Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Cauliflower's features fluffy riced cauliflower, vibrant roasted vegetables, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, served in a colorful bowl that highlights fresh, healthy ingredients with a satisfying blend of textures.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor (or box grater)
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Whisk
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
When selecting cauliflower for your rice bowl, choose a firm, white head with no brown spots to ensure freshness and optimal texture. Use a food processor or box grater to achieve fluffy, rice-like cauliflower pieces, which blend well with roasted vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and red onion. The lemon-tahini dressing requires fresh lemon juice for tanginess and tahini for creaminess, balanced with garlic, maple syrup, and water for a smooth consistency. Roasting the vegetables with smoked paprika and ground cumin enhances their natural flavors and adds depth to the dish. Your Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Cauliflower's copycat menu offers a vibrant, healthy meal with a satisfying mix of textures and bold, fresh flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper (optional).
- Chop red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and carrot.
- Toss chopped vegetables with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Spread vegetables evenly on baking sheet.
- Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, cut cauliflower into florets.
- Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor or grate using box grater until cauliflower resembles rice.
- Heat large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to pan.
- Add riced cauliflower; season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté cauliflower rice for 5–7 minutes until tender but fluffy, stirring with wooden spoon or spatula.
- For dressing, whisk tahini, juice of 1 lemon, finely minced garlic, water, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
- Adjust consistency of dressing with a little more water, if needed.
- To serve, divide cauliflower rice between serving bowls.
- Top with roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Cauliflower's copycat menu features fluffy riced cauliflower combined with vibrant roasted vegetables and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, offering a fresh and healthy meal option. You can substitute zucchinis with yellow squash or cucumbers if unavailable, as these alternatives maintain a similar texture and freshness. If a food processor is not on hand for ricing the cauliflower, a box grater works efficiently as a manual method. To adjust the dressing, swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup depending on your sweetness preference or dietary restrictions. Roasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch, but toasted almonds or sunflower seeds can also be used without compromising texture.
Tips
Make sure to pulse the cauliflower just enough in the food processor to achieve a rice-like texture without turning it into mush. When roasting vegetables, spread them out evenly on the baking sheet to promote proper caramelization and avoid steaming. Stir the cauliflower rice frequently while sauteing to keep it fluffy and prevent burning. Your lemon-tahini dressing should have a smooth, pourable consistency--add water gradually to adjust thickness as needed.
Nutritions
The Cauliflower Rice Bowl offers a nutrient-dense meal rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from roasted bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion. Cauliflower provides a low-carb base high in vitamin C and folate, making it an excellent choice for weight management and immune support. The lemon-tahini dressing adds healthy fats and protein from tahini while the pumpkin seeds contribute essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. You can enjoy a flavorful balance of macronutrients and micronutrients that support overall health and satiety.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower rice and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain optimal freshness and texture. Keep the lemon-tahini dressing in a separate sealed jar or container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, stirring well before use. When reheating, gently warm the cauliflower rice and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat to preserve their fluffiness and roasted flavors, ensuring your bowl remains as vibrant as when freshly made.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap pumpkin seeds with toasted almonds or walnuts to add a different crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute maple syrup in the dressing with honey or agave nectar to suit your taste preferences. Consider roasting the vegetables with a sprinkle of chili flakes or curry powder for a spicier and more aromatic profile. Using lime juice instead of lemon in the dressing offers a zestier, slightly sweeter citrus kick that enhances the overall freshness.
Allergies
Cauliflower rice bowls contain tahini, which is made from sesame seeds and can trigger allergic reactions in those with sesame allergies. Individuals sensitive to nightshades should be cautious because red and yellow bell peppers are part of the recipe. Your risk of allergy can also increase if you have sensitivities to seeds, nuts, or certain vegetables found in this dish, such as pumpkin seeds and garlic.
Why this recipe?
Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Cauliflower's restaurant offers a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional rice bowls, making it ideal for health-conscious diners. Packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and high-quality protein options, the dish balances taste and wellness perfectly. Trying a copycat version at home lets you control ingredient quality and customize flavors to suit your preferences. Your homemade cauliflower rice bowl can deliver the same satisfying experience with added benefits of freshness and cost savings.