Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (2024)

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I was on Pinterest a few weeks ago. You know, had five minutes of spare time so I jumped on.

Before you know it I had pinned the whole world. I have 50,000 projects to complete and 30 large pegboards to buy along with at least 100 pallets.

Don’t even get me started on pallets. Except I will say one day my home will be completely decorated by use of pallets and it will cost me like $100 total.

Awesome.

I digress. So, I am loving these copycat recipes on Pinterest. Love!

One particular copycat recipe kept coming up. The copycat recipe for Chipotle’s cilantro rice. YUM! I do not make rice anymore, not since I discovered paleo cauliflower rice. So naturally I thought, I can make that! I CAN MAKE THAT!! But the paleo version.

I went to work. I followed the Chipotle copycat recipe using cauliflower for rice and…disaster. Gross. No good. And thus proceeded the walk of shame to the trash can.

But then I started thinking encouraging thoughts and decided, No! I can make that. I CAN MAKE THAT!

So I tried again with a very tweaked recipe that still included the basic ingredients. It was…Awesome!

So, you should make it too. And feel awesome.

How To Make Paleo Cauliflower Rice with Fresh Lime and Cilantro

Take a head of cauliflower, clean it and then cut it into large pieces.

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (1)

Using your food processor, attach the cheese grater attachment and feed the chunks through the tube.

It can get a little crazy at this point as the cauliflower might start popping out of the tube (as my dear friend let me know). To avoid this, do not remove the tube completely, just have it cracked open and add the cauliflower. Or turn off the food processor and add some cauliflower, pulse and repeat 🙂

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (2)

If you do not have a cheese grater attachment you can grate the cauliflower with a box grater. One of my friends just pulsed it in her food processor without the attachment but she said it changed the outcome of the “rice” effect. So I suggest the cheese grater attachment when using a food processor!

If it does go through the cheese grater it will come out all beautiful and fluffy like this:

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (3)

Now, turn your burner to medium low. In a large pot, add the riced cauliflower and ¼ cup chicken broth. The chicken broth will add a hint of flavor to your cauliflower, which is good because cauliflower can be a little bland.

Also add ½ tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

Cover the pot and allow the cauliflower to steam. After about 7-8 minutes the cauliflower should be tender and cooked.

While that is steaming take one to two limes and wash them (if you like a strong lime flavor go with two. If you prefer a hint of lime, go with one). Then zest them. Set the zest of the lime aside and cut the lime(s) in half so you can add the juice later.

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (4)

Then grab some cilantro. I roughly chopped up about 2 tablespoons (we love cilantro) but use as much or as little as you like.

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (5)

Once the cauliflower is done (you can taste it for doneness – what? Apparently “doneness” is not a word. Really? Surely it is a culinary term. Doneness. Done-ness. Whatever. Anyway taste it to see if you need to add more salt!).

Add the zest of the lime. Then add juice from one half of the lime.

Give it a good stir and then taste. If you want more of a lime kick add the juice from the other limes, tasting as you go.

Turn the burner off and add the cilantro. This is important. The Chipotle copycat rice recipe has the rice cooking with the cilantro in it – but fresh herbs are most vibrant in flavor when they are barely cooked. When I added the cilantro to the cauliflower and let it all steam together the first go around the cilantro was wilted and had lost most of its flavor.

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (6)

So, yes. Add cilantro last. Stir. Eat. Feel awesome.

Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (7)

We serve our cilantro lime rice with grilled chicken and veggies (a fajita spread if you will).

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Paleo Cauliflower Rice with Fresh Cilantro

★★★★★5 from 1 review
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 23 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime zested and cut in half
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Wash the head of cauliflower, cut it into large chunks and put it through the food processor with the cheese grater attachment.
  2. Add the cauliflower to a large pot and pour the chicken broth over it.
  3. Add garlic powder and salt and turn the burner to medium low.
  4. Cover the pot and let steam for 7-8 minutes (until the cauliflower is cooked and tender).
  5. Add the zest of the lime and juice from half the lime. Stir.
  6. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
  7. Turn burner off and add fresh cilantro.
Chipotle’s Rice Recipe Gone Paleo with Paleo Cauliflower Rice (2024)

FAQs

What happened to cauliflower rice Chipotle? ›

In January 2021, Chipotle tested a cilantro lime cauliflower rice as a lower carb replacement for their standard rice, but it was discontinued later that year. Prepared in-restaurant daily, Chipotle's Mexican cauliflower rice is made from freshly grilled cauliflower, prepared in small batches on the plancha.

