Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Instant Pot

Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a healthier version of the much loved rice. It’s a delicious low- carb /calorie, gluten – free dish , and definitely a great substitute for rice. So quick and easy to make this cauliflower rice with Instant pot in just 10 minutes ( cooking time is only 5 minutes) . This is seriously satisfying and addictive -flavored rice. You don’t have to be in keto diet, doing whole 30 , trying to go paleo or vegan, simply try this nutritious alternative instead for rice, I’m sure your whole family will love it! With this recipe, you’ll surely get that perfectly grilled cauliflower texture and taste. Cilantro lime cauliflower rice would pair well with rice bowls , burritos , wraps or add your favorite protein and enjoy. Recipe includes stepwise pictures, and a video to watch.

Cauliflower vegetable, is commonly eaten as food. You’ll find cauliflower in shades of white, orange, purple, and green , while white is the most common color. No matter the color, the taste is the same – mild, slightly sweet, a little nutty. A serving is 1 cup, or about 100 grams, of chopped cauliflower. One serving of raw or cooked cauliflower has 25 calories, 0 grams of fat , and 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.

Initially me and my husband was hesitant to try this, especially me, I wasn’t ready to substitute it with rice. But when I made it, honestly didn’t like the smell while it was cooking.  After I tasted it , I instantly fell in love with the flavor and texture was amazing.

I should say I didn’t get this right on my first try , had to try several times to get the right cauliflower rice texture. And few problems I faced was , it took longer to cook on the stove top , I was getting burnt error when cooking it with Instant pot, I did not get that grilled taste or texture like they serve in chipotle, or my cauliflower got mushy when pressure cooked even with zero minute cooking time. Finally with many unsuccessful attempts , I figured out a method given in the recipe below ,and it turned out perfectly, like how I wanted it.

If you want to double the recipe?

Increase the serving size in the recipe card below and follow the measurement , sauté time will remain the same five minutes ( don’t increase the sauté time,  food will get burnt in the bottom).

Serving Suggestions 

Serve cauliflower cilantro rice with rice bowls , make your own burrito – wraps , or add your favorite meat / tofu / veggies and enjoy.

Recipe for Chipotle Veggie Burrito Bowl Air Fryer

Chipotle inspired veggie burrito bowl with the homemade cilantro lime cauliflower rice is an quick and easy wholesome food. Great alternative to take out that can be made in just about 25 minutes ( includes 15 minutes to make the fajita veggies in air fryer, and 10 minutes for cauliflower rice in Instant pot). The vegan bowl bursts with flavors from fajita veggies, roasted corn – black beans , placed over bed of cilantro lime cauliflower rice, and topped with freshly made guacamole. This is perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prep. Recipe includes instructions with stepwise pictures and a video, and meal prep instructions , check the link below:-

• Chipotle Veggie Burrito Bowl Air Fryer

Storing and reheating 

Store any cooked cauliflower rice in the refrigerator, in a clean air tight box . Make sure to cool down to room temperature after cooking , and then refrigerate.  Its stays good for up to 5 days in the fridge. I’ve not tried to freeze it so I’m not sure how long it’ll stay good in the freezer. To reheat, microwave covered (else it will become dry) for one or two minutes depending upon the quantity or just until warm ( not too hot) .

Other rice recipes ,

• Instant Pot Soya Keema Biryani
• Veggie Fried Rice
• Thengai Paal Sadam | Coconut Milk Rice
• Restaurant Style Chicken Biryani

Copycat recipes, few listed below,

• CPK Dakota Smashed Pea & Barley Soup Instant Pot
• PF Chang’s Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps
• PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp
• Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Instant Pot

Step by step pictures of how to make the cilantro lime cauliflower rice

Chop cauliflower and keep the ingredients ready – Cauliflower – clean the outer of the cauliflower (rinse with water – optional) , cut them into small size florets, and blend it using a food processor ( to the size of the rice, make sure not to blend to much , consistency is important), oil , lime juice , fresh cilantro leaves chopped finely , and salt.

Sauté using the Instant Pot – Please read instructions fully ( it is not just sauté ).

I used Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 8 Quart for cooking. Place the inner vessel into the Instant Pot. Press SAUTE mode on HIGH power. In CUSTOM settings, SET Timer for “FIVE” minutes only. Now Press START. Once the preheating is done ( you’ll get a beep sound), add oil , riced cauliflower , salt , lime juice, and mix well , approximately 30 seconds ( do not sauté / mix for long time , it will get burnt , and moisture will evaporate) . Note – Sauté mode should be on ( do not cancel it).

Now close the lid of the Instant Pot , “OPEN THE VENT” ( this is very important step) ( this model automatically seals the vent , so I manually open the vent , but for other model Instant pot , you may leave the vent open ). Pressure will rise, but the steam will be venting ( this way cauliflower doesn’t get mushy, and you’ll get perfectly cooked rice consistency). Once the timer is done , PRESS CANCEL , and open the lid of the Instant pot.

Now add cilantro leaves , mix well, and Serve .