Basic Cauliflower Rice (with 6 Flavor Variations)

by | Jun 18, 2025 | Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Trader Joe Favorites

Serves: 2 – 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 12 oz bag frozen riced cauliflower (I love Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Riced Cauliflower. Defrost before using — see recipe note)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion
  • 2–3 large garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon freeze-dried parsley
  • Finely ground sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of water (if needed)

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, pulse the onion and garlic until finely chopped.
  2. In a large frying pan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and garlic mixture to the pan. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the riced cauliflower to the pan and stir to combine.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and freeze-dried parsley.
  6. Increase the heat slightly and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is heated through and develops some browning or crispiness, according to your preference. (Note: If the cauliflower starts to stick to the pan, add up to 2 tablespoons of water). Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

  • I prefer to defrost frozen cauliflower rice in the fridge for a day or two — it softens nicely and browns more evenly. If you’re in a pinch, you can microwave it straight from frozen and still get great results.
  • I add parsley mostly for color — it’s totally optional.
  • Want more flavor? Try one of my 6 favorite variations below.

Flavor Variations:

Cauliflower Rice has become a staple in our house that we eat multiple times a week — especially in all the different variations. Honestly, we don’t even miss regular rice anymore.