Cauliflower Rice Recipe: Healthy Low-Carb Spanish Side 2026

Cauliflower rice is a clever way to enjoy the look and texture of rice without any grains at all. Once the cauliflower is broken down into tiny pieces, it takes on the appearance of rice grains, making it a perfect stand-in for traditional rice in many dishes. This version cooks the cauliflower rice in a skillet with onion, garlic, carrot, and peas for a colorful, flavorful side.

You can use cauliflower rice in all sorts of recipes, from a simple vegetable side to paella-style dishes. Just keep in mind that it cooks quickly and doesn't absorb as much liquid as real rice, so use only enough broth to cover the ingredients. It also works beautifully as a substitute for white rice alongside any main course, or even in a cold rice salad.

While this recipe shows you how to make cauliflower rice in a skillet, you can also steam it for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, or microwave it with a splash of water, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes on high, stirring halfway through. However you cook it, this low-carb side is ready in about 40 minutes and pairs with everything from seafood to Asian-inspired dishes.

With just 156 calories per serving, this cauliflower rice is a light and healthy addition to any meal. The combination of sautéed vegetables and tender cauliflower rice makes it a satisfying dish on its own or as a accompaniment to your favorite protein.

Ingredients for Cauliflower Rice

For 2 servings

• 350 g cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 carrot
• 3 splashes of water
• 1 handful of peas
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

How to Make Cauliflower Rice Step by Step

1. Grate the cauliflower by hand

First, wash and dry 350 g of cauliflower. You can prepare the cauliflower rice by hand or with a machine. To do it by hand, cut the cauliflower into large pieces so they are easier to handle, then grate it with a coarse grater.

2. Place cauliflower in the food processor

If you prefer to use a food processor, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. This will help the processor work evenly. Place some cauliflower in the processor fitted with the chopping blade, working in batches to avoid overloading the machine.

3. Pulse the cauliflower

Pulse the cauliflower at maximum speed in 1-second intervals. Repeat this process 5 to 6 times until all the cauliflower resembles rice. If necessary, scrape down the sides with a spatula so the pieces stay within reach of the blades.

4. Repeat with remaining cauliflower

Remove the freshly made cauliflower rice from the processor and repeat the process with the remaining cauliflower. The number of batches will depend on the size of your processor.

5. Sauté the onion and garlic

Now move on to cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and add half a chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium-low heat until tender, then add 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute to release their flavor.

6. Add the carrot and peas

Add 1 chopped carrot to the skillet along with a splash of water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to soften the carrot. Then add 1 handful of peas and another splash of water if needed. Cover again and cook until both the carrot and peas are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Add the cauliflower rice and cook

Finally, add the cauliflower rice to the vegetables. Add one last splash of water, cover the skillet, and cook over medium heat. Depending on how tender you like your cauliflower rice, it may take 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure it doesn't burn. Finish by adjusting salt and ground black pepper to taste, and optionally add any other spice you like. Serve freshly made.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower Rice

Choose your cooking method

This recipe uses a skillet, but you can also steam the cauliflower rice for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, or microwave it covered with a splash of water for 3 to 5 minutes on high, stirring halfway. Each method gives a slightly different texture, so pick your favorite.

Use it as a versatile substitute

Cauliflower rice works as a stand-in for white rice in many dishes, from paella-style recipes to cold salads. Just remember it cooks quickly and doesn't absorb much liquid, so use only enough broth to cover the ingredients and avoid mushy results.

Adjust the seasoning

Feel free to add extra spices or herbs to suit your taste. The recipe calls for salt and black pepper, but a pinch of paprika or cumin can add a lovely depth. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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