Pin It The first time I made cauliflower rice, my roommate walked into the kitchen looking genuinely confused. She thought Id gone mad and put actual rice in the food processor, but when she tasted the golden turmeric-scented mixture, her eyes lit up. Now its one of those sides I keep in my back pocket for dinner parties when someone mentions theyre cutting back on carbs.
Last winter, I served this alongside a rich coconut curry, and my brother actually asked for seconds of the cauliflower rice instead of naan. That is when I knew this recipe was something special.
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Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower works best here, as frozen can become mushy when riced and cooked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: The onion adds sweetness that balances the earthy turmeric perfectly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Coconut oil works beautifully too if you want a subtle sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: This is the star, giving both color and that warm, slightly bitter flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds depth and rounds out the turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Helps your body absorb turmeric is benefits
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Adjust to your taste, but do not skip it entirely
- Pinch of red chili flakes: Optional, but I love the subtle heat it brings
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley: Fresh herbs make everything taste brighter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: The acid at the end wakes up all the spices
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Instructions
- Rice the cauliflower:
- Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, working in batches so you do not end up with cauliflower puree.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the spices:
- Stir in turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until the spices become very aromatic.
- Cook the cauliflower rice:
- Add the riced cauliflower and salt, stirring to coat with spices, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still with some texture.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat, squeeze lemon juice over the top, toss with fresh herbs, and taste for seasoning before serving warm.
Pin It This recipe became my go-to when I started eating more plant-based meals and realized I did not miss actual rice at all.
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Make It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in a handful of frozen green peas during the last minute of cooking for color and sweetness.
Perfect Pairings
This works beautifully under spicy curries, beside grilled salmon, or even as a base for breakfast bowls topped with a fried egg.
Storage & Prep Ahead
You can rice the cauliflower a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The cooked rice keeps well for 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or a quick skillet toss.
- Squeeze fresh lemon right before serving to keep it bright
- If meal prepping, store the garnish separately to add at the end
- A splash of water helps refresh leftover rice when reheating
Pin It I hope this becomes one of those recipes you make without even thinking about it, the kind that just works every single time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make turmeric cauliflower rice without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a box grater to rice the cauliflower by hand. Simply grate the florets using the medium-sized holes, working carefully to achieve rice-sized pieces. This traditional method takes slightly longer but produces excellent results.
- → How long does turmeric cauliflower rice keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this dish will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- → Can I freeze turmeric cauliflower rice?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooled dish in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil to refresh the texture.
- → What can I serve with turmeric cauliflower rice?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with Indian curries, grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or lentil dishes. It also works wonderfully as a base for grain bowls topped with your favorite proteins and sauces.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Stir in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or diced tofu during the final minutes of cooking. You can also top with toasted almonds, cashews, or hemp seeds for added protein and a delightful crunch.
- → Is turmeric cauliflower rice spicy?
The dish is mildly flavorful rather than spicy. The turmeric provides earthy warmth while cumin adds subtle depth. Optional red chili flakes can be adjusted to your preferred heat level or omitted entirely.