What is Chipotle cauliflower rice made of? ›

The company's latest plant-based menu innovation is crafted with freshly grilled, riced cauliflower seasoned with the savory spices of Mexican rice.

Is Chipotle cauliflower rice Healthy? ›

So, is the new cauliflower rice at Chipotle healthy? Well, it's significantly lower in calories and carbs compared to the standard white rice option. Nutritionists are also fans of riced cauliflower in general. "If you're looking to cut down on carbs or avoid gluten, it's a great option," St.

Is cauliflower rice extra at Chipotle? ›

Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice will cost an additional $2 and will be available in-restaurant and in digital orders from participating locations. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Why replace rice with cauliflower rice? ›

Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

What can you substitute for cauliflower rice? ›

Cauliflower Rice

You can also try cabbage rice, broccoli rice, and zucchini rice to similar effect. Look for these veggies already “riced” in the produce section or easily dice them into rice-sized bits yourself with a food processor.

What is the healthiest rice from Chipotle? ›

Choose your rice

The brown rice contains less sodium and more fiber than the white rice. If you did choose the burrito or tacos, you might want to skip the rice (210 calories) altogether since you're getting your grains in your shell. That said, white rice can also be a healthy choice if that's what you prefer.

Is cauliflower rice the healthiest? ›

Cauliflower rice is a nutritious alternative to rice that's low in calories and carbs. It may even provide a number of benefits, such as boosting weight loss, fighting inflammation, and even protecting against certain illnesses.

What's the difference between cauliflower and cauliflower rice? ›

While cauliflower is a mild-tasting, versatile vegetable, it doesn't have the same neutral flavor you get with rice. Instead riced cauliflower is mild, with nutty, slightly bitter undertones.

Which is better broccoli or cauliflower rice? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

How many calories in a bowl of Chipotle cauliflower rice? ›

431 Calories

Did Chipotle ever have cauliflower rice? ›

For plant eaters, carb watchers and dieters of all stripes, cauliflower is a menu staple. So it's not surprising to learn that Chipotle, following the successful launch of its Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice in 2021, is looking to expand its plant-based options with a second take on cauliflower rice.

How does Chipotle cauliflower rice taste? ›

Chipotle's cauliflower rice seemed like it was overcooked and overseasoned with salt — I wasn't able to taste lime or cilantro. I then tried it in a bite with chicken, guacamole, and fajita vegetables. The saltiness became less intense, but my whole meal seemed to turn into a pile of mush.

Can you get extra rice for free at Chipotle? ›

Especially if the employees are being stingy on probably the cheapest ingredients in-house, don't be shy to ask for extra rice or beans either for no additional charge. You can also ask for a half-and-half combination of white and brown rice or black and pinto beans.

Did Qdoba get rid of cauliflower rice? ›

We decided to launch the Mexican Cauliflower Mash instead of a cauliflower rice as it is a more innovative option and delivers an enhanced flavorful experience for our guest,” adds Katy Velazquez, Executive Chef at QDOBA.

Has there been a recall on cauliflower? ›

November 24 2021 - Flagship Food Group is voluntarily recalling a limited number of cases of frozen cauliflower, TJ Farms Select brand, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

What happened with Chipotle food? ›

The underlying issue behind the Chipotle scandal was a failure in food safety management. Deficiencies were identified in food handling procedures, employee hygiene practices, and supply chain monitoring. These shortcomings allowed for product contamination and the subsequent spread of infections among customers.

Does Chipotle have a keto bowl? ›

The Wholesome Bowl is Paleo, Whole30®, Grain Free, Gluten Free, and Keto. Light Rice, Black Beans, Fajita Veggies, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Guac, and Extra Romaine Lettuce. A balanced bowl for a balanced life.

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