Low-calorie, low-carb rice? Seven DELICIOUS ways to prepare cauliflower rice to satisfy your carb cravings
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Let's be honest, a meal is not considered complete without carbs, such as rice and bread, served along with protein sources — such as meat, fish, and plant-based alternatives — and vegetables.
And we all know how hard it is to resist carbs especially when we are on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
What's worse is many carb alternatives available on the market either contain large amounts of carbohydrates or are high in calories, making the search for substitutes more difficult for diabetics and fitness enthusiasts.
The solution that most nutritionists and fitness trainers share with their clients is to lessen the portion size of starches to keep their health in check.
But, did you know that there's a scientifically-proven hack for consuming the same amount of carbs without compromising your health?
Yes, folks, we are not deceiving you. In fact, you may have heard of this secret tip before...
Cauliflower rice is slowly becoming a popular source of carbs, thanks to its low-calorie content — one cup of cauliflower (approximately 107 grams) only contains 27 calories.
One cup of uncooked cauliflower rice only contains 27 calories. Credit: Food Network.
Not only is it low in calorie content, but cauliflower rice also tastes similar to normal rice, allowing consumers to enjoy the pleasure of eating rice without worrying about the possible blood sugar spikes it may cause.
The best part about this tip? Cauliflower rice is super easy to make! All you need is a head of cauliflower and a food processor.
Simply cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them in the food processor.
Pulse the cauliflower florets a few times until they break down into a "rice" consistency.
Make sure to not overdo the pulsing as cauliflower has a tendency to have a "mushy" consistency when you over-pulse it.
This is also the reason why it is not advisable to use a blender if you don't have a food processor for pulsing the cauliflower florets.
Instead, you may use a grater and grate the cauliflower instead.
Many home cooks said that you can eat the cauliflower rice as it is but it is better to cook it with a little bit of oil to make it softer and tastier.
YouTube content creator Justin, who runs the Cooking with Colt channel, said that he uses cauliflower rice as "a bed for stir-fries" and for preparing rice bowls and fried rice.
"What's really cool about cauliflower rice also, is that it has a very similar texture to real rice," he said.
Cooking with Colt host Justin said that he uses cauliflower rice in various rice recipes. Credit: YouTube/Cooking with Colt.
Meanwhile, Denise of Sweet Peas Saffron shared seven recipes for adding flavour to plain cauliflower rice, allowing consumers to enjoy it without getting "bored".
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
"Seven flavour variations so you'll never get bored," she wrote in the caption of her YouTube video.
"These work with homemade, store-bought, fresh and frozen."
Sweet Pease Saffron's 7 cauliflower rice recipes
A. Coriander Lime Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup coriander leaves
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, salt, garlic powder, and lime zest into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy).
4. Stir in coriander leaves and enjoy!
B. Golden Turmeric Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, turmeric powder, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy). Serve and enjoy!
C. Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp chipotle chilli powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup salsa
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, ground cumin, chipotle chilli powder, and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy).
4. Stir in 1 cup of salsa, and enjoy!
D. Lemon Garlic Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, garlic powder, zest of 1 lemon, and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy). Serve and enjoy!
E. Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, garlic powder, and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy).
4. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
F. Sesame Ginger Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Methods:
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
2. Add cauliflower rice, ground ginger, and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy).
4. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sesame seeds and enjoy!
G. Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Credit: YouTube/Sweet Peas Saffron
Ingredients:
4 cups pre-prepared cauliflower rice
1 tablespoon coconut oil (olive oil can also be used)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut milk
Methods:
1. Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a pan. You may also use olive oil if you don’t have coconut oil available.
2. Add cauliflower rice, coconut sugar, and salt into the pan once the oil is hot.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened (but not mushy).
4. Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk and enjoy!
Source: Sweet Peas Saffron
Are you looking forward to trying this recipe? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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