• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cassidy's Craveable Creations logo

  • Recipes
  • Start Keto
  • Meal Plans
  • Login
  • Patreon
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Start Keto
  • Meal Plans
  • Login
  • Patreon
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Start Keto
    • Meal Plans
    • Login
    • Patreon
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Home ยป Keto

    How To Cook Frozen Cauliflower Rice (Or Fresh)

    Published: Aug 7, 2020 Updated: Oct 16, 2022 By: Cassidy Stauffer May earn from affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pinnable image of cauliflower rice with text

    An easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to make perfect fresh or frozen cauliflower rice (keto rice!) to use in all your favorite recipes.

    cauliflower rice in small bowl with parsley.
    cauliflower rice in a bowl with parsley.

    If you're missing rice on your keto or paleo journey, this is the recipe for you!

    In this post, you find out how to make the perfect cauliflower rice to use in all your favorite recipes. Plus, it can be made using a fresh head of cauliflower or the bagged frozen variety.

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Low-Carb Rice: 1) It's super simple to make. 2) Tastes remarkably like traditional rice. 3) Is a perfect keto side dish. 4) Can be used in all your favorite recipes. 5) Is naturally gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegan, whole30, and grain-free!

    Jump to:
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Using frozen cauliflower rice
    • Preparing fresh cauliflower
    • How to cook
    • Storage instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    Frequently asked questions

    What is cauliflower rice?

    It's exactly what it sounds like! Cauliflower is shredded into rice-like pieces.

    Does it actually taste like rice?

    When cooked correctly, yes! It tastes remarkably like rice - just with a slight cauliflower taste.

    Can I use this recipe in soups and casseroles just like traditional rice?

    If adding to soups, add at the end because it only takes a few minutes to cook. If adding to casseroles, it's best to cook it first. Also, be aware that cauliflower rice doesn't absorb moisture as traditional rice does! So you may need to reduce the liquid if you use it as a replacement in a recipe.

    Using frozen cauliflower rice

    bag of frozen riced cauliflower.
    bag of frozen riced cauliflower.

    When buying frozen cauliflower, be sure to buy the riced variety. Other varieties, such as the crumbles, won't have the right texture.

    Important - Don't thaw or it will turn into a watery mess! Trust me, I've tried.

    Also, you don't want to just open the bag and put it on the stove - that doesn't work either!

    The rice will cook unevenly - some of it will be cooked and start to burn while you're still trying to cook through a huge frozen piece, lol 🤣

    Instead, before opening, hit the bag on the countertop several times, or until the pieces are completely broken up and not clumped together.

    This ensures that it cooks evenly.

    Preparing fresh cauliflower

    cutting the core of a piece of cauliflower.
    cutting the core of a piece of cauliflower.

    First, wash and trim the cauliflower of any brown spots.

    Then, cut it into quarters. Hold each quarter section of the cauliflower vertically and cut off the hard center as the picture shows above. The florets will fall right off!

    If the florets are too big, you can cut them into smaller pieces.

    grater attachment on food processor.
    grater attachment on the food processor.

    Now it's time to rice them! To do this you'll need to use either the grater attachment on your food processor (see picture above) or a cheese grater.

    riced cauliflower in bowl of food processor.
    riced cauliflower in a bowl of a food processor.

    I don't recommend using the S blade of a food processor because it will grate them unevenly. Some pieces will be too small while others will be way too big!

    How to cook

    chopped onion, salt, & garlic in bowl of food processor.
    riced cauliflower in the bowl of a food processor.

    Once your rice is ready to go, set it aside and very finely chop ยผ of an onion. This recipe goes so fast that you'll need to do this beforehand.

    I like to put mine in a food processor (along with garlic and sea salt) because it chops it so finely. However, you can chop the onion by hand if you prefer. Set aside.

    cooked cauli rice in cast iron skillet.
    cooked cauli rice in cast iron skillet.

    Then, heat some oil over medium-high heat in a medium-sized skillet.

    Add the cauliflower rice, chopped onion, garlic, and sea salt. The rice is very bland and plain on its own so it needs a bit of seasoning.

    Stir fry for 5 to 6 minutes for frozen or 3 to 4 minutes for fresh. Or until most of the water is evaporated, the onion is tender, and the rice has an al dente texture.

    Do not overcook or it will become mushy.

    Also, be sure not to cover the pan. This will also make the rice mushy.

    cauliflower rice in small bowl with parsley.
    cauliflower rice in a small bowl with parsley.

    Storage instructions

    Freshly riced cauliflower will last 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Cooked riced cauliflower will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

    Serving suggestions

    This recipe goes great with Beef & Broccoli, Orange Chicken, Fish Taco Bowls, Teriyaki Chicken, or any recipe you would typically serve with rice!

