Make Perfect Cauliflower Rice with a Food Processor

When it comes to healthy eating, cauliflower rice is a versatile and nutritious alternative to traditional rice. It’s low in calories, high in vitamins, and has a subtle flavor that makes it a perfect base for a variety of dishes. The best part? Making cauliflower rice at home is incredibly easy, especially when you have the right tools. Today, I’m going to show you how to make perfect cauliflower rice using the best food processer ever (in my humble opinion)!

Why Cauliflower Rice?

Before I share this easy how-to, let’s talk a bit about why you might want to make the switch to cauliflower rice. This cruciferous vegetable is packed with benefits:

1. Low in Calories and Carbs: Ideal for those on low-carb or keto diets.
2. Rich in Nutrients: High in fiber, vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate and potassium.
3. Versatile: Can be used in a variety of recipes from stir-fries to burrito bowls.
4. Gluten-Free: A great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Choosing the Right Cauliflower

The first step in making great cauliflower rice is selecting the right cauliflower. Look for a head that is firm, white (or sometimes light green or purple for different varieties), and free from any brown spots. The leaves should be fresh and green, indicating that the cauliflower is still good.

Preparing the Cauliflower

1. Wash and Dry: Start by thoroughly washing your cauliflower to remove any dirt or pesticides. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Remove the Leaves and Core: Cut off the leaves and the tough core at the bottom of the cauliflower. You can save the leaves for another recipe or discard them.
3. Cut into Florets: Break the cauliflower into small florets. They don’t need to be perfect since they’ll be processed later, but smaller pieces make the food processing easier.

Using the Food Processor

The Ninja BL780C Supra Kitchen System is a powerhouse in the kitchen, making it the perfect tool for this job. I think it’s the best food processor to make cauliflower rice, and anything else you want to blend or process. I’ve had mine for well over a year now, and my family loves both the blender and food processor option! Its robust motor and sharp blades make quick work of cauliflower, turning it into rice in seconds. It’s super easy!

1. Set Up Your Ninja Food Processor: Ensure the food processor is properly assembled. Attach the chopping blade, which is ideal for creating cauliflower rice.
2. Process in Batches: Depending on the size of your cauliflower, you may need to process it in batches. Overloading the food processor can result in uneven ricing and may strain the motor.
3. Pulse to Perfection: Add a batch of cauliflower florets to the processor and pulse. Pulsing rather than running the processor continuously gives you more control and prevents the cauliflower from becoming too fine. Aim for a texture similar to grains of rice.

NOTE: If you don’t want to use a food processor, you can use a box grater instead. Cut the cauliflower into florets and grate each one with a medium-sized box grater into a large bowl.

Storing Your Cauliflower Rice

Once you’ve riced your cauliflower, you have a few options for storage:

1. Refrigerate: Place the cauliflower rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, spread the cauliflower rice in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. This method prevents clumping and makes it easy to portion out what you need. Frozen cauliflower rice can last up to six months.

Cooking Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice can be enjoyed raw, but it truly shines when cooked. Here are a few methods to try:

1. Sautéing: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. This method enhances the nutty flavor of the cauliflower.
2. Steaming: Place the cauliflower rice in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes until tender. This method keeps the cauliflower rice light and fluffy.
3. Microwaving: Place the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. This is a quick and convenient method if you’re short on time.

Recipe Card

Delicious Recipes Using Cauliflower Rice

Now that you’ve mastered how to make cauliflower rice with the best food processor, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire you:

1. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, riced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Add the peas and carrots and cook until tender.
3. Push the veggies to the side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until fully cooked.
4. Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet, mixing everything together. Pour in the soy sauce and stir-fry until the cauliflower is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

2. Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, riced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Salsa, for topping
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender.
2. In bowls, layer the cauliflower rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and avocado.
3. Top with salsa and fresh cilantro. Enjoy immediately.

3. Cauliflower Rice Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, riced
• chopped cucumber
• Nori sheets, sliced
• avocado half
• sushi tuna (I buy the packs in the freezer at Costco!)
• siracha mayo
• Better Bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook the cauliflower rice in a skillet for about 5 minutes until tender.
2. To a shallow bowl, add the rice, chopped cucumber, sliced nori, avocado half, and and sushi tuna.
3. Drizzle the bowl with siracha mayo, and sprinkle with Better Bagel seasoning.

Making cauliflower rice at home is a simple, rewarding process, especially with the help of the Ninja BL780C food processor. Not only do you get to enjoy a nutritious and versatile ingredient, but you also have the freedom to customize the texture and flavor to your liking. Whether you’re preparing a healthy side dish or creating a base for your favorite meals, cauliflower rice is a fantastic addition to any kitchen repertoire. So grab a fresh head of cauliflower, fire up your food processor, and get ricing! Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.

Want another delicious way to prepare cauliflower for a snack or side? Try my crispy cauliflower air fryer recipe!