What to Serve with Cauliflower Rice? 10 BEST Side Dishes

If white rice has disappointed you and your health goals, you’ll find many healthier alternatives that won’t.

Cauliflower rice is one such option, and it is just ground cauliflower that you can use in any recipe involving rice.

It’s healthy in a way that white rice isn’t– low in carbs and rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Even better is that it’s a great way to make picky eaters eat their veggies.

And you won’t have to stress about what to serve with cauliflower rice because this article has it all, and there are ten options to choose from.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Cauliflower Rice?

Cauliflower rice is just a heap of food that you use in place of rice.

And sometimes, it can occur as lacking flavor.

So, just as you need side dishes to serve with white rice, the cauliflower version also needs a few options to keep your meals balanced.

After all, serving it as is will only result in dry mouths at the end of your meals.

And you’ll also need to add some proteins and carbs to the menu to get all the nutrients you need daily.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Rice? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Food with gravy, stews, and pickles is always a preferred choice to serve with cauliflower rice.

So, scroll on to find out the best ones to amp up your meals.

1. Pickled Zucchini and Carrots

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Having crunchy side dishes full of flavor will always keep your meals interesting.

And what better way to achieve this than using some slices of carrots and zucchini?

And the most pleasing part about this is that it’s quick to make and takes about 15 minutes.

Thinly sliced zucchini makes the best option as they’ll absorb the seasonings more.

And when they’re combined with dill sprigs, cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and cane sugar, it gives a savory final product that contrasts the cauliflower rice.

This contrasting element about zucchini pickles makes it undoubtedly fitting to serve as a side dish as it has what the other lacks.

You can refrigerate or serve it immediately, but consume it within a week.

2. Sautéed Tofu with Peanut Sauce

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If you bought peanut sauce just because you found it among the condiments in your grocery store but have no idea what to do with it, pair it with tofu.

Pan-frying the tofu and cooking them in a peanut sauce is so easy yet gives you so many nutrients.

One prominent aspect of this side dish is that it is rich in proteins and will keep you satiated for a long time.

Tofu alone may seem boring, so you can make some additions, like button mushrooms and onions, to make the flavors more complex.

Also, add half a cup of the cornstarch slurry to the sauce to make it thicker.

3. Creamy Lobster Soup

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Lobsters can be pretty hard to find, but they make delicious recipes in many cuisines worldwide.

So if you ever get your hands on one, making a creamy lobster soup should be on your list of priorities.

A lobster soup shouldn’t take you more than an hour to put together, and the ingredients aren’t so complex, either.

Chicken broth, lobster meat, onions, cream, fresh herbs, and seasonings are pretty much all you’ll need.

This soup is light, flavorful, and just enough to make a delightful pair for the delicate cauliflower rice.

4. Irish Beef Stew

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Red wine, parsnips, potatoes, and a mix of many other veggies make the signature ingredients of Irish beef stew.

This side dish makes a stark contrast to the cauliflower rice.

It doesn’t run low on flavors and ingredients and is also packed with so many nutrients.

The reason to choose an Irish version of the stew is based solely on the preparation; it is so complex and gives an impressive result.

Browning, sauteing, and simmering are necessary to assemble this dish.

And though it is quite demanding on time and ingredients, you’ll find that the stew has everything in it to keep you coming back for more of it.

5. Teriyaki Mushrooms

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Look for mushrooms when you are stuck preparing complex side dishes.

These fungi are so versatile and make quick recipes that are also full of flavor.

One easy way to prepare mushrooms is to cook them in a teriyaki sauce.

Teriyaki mushroom is packed with fiber and antioxidants, and they’re one great way to cook these fungi.

Adding garlic and ginger work as aromatics, giving your mushrooms a more irresistible taste.

Also, a cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce.

Once the mushrooms are cooked enough, they’re ready to grace your cauliflower rice bowl with its rich gravy and textured ingredients.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

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Red pasta is great, but have you tried to make it taste better? If not, you can try roasting the red peppers before adding them to the pasta.

Any type of pasta will do well for this dish, but gluten-free spaghetti is always a safe choice for your health.

Once you’ve roasted the red peppers, sauté some garlic and shallots to add a more robust aroma to the pasta sauce.

Add the roasted peppers and cornstarch to thicken it up.

This red pepper pasta feels creamy, savory, and sweet and is also safe for your gluten-free diet.

7. Mutton Spring Rolls

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Most recipes for spring rolls will direct you to use seasonal veggies, but you can give it a personal and meaty twist by adding some flavorful mutton.

It’ll be just as crunchy, vibrant, and flavorful as any spring rolls you’ve ever had.

And it’ll keep you satiated for a long time too.

Mutton is packed with high-quality protein and vitamins, so adding them to your diet is never the wrong choice.

To make mutton spring rolls, simply shred some cooked mutton, line them on rice paper and other sliced veggies, and roll them up.

8. Honey Garlic Pork Chops

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Pork is always a go-to option when dinner is running late and you need something that’ll cook quickly.

And pork chops are something that no one can disagree on– it needs no marinating and no slow cooking but will be on your dinner table in under 20 minutes.

The pork only needs a simple seasoning, a grill, and a crusty searing, while the glaze consists of garlic, honey, and vinegar sautéed in butter.

Add the pork chops to the sauce, and your cauliflower rice will have the perfect side dish.

9. Cucumber Raita

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Refreshing sides are always a must-have, no matter what you’re serving on the entrée.

So, something with a crunch and tangy flavor, like cucumber raita, always works.

Raita is a part of Indian cuisine, and it is a dish made of curd/dahi (yogurt).

The fun thing about making raita is that it just takes about 5 minutes to make, during which you’ll be chopping up the veggies and herbs and mixing them.

So, for cucumber raita, simply wash the cucumber thoroughly (or peel the skin) and chop them into bite-size pieces.

Then you can add them to the yogurt and garnish with some fresh herbs.

This side dish is a must-have if you want to boost your digestive system effortlessly.

10. Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

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The Swedish twist to regular meatballs uses a creamy gravy made with beef broth, brown gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup.

Unlike Italian meatballs, which are served in tomato sauce, the Swedish version has a heartier taste.

You can assemble the meatballs from scratch or even use store-bought frozen ones.

The stew is quite easy to make but takes a long time to come together.

This is because the recipe uses a long simmer in a slow cooker.

Though it may take some time to enjoy the delicious meatballs, it’s worth the wait.

Conclusion

Anything you serve with white rice can be served with cauliflower rice.

And the best ones are for you to decide.

The pickle, raita, and spring rolls will be a better side dish option if you’re having breakfast or lunch.

Meanwhile, save the soups and stews for dinners.

Other options like pork chops and teriyaki are suitable for any time of the day, but it’s all in your hands at the end of the day.

So roll up your sleeves and get cooking.