A zesty, tasty rice dish – without the rice.
These days, it seems like everyone’s trying to cut back on carbs. So, for example, instead of serving grilled fish with rice and veggies, you just have the fish and the veggies and skip the rice.
I guess this is healthy, but it’s not very satisfying. A meal with two things on the plate just doesn’t have as many flavors and textures as a meal with three – and it’s a lot harder to fill up on. Which is where cauliflower rice comes in. This miracle product is cauliflower cut up into tiny pieces, so you can use it just like rice. You can buy it ready-made at the store, or make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in the food processor until they’re about the right size.
The great thing about cauliflower rice is that it soaks up the flavors of anything you cook it with, just like real rice. So you can make any kind of seasoned rice dish with cauliflower rice and it will be just as tasty, but not as carby.
Here’s a great example: Thai Basil Cauliflower Rice. It’s loaded up with onions, peppers, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and loads of fresh basil. All those flavors soak right into the “rice” to make a zesty side dish that will magically turn that plain grilled fish and veggies back into a complete meal.
NOTE: If you cannot find Thai basil, regular basil will taste just as yummy!
Thai Basil Cauliflower Rice
Instructions:
2 cups riced cauliflower (direction below for how to rice yourself, or use pre made)
2 cloves minced garlic
½ diced red pepper
¼ diced red onion
2 tsp garlic
2 tsp sesame oil
Hand full of fresh thai basil, chopped(NOTE: if unable to find, regular basil will work just fine)
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Directions:
1. To make your own riced cauliflower, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until you have a rice-like texture. *Don’t go too long, or else it will get soggy* OR simply use pre riced cauliflower. Most grocery stores have this now in either the fresh or frozen section.
2. In a large skillet, saute garlic, peppers, and onions over medium-high heat with 2 tsp sesame oil, until onions begin to look translucent.
3. Add in cauliflower rice and stir. Cook 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped basil and 3 tbsp soy sauce. Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve topped with extra basil and enjoy!
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Thai Basil Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups riced cauliflower direction below for how to rice yourself, or use pre made
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ diced red pepper
- Optional: chopped serrano chilies
- ¼ diced red onion
- 2 tsp garlic
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Hand full of fresh thai basil chopped(NOTE: if unable to find, regular basil will work just fine)
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- To make your own riced cauliflower, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until you have a rice-like texture. *Don’t go too long, or else it will get soggy* OR simply use pre riced cauliflower. Most grocery stores have this now in either the fresh or frozen section.
- In a large skillet, saute garlic, peppers, and onions over medium-high heat with 2 tsp sesame oil, until onions begin to look translucent.
- Add in cauliflower rice and stir. Cook 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in chopped basil and 3 tbsp soy sauce. Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve topped with extra basil and enjoy!
Video
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Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Mary Walton says
This Thai basil cauliflower rice is delicious. I added chopped white mushrooms and some roasted chicken meet. My husband and I love it. Thanks!
Corey says
Those additions sound delish!
Peggy F says
Love this recipe! It is very versatile and easy to make. I added stir fried chicken to the second recipe and plan on making on a regular basis now. Thanks so much for sharing.
Peggy F says
Loved this recipe! Tastes great even with just crushed basil leaves as I couldn’t find the Thai at the store last time. Think I will also try adding some zucchini too! Second time around I added some leftover stir fried chicken. This is a definite keeper.
Sue says
I was disappointed in this recipe. I followed the recipe as written but found it to be very bland.
Corey says
Sorry this recipe wasn’t to your liking Sue.