Using Up Frozen Cauliflower Rice: Dinners, Sides and More

Do you have frozen cauliflower rice sitting in your freezer? Same. Are you wondering how to use it up before it goes bad? Or how long can it stay in the freezer? Or what are the best ways to cook cauliflower rice that’s been frozen? This article will answer all of those questions and more.

Using Up Frozen Cauliflower Rice

You may have purchased frozen cauliflower rice or made riced cauliflower because it’s budget-friendly, has a longer shelf life than fresh cauliflower does in the refrigerator or freezer and because it stores well. But months have passed, and now you have no idea how to use it.

Reasons To Use Cauliflower Rice in Your Meals

Here are a few reasons why you should pull that frozen cauliflower rice out of your freezer and work it into a meal this week, if not today.

One, convenience. Cauliflower rice is highly convenient since it is ready to use straight out of the bag. It saves you the time and effort of chopping a head of cauliflower yourself and making it from scratch.

Two, it’s a tried-and-true low-carb vegetable. It is the ideal alternative to traditional rice, says Robin Donovan, All Ways Delicious. “It’s so easy to heat it up while I’m cooking the rest of the dinner,” she says, “and it really is a great stand-in for regular rice.” It’s lower in calories and carbohydrates than rice and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Three, versatility. You can use cauliflower rice in so many different ways. You can use it as a base for stir-fries, a substitute for sushi rolls or a low-carb alternative to traditional rice in bowls and salads.

How To Cook Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Here are three ways to cook your cauliflower rice right out of the freezer. Two of the ways involve riced cauliflower you may have made yourself from scratch.

The third way is specific to store-bought versions that come in a bag. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and amount of frozen cauliflower rice you use. Refer to the package instructions for cooking times and temperatures.

Microwave Method (Non-Steamable)

1. Remove the frozen cauliflower rice from the freezer and place it into a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
3. Microwave on high for four to six minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower rice is heated through and tender.
4. Let it sit for one to two minutes before removing it from the microwave.

Microwave Method (Steamable)

1. Place the unopened bag of steamable frozen cauliflower rice in the microwave.
2. Make sure that the bag is placed in the proper position so that it can vent while cooking by following the instructions on the packaging.
3. Microwave the bag for the time listed on the packaging, for instance, on high for five to six minutes.
4. Carefully remove the bag from the microwave (it will be hot) and let it cool for at least one minute before carefully cutting it open with scissors.

Stovetop Method:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up.
• Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir to combine. You may need to add some water to the pan (check the packaging to confirm).
• Cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is tender and heated through before removing it from the heat.

How To Avoid Soggy Cauliflower Rice

One of the challenges I’ve faced when cooking new cauliflower rice or reheating some that’s been frozen is the soggy factor. That is, I’ll add water to help the steaming and, before I know it, the cauliflower is mushy and soggy and doesn’t resemble a rice at all. So here are a few tips to avoid soggy cauliflower rice.

Cook in Small Batches

If you’re cooking it on the stovetop, cook the frozen cauliflower rice in small batches. Cooking too much at once can produce excess moisture and lead to soggy cauliflower rice. I think that’s been my issue. I’m an impatient cook and so I try to heat up too much at once. Next time, I’ll try to work with smaller batches.

Don’t Overcook

Overcooking cauliflower rice can also lead to a soggy texture. Follow the instructions on the package and cook the cauliflower rice only until it’s tender, yet still has some texture.

Cook Using High Heat

When cooking cauliflower rice on the stovetop, you want to use high heat. This will help with evaporating any excess moisture. The high heat keeps the cauliflower rice from becoming too soft and soggy. So, in other words, don’t put the cauliflower rice in a pan, on low to simmer. You want to cook it fast over a high temperature or flame.

Cauliflower Rice Gone Bad

Frozen cauliflower rice can spoil like any other food, so follow proper food storage and handling practices. You should be able to keep cauliflower rice in your freezer for up to a year, assuming it is stored at zero degrees Fahrenheit or below.

If the cauliflower rice looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Other signs it is time to toss it:

• Gray color
• Has freezer burn
• Looks moldy

Ways To Use Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Here are more than a dozen different ways you could use up the cauliflower rice you have in your freezer.

• Cauliflower Fried Rice: Use frozen cauliflower rice as a base for a healthier version of this popular takeout dish.
• Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Top the cauliflower rice with your favorite protein, veggies and sauce for a delicious and nutritious meal, like this Meal Prep Saucy Salmon.
• Cauliflower Rice Mash: Cook the cauliflower rice from frozen, pour it into a food processor with some heavy cream, butter and seasonings. Pulse until smooth and creamy to yield a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry: Toss cauliflower rice with your favorite veggies, protein and sauce for a quick and easy stir fry.
• Cauliflower Rice Salad: Mix the cauliflower rice with fresh herbs, cooked vegetables, a protein, like chicken or salmon and a dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with cauliflower rice, protein and cheese for a tasty, low-carb meal.
• Cauliflower Rice Risotto: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional arborio rice to make a creamy and delicious cauliflower risotto.
• Cauliflower Rice Casserole: Prepare your frozen cauliflower rice with cheese and protein like this cheesy beef casserole for a filling dinner.
• Cauliflower Rice Breakfast Bowl: Top the cauliflower rice with eggs, bacon, avocado and salsa for a filling and delicious breakfast.
• Cauliflower Rice Sushi Bowls: Mix the cauliflower rice with avocado, cucumber, soy sauce and your favorite sushi toppings for a quick and healthy sushi bowl.
• Cauliflower Rice Falafel: Mix the cauliflower rice with chickpeas, herbs and spices to make a tasty and healthy falafel.
• Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: Cook cauliflower rice with spices, raisins and almonds for a flavorful and fragrant pilaf.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.