with a few drops of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Fresh herbs: Add chopped basil, thyme, oregano, or dill just before serving.
For Crispy Cauliflower Rice
If you want more texture and a little crunch, let it cook a bit longer until it browns on the edges.
Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Reheating
Reheat cauliflower rice in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Stir occasionally and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
You can also microwave it in a covered bowl for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower rice is a great base for meals or a quick side dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with seared white fish or lemon basil roasted chicken.
- Enjoy with reverse seared New York strip steak
- Add to beef bone broth for a filling mealSauté with butter and salt
- Serve with scrambled eggs
- Make cauliflower fried rice
Want more ideas? Check out my roundup of Cauliflower Rice Recipes for more ways to use cauliflower rice.
Takeaway
There are a few simple ways to turn a head of cauliflower into rice, and you don’t need any fancy tools.
The easiest way to make cauliflower rice is with a food processor and the S blade. Add the florets in small batches and pulse until they break down into rice-sized pieces. It’s fast, simple, and gives you an even texture every time.
Another great option is to use the shredding disk that comes with your food processor. Just feed the cauliflower through the chute and you’re done in seconds.
If you don’t feel like dragging out the food processor, a box grater will do the trick. Grab a large bowl, use the big holes of the grater, and run the cauliflower over it just like cheese. When you get to the smaller leftover bits, just chop them up with a knife.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll end up with a bowl of light, fluffy cauliflower rice you can cook up in minutes.
Cauliflower rice is perfect for a low-carb, keto, paleo, or vegan diet. Each cup of plain cauliflwoer rice has 3 net carbs and 2 grams of fiber. It's a healthy addition to any diet.
What Goes with Cauliflower Rice?
Cauliflower rice pairs well with almost any meal and can be served as a side or main dish base. Use it in salads or serve it with your favorite proteins. Try these recipes for a low-carb meal that’s easy, filling, and full of flavor.
- Pan Seared Chuck Steak
- Roasted Mahi Mahi
- Pan Seared Chicken Breasts
- Whole Roasted Red Snapper
- Grass Fed Beef Tacos
- Air Fryer Chicken Livers and Onions
For more healthy recipes, take a look at our low-carb vegetable recipes made with fresh ingredients
FAQ
One medium head yields about 4 cups of cauliflower rice.
No, start with raw cauliflower. Process it first, then cook it however you like—sautéed, steamed, or microwaved.
Use the S blade for pulsing florets into rice-sized pieces. You can also use the shredding disk for a finer, flakier texture.
Skip the microwave! Heat a skillet with a teaspoon of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower and heat, stirring constantly for a minute or so.
Yes. After ricing, transfer it to a freezer bag and flatten it out. It keeps well for up to 1 month.
Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works great. You don’t need to thaw it first, just add it straight to a hot pan and cook until warmed through. If there’s excess water, cook uncovered to let the water evaporate.
How To Make Cauliflower Rice in A Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower rinsed and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Breaking Down The Cauliflower
Grating the Cauliflower with "S" Blade Attachment
- Cut the cauliflower into chunks. Add a few pieces at a time to your food processor fitted with the S blade. Pulse in short bursts until the texture looks like rice. If any big pieces are left, scoop them out and re-process.
Grating the Cauliflower with Shredding Disk
- Attach the shredding disk to your food processor. Feed the cauliflower through the chute. It shreds into small, even pieces in seconds.
How To Steam Cauliflower Rice in a Skillet
- Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cauliflower and stir to coat. Cover and let it steam for 3 minutes.
- Uncover, stir, and cover again. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings.
Notes
- Garlic or onion: Toast 2 cloves of garlic or sauté a small yellow onion in butter before adding the cauliflower to the pan.
- Coconut aminos, green onions, and sesame: After steaming the cauliflower rice for 3 minutes, uncover and stir in coconut aminos and chopped green onions. Cook until tender. Off the heat, finish with a few drops of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Fresh herbs: Add chopped basil, thyme, oregano, or dill just before serving.
Nutrition
