How to Make Frozen Cauliflower Rice Taste Good? [9 Fun Ideas]
Preparing a meal at the end of a long day can be challenging, especially when you don’t have much energy left in the tank. That’s why frozen cauliflower rice has become such a popular staple – it’s easy, healthy, and provides a dinner-time shortcut that still feels like you’re eating something fresh. But let’s face it – sometimes frozen cauliflower rice can taste pretty…blah. And, even though I love the convenience of it, I don’t want to settle for flavorless meals.
I’ll talk about what ingredients you can add, how to season the dish correctly, and how to cook the dish so that it tastes delicious. Let’s take a look at all options!
What to Add to Frozen Cauliflower Rice to Taste Good?
If you’re trying to make frozen cauliflower rice taste better, the first thing you need to do is consider what ingredients you’re adding. Depending on the dish and your own personal taste, there are a few things you can choose from. Here are my top 3 ideas.
Various Veggies
If you want to make your frozen cauliflower rice really good, add more veggies! Adding more vegetables not only boosts the nutritional content of your meal but also adds a layer of complexity and flavor. Plus, it adds some nice texture and visual appeal.
Here are three ideas on what to add:
- Diced bell peppers – both red and green
- Chopped broccoli
- Sliced mushrooms
I also love the variety of colors it creates! For extra vibrancy, consider adding some color with vegetables like kale, spinach, or even some sun-dried tomatoes!
Marinades, Sauces, and Dressings
When it comes to making frozen cauliflower rice taste good, my second go-to method is using marinades, sauces, and dressings. Not only do they add flavor and texture to the otherwise plain dish, but they also work well in creating an entirely new creation.
You can try traditional Italian-style marinades featuring olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices like oregano and basil or Asian-style marinades featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices like Chinese Five Spice Blend.
Regarding sauces, there’s creamy Alfredo sauce with shredded cheese or maybe peanut sauce with a hint of sesame oil.
Lastly, dressings like tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs like basil or rosemary, or creamy Greek yogurt ranch dressing combined with chopped chives or scallions will really make a difference!
Cheese and Dairy-Based Products
You can add cheese and dairy-based products to frozen cauliflower rice for a creamy, cheesy flavor. What is more, you can use various types of cheese, like shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, and combine them together!
For example, you can combine cream cheese and shredded cheese with frozen cauliflower rice and heat it in a skillet before topping it with extra cheese. The cheese will not only create a creamy, cheesy flavor, but it will also help to bind the ingredients together.
How to Season Frozen Cauliflower Rice to Taste Good?
Seasoning is critical to making frozen cauliflower rice yummy. You have a range of options to flavor it, from simple spices and herbs to dried fruit, nuts, and more. Here are some ideas on how to season your frozen cauliflower-rice dish:
Fruits and Nuts
Adding fruits and nuts to frozen cauliflower rice is an excellent way to ramp up the flavor and texture. For example, adding a pop of sweetness with raisins or cranberries, crunch from almonds, cashews, and coconut flakes, or even a tropical punch with some dried banana chips can breathe life into your frozen cauliflower rice dish.
For delicious results, saute the fruit briefly in butter or oil before adding it to the frozen cauliflower rice. Or use dried fruit such as apricots, dates, and raisins that add fantastic depth of flavor when they plump up in the hot pan.
A sprinkle of nuts or seeds gives an extra crunch and richness to frozen cauliflower rice dishes. Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds are all delicious options that add flavor.
Herbs, Spices & Condiments
My go-to combination is fresh basil, some garlic powder, and some smoked paprika. But you could also experiment with cumin, oregano, dill, or other herbs and spices that you know pair well together. Just ensure that any dried herbs used are fresh and not too old.
However, sometimes all your cauliflower rice needs is a kick from something tangy or salty – like olives, capers, or a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Minced Garlic, Lemon Zest, and Juice
The trio of aromatics instantly boosts the cauliflower rice – the garlic gives it a savory, garlicky flavor, the zest freshens it up, and the lemon juice brightens everything up.
If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes too. This combination of flavors is a great base to build and will give your cauliflower rice an extra kick. Regardless if you prefer something mild or spicy, this trio of ingredients will help balance out the flavor profile and create a delicious side dish or main meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Cook Frozen Cauliflower Rice to Taste Good?
Cooking frozen cauliflower rice is simple, but there are a few tips and tricks to make it even better.
Roast Your Frozen Cauliflower Rice
It’s super simple and easy to do. For starters, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out your frozen cauliflower rice in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Drizzle your rice over with the oil of your choice, add seasonings if desired, and mix everything together until the cauliflower rice is evenly coated.
Finally, roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time so everything cooks evenly, until golden in color and crisp around the edges. Easy as that!
Saute Your Frozen Cauliflower Rice
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat, then add your frozen cauliflower rice. Saute, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes or until the cauliflower rice is cooked and lightly browned.
During the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh or dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes for additional flavor. Incorporating these seasonings during the cooking process allows them to meld with the natural flavors of the cauliflower rice more fully.
Use Ghee or Grass-Fed Butter
One of the best ways to make frozen cauliflower rice taste good is by adding ghee or grass-fed butter.
Begin by heating up a pan on medium heat and add two tablespoons of either ghee or grass-fed butter. Once it’s melted, toss in your frozen cauliflower rice and stir everything together until everything is well-mixed.
You can season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs you like for an added flavor boost. Finally, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it gets to your desired texture.
Improved Frozen Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce Pack of Frozen Cauliflower Rice
- 1 tbsp Butter (You can use any oil.)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Finely Minced Garlic
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes (Or according to your taste.)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out your frozen cauliflower rice in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil of your choice, add butter, salt, garlic, and chili flakes, and mix everything together until the cauliflower rice is evenly coated.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time so everything cooks evenly, until golden in color and crisp around the edges.
- When it's done, serve it drizzled over with some lemon juice. Yummy! 🍽️🍽️🍽️