    Or if you're looking for more side dishes, these Baked Zucchini Chips from Cooking LSL look pretty amazing too!

    If you've tried this fresh or frozen cauliflower rice recipe or any other recipe on my site, please let me know in the comments below!

    Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    square image of cauliflower rice in a bowl.

    How To Cook Frozen Cauliflower Rice (Or Fresh)

    An easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to make perfect fresh or frozen cauliflower rice (keto rice!) to use in all your favorite recipes.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Add to Meal PlanGo to Collections
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    CALORIES :86kcal
    CARBS :5g
    FIBER :2g
    Author: Cassidy Stauffer

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium Head Cauliflower OR 10-12 oz Frozen Riced Cauliflower - approximately 4 scant cups
    • 2 tablespoon Avocado Oil - or fat of choice (ghee, butter, olive oil, etc)
    • ¼ small Onion (or โ…› of a medium onion) - finely chopped
    • 1.5 cloves Garlic - minced
    • ¼ to ½ tsp. Sea Salt - to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Prepare either the fresh or frozen cauliflower as directed below and set aside.
    • Once your rice is ready to go, set it aside and very finely chop (or process in a food processor) ยผ of a small onion. Set aside.
    • Then, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a medium-sized skillet.
    • Add the riced cauliflower, chopped onion, garlic, and sea salt.
    • Stir fry for 5 to 6 minutes for frozen or 3 to 4 minutes for fresh. Or until most of the water is evaporated, the onion is tender, and the rice has an al dente texture. Do not overcook or it will become mushy. Also, be sure not to cover the pan. This will also make the rice mushy. Taste and add more salt if needed.
    • Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

    Preparing frozen cauliflower

    • Before opening the bag, hit it on the countertop several times - or until the rice is completely broken up and not clumped together. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Important - Do not thaw! Otherwise, it will be a watery mess.

    Preparing fresh cauliflower

    • Wash and trim the cauliflower of any brown spots.
    • Then, tear off the leaves and cut it into quarters. Hold each quarter section of the cauliflower vertically and cut off the hard center. The florets will fall right off! If the florets are too big, you can cut them into smaller pieces. See the pictures in the post above if you need a visual aid.
    • Use either the grater attachment on your food processor or a cheese grater to rice the cauliflower. I don't recommend using the S blade on your food processor because the pieces with come out very uneven.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Notes

    • If adding to soups, add at the end because it only takes a few minutes to cook.
    • If adding to casseroles, it's best to cook it first.
    • Be aware that cauliflower rice doesn't absorb moisture as traditional rice does! So you may need to reduce the liquid if you use it as a replacement in a recipe.
    • When buying frozen cauliflower, be sure to buy the riced variety. Other varieties, such as the crumbles, won't have the right texture.
    • The onion can be replaced by โ…› to ยผ tsp. onion powder if desired. However, I prefer the taste of fresh, sauteed onion.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Scant Cup (approximate) | Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

    NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol

    Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.

    Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my

    Keto Resources
    Did You Try This Recipe?Mention @CassidysCraveableCreations so I can take a look!

    More Gluten Free Keto Recipes

    • square image of green bean casserole with bacon on a white plate.
      Easy Weeknight Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole
    • square image of kielbasa and veggies on a sheet pan.
      Patreon: Keto Sheet Pan Kielbasa With Veggies
    • banana smoothie with garnishes.
      Keto Banana Smoothie
    • chocolate smoothies in glasses with strawberries.
      Patreon: Keto Chocolate Smoothie
    236 shares
    • 128

    Cassidy is a certified keto and intermittent fasting health coach and a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of her family, she serves up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. She's passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    Read Moreโ€ฆ

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    pinnable image of cauliflower rice with text
    Head Shot Of Cassidy Stauffer

    Hi, I'm Cassidy! I'm a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach and am a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of my family, I serve up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. I'm passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Overhead shot of meatball soup in a pot
    • Overhead shot of lasagna soup
    • Homemade mayo in small mason jar with ingredients in the background
    • overhead shot of shredded chicken in a white bowl
    • close up of a fork cutting a piece of salmon
    • overhead shot of keto oatmeal with pecans

    Footer

    • Login
    • Logout

    Footer

    pinnable image of cauliflower rice with text

    ↑ back to top ↑

    About/Contact

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Contact
    • About Me

    Membership

    • Become A Patreon
    • Sign Up For Free Meal Planning
    • Cancel Membership

    Keto Resources

    • Start A Keto Diet
    • Keto Calculator
    • Keto Breads E-Book
    • Recipes
    • Watch My Web Stories!

    Cassidy's Craveable Creations BBB Business Review
    "as seen in" image

    Copyright @ 2025 Cassidy's Craveable Creations

    236 shares
    • 128

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    Name and email are required