Description
This versatile Broccoli Rice recipe offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional rice. You can enjoy it raw as a nutritious addition to dishes requiring broccoli or cauliflower rice, or sauté it with cilantro, lime, and spices for a vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Basic Broccoli Rice
- 1 small broccoli head, about 8 ounces
Cilantro-Lime Broccoli Rice
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 2 scallions, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems, plus ½ cup cilantro leaves reserved
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, plus more to taste
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Remove any tough, woody parts from the broccoli stalk. If the outer skin is particularly tough, peel it with a vegetable peeler. Chop the stalk and florets into 1-inch pieces for easier processing.
- Rice the Broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli into a food processor and pulse until broken into tiny, rice-sized pieces. This yields about 2 cups of broccoli rice, which can be used raw in recipes calling for broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Sauté Broccoli Rice (Cilantro-Lime Version): Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and brush lightly with olive oil. Add the riced broccoli, diced scallions, minced garlic, chopped cilantro stems, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook and stir for about 1 minute, until just warmed and bright green.
- Season and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the ground cumin, lime zest, and squeezed lime juice. If using, fold in the cooked brown rice. Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt, pepper, or cumin as desired.
- Serve: Stir in the reserved cilantro leaves before serving for fresh flavor and garnish. Enjoy as a healthy rice alternative or side dish.
Notes
- You can enjoy this broccoli rice raw as a nutritious substitute for cauliflower rice in salads or bowls.
- Use the cilantro-lime sautéed version as a tasty side dish or mix-in to enhance your grain bowls or stir-fries.
- Peeling the broccoli stalk is optional but useful if the outer layer is tough or woody.
- Adjust the seasoning, especially lime juice and cumin, according to your taste preferences.
- The cooked brown rice inclusion is optional; it adds heartiness and texture but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American