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Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

May 27, 2014 by Joy the Baker 45 Comments

Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

Be advised:  It would be best not to get in between me and my burrito.

I’m talking about the kind of burrito that’s the size of a newborn baby and served, covered in cheese and red sauce, on a scalding hot that plate that I always touch even thought I’m cautioned against it.  The kind of burrito that is filled with so much cheese, so much rice, so much stewed beef, so much guacamole… it feels as right as it does obscene.

Yea… don’t get in between me and that burrito.  It’s probably best if we don’t even make eye contact.

This (thankfully/sadly) is not that burrito.

Let’s welcome cauliflower to the table.  We’ll set aside all the beef, red sauce, and most of the cheese momentarily.

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

This recipe starts with Cauliflower Rice which I’m pretty sure is ALL THE RAGE on paleo blogs.  I make the opposite of a paleo blog, so…. this might seem a little strange.

We’re talking about the simple art of turning raw cauliflower florets into little bits of simulated rice.  It’s good, it’s really really good!

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

Cauliflower + Food Processor = Cauliflower Rice.

I used a purple and green cauliflower, not because I’m fancy, mostly because that’s what looked fresh at the grocery.

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

Once the cauliflower is pulverized, it’s placed into a hot skillet with olive oil.  It’s sautéed, softened, and browned.  Salt and pepper are generously added.

Cauliflower, olive oil, salt and pepper are just the basics.  This rice really can take on any flavor that you’d like.

You might consider adding:

– sautéed onions and garlic.

– roasted tomatoes and fresh cilantro.

– fresh lemon juice and parsley.

You can decide on your degree of fancy.  It’s up to you!

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

I surrounded my simply seasoned cauliflower rice with burrito bowl inspired flavors:  fresh avocado, black beans, spicy salsa, cilantro, jalapeños, leafy kale greens,  cheese and freshly fried corn chips because CAN WE LIVE A LITTLE!?  Yes, of course we can.

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

The kale is cooked down with olive and garlic.  Wilty but not too wilty.

Cheese is grated, because we like treats, and chips are ready to be fried.

cauliflower rice burrito bowls

I think this bowl is best served in zones… unlike, very unlike a well-made burrito.

Warm cauliflower rice, garlic greens, black beans, crispy salty fried corn chips, shredded cheddar, avocado chunks, lime and spicy salsa.

Totally burrito bowl good-times without feeling like we ate an entire burrito baby.  Protein + greens + vegetables + a little cheese for good measure.  I’m pretty sure the next step is getting way way into CrossFit, so… get ready!

Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

makes 2 bowls

Print this Recipe!

For the Cauliflower Rice:

(Like any rice, this cauliflower rice takes on any flavor that you’d like.  Feel free to add sautéed onions, garlic, or fresh herbs to this rice.  Below are the bare bones of cauliflower rice.)

1 small head of raw cauliflower, any color, cut into medium florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

For the Burrito Bowls:

(Divide and heap each of the following onto two large shallow bowls, or two plates.)

2 large portions of cauliflower rice

1 cup black beans, warmed

2 cups kale or spinach, wilted and sautéed in olive oil and garlic

2 spoonfuls spicy salsa

2 small handfuls shredded cheddar cheese

1 ripe avocado, sliced or cut into chunks

pickled jalapeños

fresh fried corn tortilla chips

fresh cilantro leaves

To make the cauliflower rice, place florets in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment.  Process until cauliflower is ground into fine bits that resemble bits of rice or couscous.

Place a large skillet over medium heat.  Add olive oil.  Add the cauliflower bits to the heated pan and toss to combine.  Allow to cook until the cauliflower rice has softened slightly and browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.  Season generously with salt and pepper.  Add any other flavoring, herb, or seasoning you might enjoy.  Remove from heat and spoon into two large bowls.  If you have any excess rice, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To make a burrito bowl, start with a large shallow bowl or plate.  Spoon cauliflower rice onto the plate.  Spoon warmed black beans next to the rice.  Spoon sautéed kale next to the beans.  Top generously with hot salsa, shredded cheese, ripe avocado, pickled jalapeños, fried tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro leaves.  Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Featured Dinner, Featured Gluten-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Recipes, Savory

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. leahgreenbergdavis

    May 27, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Woah!! Definitely want to give this a try. Those cauliflower colors are amazing!!

    Reply
  2. Ali D.

    May 27, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    Thank you so much for this, Joy! I am a cauliflower rice convert and can’t wait to give a “rice” burrito bowl a try.

    Also, the “Dear Guy Who Just Made My Burrito” link you posted in the last “Let it be Sunday” had me giggling like craaaaazy. Burrito zones are a terrible, terrible thing.

    Reply
  3. sundiegoeats

    May 27, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    Did not realize cauliflower rice was that simple! I will have to try it out, I’m thinking more along the lines of some cauliflower fried rice?

    Reply
  4. Rebeca

    May 27, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    I had to try cauliflower rice after you posted about it and I loved it! And this? This looks like lunch tomorrow.
    The CrossFit comment made me laugh. After the first class I was like “hell no, not again!” and now I’m HOOKED.

    Reply
  5. Lauren

    May 27, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    i love cauliflower at the mo – rice and for pizza base, it’s amazing ! this looks like my next cook in the kitchen
    Lauren x
    Please nominate my blog for Best Lifestyle Blog and Newcomer here !
    Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography – http://www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  6. cookienameddesire

    May 27, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    I haven’t made cauliflower rice yet, but I really want to make some now. This just looks….fantastic..

    Reply
  7. Shea L.

    May 27, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    So healthy and looks soooo yummy!!

    XoXo Shea L.

    http://www.kissmychocolate.com

    Reply
  8. GaiaGoodnessNaturalFoods

    May 27, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Cauliflower rice! Who knew. Definitely trying this! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Crystal

    May 27, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    You have me hungry and ready to work on my shopping list so that I can make this bad boy for myself!

    Reply
  10. marcie@flavorthemoments

    May 27, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Using cauliflower rice in a burrito bowl is a great idea, and I can’t wait to try it! Love the purple and orange cauliflower, too. :)

    Reply
  11. Tracy

    May 27, 2014 at 11:41 am

    Please, please don’t get all into crossfit! My roommates and I used to order burritos in on Friday nights and it was the same sort of no-eye-contact situation! This burrito bowl, however, looks delightful and guilt free!

    Reply
  12. but i'm hungry

    May 27, 2014 at 11:21 am

    I’m totally not usually into things like cauliflower rice, but I think I might just make it because, hello, that purple-pink and green rice is gorgeous. Admit it… you’re a little fancy. ;) And everything else in that bowl looks fantastic, too!

    Reply
  13. shelly

    May 27, 2014 at 10:47 am

    i feel so skeptical about cauliflower rice, but i’ll try anything once. as far as crossfit, well lets just say it wasn’t for me. blogged about it here.

    https://ohshellsbells.blogspot.com/2013/12/crossfit-bootcamp-stream-of.html

    Reply
  14. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health

    May 27, 2014 at 9:22 am

    ideal breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

    Reply
  15. Ashley @ Metal + Honey

    May 27, 2014 at 7:58 am

    I’m always in search of great burrito bowl variations. I’m so curious about cauliflower rice and will have to give it a shot!

    Reply
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