Whether you’re vegan or looking for a gluten-free recipe, cauliflower rice is an appealing option. And if you feel the process of making them from fresh cauliflower heads is a bother, then use the frozen ones instead. Cauliflower rice is an excellent way to enjoy the tasty feeling of regular rice without the added carbs. And the delicious, healthy paleo-friendly food can be prepared in a wide variety of methods and is open to a different range of seasoning ideas.
Before Cooking Frozen Cauliflower Rice
Don’t Thaw- Note that you don’t need to thaw the frozen rice first. Instead, break them, so you don’t have any chunks or clumps. You can do this by pounding the bag on the countertop a couple of times. If you pour it out and find more clusters, break them with a fork. Thawing the cauliflower rice will turn them wet and mushy, and they won’t come out fluffy or crisp.
Cooking Methods for Cauliflower Rice
You can prepare cauliflower rice in various ways, depending on the recipe you’re making it for and how soon you want it done. And below are some of the most common methods;
On the Stove
Place a reasonably-sized skillet on medium-high heat and add some oil into it. When it’s hot, pour in the frozen cauliflower rice and season with some onions, salt, and garlic. You can also use any blend of spices and seasonings you prefer. Stir-fry the rice on the stove for about five to six minutes until the moisture is mostly gone. The rice should also have a dense texture afterward. Note- Never cover the pan, or the recipe will become mushy.
In the Oven
Prepare the baking pan by coating the surface with cooking spray. Then, mound the rice at the center of the pan and add some pressed garlic and olive oil to the top. Mix the rice with the toppings to coat it thoroughly, and spread it evenly on the pan. Then, cook for 10 minutes at 400F, after which you turn it with a spatula to expose more surface. Cook again for another 15 minutes, by which it’ll have bits of brown spots. Serve as desired.
In the Microwave
Put the cauliflower rice in a bowl and add some broth or stock. Mix and cover, then cook for three to five minutes. If it’s not done to taste, stir, and cook at 30-second intervals. You want it to come out tender enough but not mushy. Once it’s done, season as desired and serve.
View this post on Instagram
In an Instant Pot
Add some olive oil into the instant pot and set it to SAUTE. Let the oil heat for a bit, and add some chopped bell pepper, garlic, and onions. Saute for a minute until fragrant, then stop the program. Put the cauliflower rice along with some spices and broth. Stir the contents till they mix evenly, cover the lid and seal the valve. Set PRESSURE COOK at HIGH on the instant pot and let it work for one minute. Once the cooking is done, release the valve and let the pressure indicator drop to zero. Then, turn off the instant pot, open the lid and fluff the rice. Leave it to stand for a few minutes before serving so any excess liquid can be absorbed
In an Air Fryer
Spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray, and pour in the cauliflower rice. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the rice for five minutes at 350F. Make sure to stir the rice every two minutes by shaking the basket so it doesn’t burn. At the second minute, add some diced red pepper, stir and let it fry. Then, serve as desired.
Serving Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice goes perfectly with a wide range of foods and dishes, including;
- Kimichi bowls
- As a Casseroles
- In stuffed peppers
- Pasta recipes
- Burritos bowls
- Bacon breakfast recipes
- Tofu sides
- Chicken, pork, and fish
- Pork meatballs
- Sautéed and blackened shrimp
Steamed Cauliflower Rice (3 Servings)
Ingredients
- Four cups frozen cauliflower rice, crushed
- ¼ cup vegetable stock
Instructions
- Pour the cauliflower rice into a casserole dish and add the stock. Stir and spread evenly in the container, then toss in the oven. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes at 425F until you notice the moisture almost gone. Serve when the rice is soft and tender.
More ideas for frozen cauliflower rice can be viewed in this video.