Turmeric Cauliflower Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a deliciously easy way to get my veggies in, and the turmeric and cumin give the cauliflower rice such a vibrant flavor that I never get bored of it. Plus, it’s super versatile—I can pair it with any protein for a quick, healthy meal without sacrificing taste or time!

My Turmeric Cauliflower Rice recipe makes it so easy to change the flavor profile of a simple ingredient. Cauliflower rice (which is low-carb and gluten-free) is my go-to base for so many dishes, and I love how well turmeric and the other spices here play with it.

When you cook with turmeric, basing a dish around it can sometimes make it taste a little muddy. This is the opposite of that—it’s a dish that’s bright, with an earthy, zesty flavor that works really nicely with the cauliflower.

Ingredients

Cauliflower is very low in calories but high in fiber and digestion-improving nutrients.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory; it adds warm flavor and a beautiful, golden color.

Cumin: Boosts taste, helps with digestion, full of antioxidants.

Heart-healthy fats, promote satiety, rich in antioxidants: Olive oil.

Garlic: Enhances the immune system; teems with compounds that possess curative qualities.

Freshening, brightening, having a detoxifying effect.

That is cilantro.

Juice from lemons: Imparts an exhilarating, sharp flavor; plentiful in vitamin C; enhances taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wash the cauliflower and dry it with a towel. Next, put the cauliflower into a food processor and pulse it into small, rice-sized bits.

2. In a spacious frying pan, warm the olive oil on medium.

3. Add the garlic (minced) to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Combine the ground turmeric and cumin with the garlic, ensuring an even mix.

5. Add the rice cauliflower to the skillet, mixing it into the spices and oil so that it is well coated.

6. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine.

7. For about 5-7 minutes, cooking the cauliflower rice until tender, but not mushy. Stir occasionally.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the minced fresh cilantro.

9. Squeeze the lemon over the cauliflower rice and mix it in well.

10. Warm it up and serve it alongside or as the main
base to which you can add a healthy protein of
your choice. This base dish is highly versatile.

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel
4. Food processor
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large frying pan or skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Citrus juicer (optional)

FAQ

• What is the best method to rice cauliflower?The most effective method for making cauliflower rice is a food processor. Using a food processor, pulse the florets until they become rice-like in texture. But take care—don’t over-process, or you’ll end up with something resembling mashed cauliflower.
• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?Certainly, you can employ frozen cauliflower. Just ensure you completely thaw it and drain it thoroughly to eliminate any surplus moisture prior to processing it into rice.
• How do I avoid making the cauliflower rice soggy?Prevent cauliflower rice from becoming too wet by not cooking it for too long. It should be tender but not mushy, and if you’re using frozen cauliflower, be sure to drain off any moisture that accumulates and might otherwise make the rice too wet.
• Can I substitute fresh cilantro with another herb?Indeed, you may replace cilantro with either parsley or mint, contingent on your individual flavor preference.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?Indeed, meal prep works great with turmeric cauliflower rice. For up to three days, it stays fresh when stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.
• Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?Certainly! Think about mixing in some diced bell peppers, peas, or onions to enhance the flavor and texture even further.
• Is there a way to make this dish spicier?A super simple way to make a dish really pop with flavor (and heat) is to add some kind of chili to it. You can always go the red chili flakes route (which we really like in our kitchen), but you can also add chopped fresh chili (or several fresh chilis, depending on how hot you want it) to whatever you’re cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

Coconut oil or avocado oil can be substituted for olive oil to attain a different flavor.
Powdered turmeric: Replace with curry powder or saffron for a divergent flavor.
Ground cumin: Replace with either ground coriander or garam masala.
Use salt from the sea or Himalayan pink salt as a substitute.
Black pepper. Try using white pepper or more heated substances like cayenne pepper.

Pro Tips

1. For added depth of flavor, toast the cumin seeds in the skillet before adding the olive oil. Once aromatic, crush them slightly and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

2. To enhance the garlic flavor, consider adding half of it with the spices as directed and the other half in the last minute of sautéing the cauliflower. This will infuse the dish with both cooked and fresh garlic flavors.

3. After pulsing the cauliflower, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will help achieve a better texture and prevent the rice from becoming soggy.

4. For an extra hint of flavor, zest the lemon before juicing it, and add the zest to the cauliflower rice for a citrusy aroma and taste.

5. Consider garnishing with toasted nuts like sliced almonds or cashews for a delightful crunch and additional texture contrast.