Cauliflower rice is cauliflower chopped into small, rice-like pieces. Use a box grater for a small amount, a food processor for a larger batch, or a knife for a chunkier result. Work in batches and stop when the pieces are coarse grains; keep processing and they can turn to paste.
Prepare the cauliflower
- Remove the leaves and trim the base. Cut the head into florets small enough to handle with your chosen tool.
- Rinse the florets and let excess water drain. Split any large florets so they fit the grater, processor or board securely.
- Choose a method below. Do not crowd the tool; a free-moving batch is easier to size evenly.
Choose a tool for the batch
| Tool | Best for | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Box grater | A small amount and a simple setup | Use the coarse, large-hole face over a stable bowl. Grate florets in manageable pieces, stopping before your fingers near the teeth. |
| Food processor | A larger batch | Add florets without packing the bowl. Use short pulses, checking between them. Switch off and wait for the blade to stop before opening; follow your machine’s manual. |
| Knife | A chunkier chop or a small batch | Set florets flat-side down, cut into small pieces, then gather and chop again until the pieces suit your recipe. |
A grater gives direct control over the amount and size of the shreds. Our box grater and hand grater comparison explains how grater faces differ. For a processor, pulse briefly rather than running continuously: the BBC Good Food demonstration uses a processor for rice-like pieces, while the Breville BFP820 manual gives pulse guidance for that specific model. Timing varies by machine, so check the bowl instead of copying a model-specific pulse count.
Cook the pieces briefly
For a simple warm side, heat a little oil in a large skillet, add the cauliflower pieces and stir until tender. Oregon State University Extension uses 3–5 minutes for this stage of its sautéed cauliflower rice recipe. Check the texture as you cook and stop before the pieces turn mushy.
Sources: BBC Good Food, “How to make cauliflower rice” (box-grating, hand-chopping and processor methods); Oregon State University Extension, “Sautéed Cauliflower Rice” (grating or finely chopping and its sauté method); Breville BFP820 instruction manual (pulse operation for that specific model; instructions vary by appliance).