What to Eat with Cauliflower Rice : 8 Tasty Sides to Try
Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to white rice. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, and low in carbs. But it’s hard to eat it without any sides or gravy accompanying it. With a tasty and healthy side dish to complement your cauliflower rice, your meal becomes much more enjoyable!
In this blog post, I will share a list of things that pair well with cauliflower rice. From simple sides like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to more complex dishes like roasted beef or chicken black bean chili, I’ve got you covered.
Have a look!
What to Eat with Cauliflower Rice
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Roasted Asparagus
- Chicken black bean chili
- Roasted beef
- Creamy spinach
- Glazed carrots
- Shrimp & German-style coleslaw
- Mushrooms au gratin
Steamed or roasted broccoli
Steamed or roasted broccoli is the perfect healthy side dish to complement cauliflower rice. The two ingredients are similar in color and texture, but the broccoli provides a contrast in flavor.
Steamed broccoli is mild and slightly sweet, while roasted broccoli has a nutty flavor that is enhanced by garlic. For a more enhanced taste, drizzle the broccoli with brown sugar, honey, or lemon.
The versatile vegetable can also be served with other side dishes such as roasted potatoes or grilled chicken. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with cauliflower rice.
Roasted asparagus is easy to make. Simply put the asparagus spears in the oven with lemon, salt, pepper, sugar, and your favorite herbs. The result is a zesty and flavorful side dish that is packed with nutrients. The zesty lemon flavor complements the saltiness of the asparagus.
Roasted asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat.
Chicken black bean chili
Chicken black bean chili is a hearty dish that is perfect for cold weather. The chicken and beans are a filling combination, and it’s easy to add your favorite flavors to chicken black bean chili. I like to add a little bit of spice to my chili, but you can add any flavor you like.
Cauliflower rice goes well with chili because it is a light and healthy side dish. The rice soaks up the flavors, and the cauliflower adds a slight crunch. I also like to top the dish with shredded cheese and chopped green onions for a much more flavorful meal.
Roasted beef
Roasted beef is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. In the winter, it’s a comforting hot meal that can warm you up on a cold day. In the summer, it can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect option for a picnic lunch. Roasted beef is also an excellent source of protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
The hot, savory beef pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy cauliflower, and the herbs add an extra depth of flavor. I like to use thyme and rosemary, but you can experiment with other herbs to find what you like best. Some also find roasted garlic and thyme to be a classic pairing for roasted beef.
For a lighter meal, serve roasted beef with cauliflower rice and your favorite vegetables. For a heartier dish, add some roasted potatoes or another grain to the mix.
Nevertheless, roasted beef is sure to be a hit no matter how you choose to serve it.
Creamy spinach
Creamy spinach is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with cauliflower rice. The creamy texture of the spinach pairs well with the light and fluffy texture of the cauliflower rice, and the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
Creamy spinach can be served hot or cold, but I prefer to serve it hot so that the spinach retains its nutrients. I also like to season my creamy spinach with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder to give it some extra flavor. You can also add a little chicken to your spinach for extra protein.
All in all, creamy spinach is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
Glazed carrots
Glazed carrots make a wonderful side dish for cauliflower rice. They are slightly sweet, healthy, and can be enjoyed in both winter and summer meals.
The key to making a great glazed carrot dish is in the seasoning. I like to use a combination of garlic, ginger, and onion powder to give the carrots a nice flavor. I also add a touch of honey to give them a slight sweetness. The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice.
Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a new side dish to add to your meal; I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.
Shrimp & German-style coleslaw
Shrimp & German-style coleslaw is a great side dish for cauliflower rice because it is easy to make and can be served either warm or cold.
The coleslaw adds a crunchy texture to the rice, and the shrimp provide a tasty and protein-packed addition. Plus, the coleslaw dressing gives the dish a slightly tangy flavor that complements the cauliflower perfectly.
The dish is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and protein. So not only is it a tasty side dish, but it’s also good for you!
Mushrooms au gratin
Mushrooms au gratin is the perfect side dish for cauliflower rice. The mushrooms are cooked in a cheesy sauce and then covered with a golden crust from the gratin.
When served warm, the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted. The garlic flavor is a perfect complement to cauliflower rice and you can add some meat to make it heartier.
I find that the dish goes well with the cauliflower rice because it is light and does not overpower the flavors of the rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are cauliflower rice made?
Cauliflower rice is made by grating a head of cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. The cauliflower can then be cooked in a number of ways, such as boiling, roasting, or sautéing. You can add your favorite spices to give it more flavor or chop your favorite vegetables and add it to the rice for a heartier meal.
What can I serve with cauliflower rice?
There are a number of things that go well with cauliflower rice. Some popular choices include beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and mushrooms.
Are cauliflower rice healthier than white rice?
Yes, cauliflower rice is healthier than white rice. White rice is high in carbohydrates and has a high glycemic index, whereas cauliflower rice is low in carbs and has a low glycemic index. Cauliflower rice is also a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Can cauliflower rice help you lose weight?
Cauliflower rice is a popular food among people who are trying to lose weight. This is because cauliflower rice is low in carbs and calories, and it is a good source of vitamins and fiber.
What does cauliflower rice taste like?
Cauliflower rice tastes like, well, cauliflower. However, it has a milder flavor than the cauliflower you might be used to. Cauliflower rice is also a little fluffy and light, which makes it a good alternative to traditional rice.
Conclusion
Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to white rice, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this article, I’ve shared a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with cauliflower rice. These dishes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make.