Cauliflower rice is a great way to eat more veggies. While you can buy it pre-made it is simple and easy to make it yourself. Today, I share two methods to make this raw rice and three methods to cook this rice in less than 10 minutes.

Table of Content
Are you hooked on cauliflower rice yet? It is so versatile! You can use it to make a pizza crust and even as a tart base. How cool is that? Well, the most common use of it is as a substitute for steamed rice. I often replace my rice, couscous, or pasta with cauliflower rice. Have you tried cauliflower rice with chicken curry? Have you ever make a cauliflower rice pilaf? Try my Mustard Dill Cauliflower Rice or turmeric cauliflower rice.
Unfortunately, I do not find cauliflower rice in the supermarket. I have to make my own from scratch. The best part? It's super simple, it's unbelievably cheaper and it's fresh!! Nothing beats anything fresh and homemade. Does it?
Cauliflower and stomach gas
Yeah I know it's a sensitive topic but has to be said. Cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts are a Cruciferous variety of vegetables that can cause uncomfortable stomach gases or flatulence leading to uncomfortable bloating, and sometimes severe stomach pain too. You can read more about it here. I want to share with you what my mom taught me.
My mom always cooked these veggies with herbs and spices which she claimed helped with these issues. I cannot scientifically prove this to you but I have followed my mom's advice over the years and I must say my family has fewer issues.
Mom would say - add any two or three of these with your cruciferous veggies (even legumes and pulses) and it will help - cumin seeds, carom seeds, anise seeds, fennel, cilantro, mint, dill, mustard, cardamon seeds, garlic, ginger, onion, lemon juice.
The other important ingredient that my mom (most Indian households) always use is asafoetida. It's a gum from the fennel with a really terrible smell but very effective in helping with gas. I remember when my neighbor was nursing her baby and she was suffering from severe gas, my grandmother would give her ¼ teaspoon of asafoetida in warm water. Apparently, it was very effective.

Make cauliflower rice - 2 methods
First, buy yourself a good large cauliflower. Find one that is bright and fresh with not much trimming needed. Roughly rinse the cauliflower then shake off any excess moisture that may have gone between the florets. As shown in the video - remove all the greens by removing the stem off first.
Method 1 - Food-processor
- Separate the florets or roughly chop them with a knife. Place in a food processor. Pulse or blitz in short bursts until it is reduced to rice grains consistency.
Method 2 - With a box grater
- Use a box grater and grate the large pieces using the large side of the grater until you have rice gain consistency.
Notes
- Drain the cauliflower and remove all moisture before you pulse or grate
- Use a pulse/ blitz action in small bursts not a continuous motion on the food processor.
- Once most of the cauliflower has reached rice consistency - remove any large pieces out rather than continue to pulse. This will prevent too much moisture and soggy cauliflower rice.
- If using a grater keep the cauliflower pieces large to protect your fingers. The small pieces are better put aside for other users to prevent your fingers from getting hurt.
- Make a large batch of rice but cook in smaller batches for best results.
- You can keep this uncooked rice in the fridge for a few days (almost a week) and it will stay fresh.
This is raw cauliflower rice but as you can see -not too pasty - you want it grainy. That will give you fluffy not soggy or mushy cauliflower rice.

Three ways to cook cauliflower rice
I - Microwave
- This is my absolute favorite method. It's simple, easy, and effortless.
- Place the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not cover it.
- Cook on high for three minutes. Remove and fluff with a fork.
- Taste, check for doneness. If necessary cook for one or two minutes more. Fluff again. Serve.
II - Saute or stir-fry
- This is my second favorite method because this lets me add so much more flavor to the rice. Sauteing adds a nice nutty caramelized flavor to the rice.
- In a saute pan, add one tablespoon of oil and the cauliflower rice.
- Cook on medium-high stirring often for about five minutes or until cooked. Serve.
III - Roasting
- This is a great way to make a light and fluffy cauliflower rice because it dries off all the moisture.
- Add a sprinkle of oil and spread the cauliflower rice in a thin layer on a baking tray. Place in a hot oven at 200 C / 400 F for about 12 to 15 mins.
- Make sure to toss it around once or twice in between cooking times. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions
No. Cauliflower is a vegetable and though you process it or grate it finely it will still taste like a vegetable. It is a great alternative to rice but it does not replace it as a grain. So if you choose to eat cauliflower rice don't expect it to taste like rice.
Cooked rice can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you place it in a ziplock or freezer bag it can last for up to a month in the freezer.
Actually the same way you cook cauliflower but for much less time.
Place it in the microwave at 30-second intervals.
Stir-fry it gently in a saute pan Or
Spread it on a roasting pan and bake at 180 C / 380 F for 10 to 12 minutes
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Printable Recipe
How to make Cauliflower Rice - Three Methods
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Video
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Cauliflower head (large)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Microwave
- This is my absolute favorite method. It's simple, easy, and effortless.
- Place the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not cover it.
- Cook on high for three minutes. Remove and fluff with a fork.
- Taste, check for doneness. If necessary cook for one or two minutes more. Fluff again. Serve.
Saute or Stir-Fry
- This is my second favorite method because this lets me add so much more flavor to the rice. Sauteing adds a nice nutty caramelized flavor to the rice.
- In a saute pan, add one tablespoon of oil and the cauliflower rice.
- Cook on medium-high stirring often for about five minutes or until cooked. Serve.
Roasting
- This is a great way to make a light and fluffy cauliflower rice because it dries off all the moisture.
- Add a sprinkle of oil and spread the cauliflower rice in a thin layer on a baking tray. Place in a hot oven at 200 C / 400 F for about 12 to 15 mins.
- Make sure to toss it around once or twice in between cooking times. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- I find that if I cover the rice it retains moisture and makes it mushy - soggy. But if you keep the rice open when cooking the excess moisture is evaporated and you have nice fluffy rice.
- Never season this rice before it is cooked. Adding salt makes vegetables release their liquid which in this case makes the grains mushy. So cook the vegetable rice first, then season with salt and pepper.
- The best way to avoid wet mushy rice when sauteing it is to keep the heat on medium-high so the moisture evaporates as soon as it is released. This will give you a nice light and fluffy sauteed rice.
- The trick to getting fluffy rice when roasting in the oven is to use a very hot oven no less than 200 C/400 F and make sure you preheat the oven well before you put the cauliflower rice in the oven. This will again evaporate the moisture as soon as it is released.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Samantha
I really need to watch my carbs I am a diabetic and sometimes just eating yogurt and tuna fish and things that are quick to grab, Raw riced cauliflower, a tablespoon and two Tbl sp plain yogurt, sprinkle it with shredded cheese,,wonderful
Veena Azmanov
I know what you mean Samantha. Though we need to lower our carbs we still need to makes sure we enjoy variety so we don't get bored. I think you will love this.