How To Freeze Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a healthy option for those who want to cut the carbs in their diets. With its mild taste and versatility, cauliflower allows you to create a variety of healthy dishes. If you are on a diet, stocking up on cauliflower rice saves you time when preparing your meals. Whether you have store-bought or homemade cauliflower rice, freezing is a convenient way to maintain its shelf-life. For the purpose of preserving the dish for future use, we have researched tips from experts about freezing cauliflower rice.

Freezing cauliflower rice is easy. With proper preparation and storage, it can last in the freezer for up to 6 months. Whether you have store-bought or homemade, the process of freezing is the same. Here are the simple steps you must follow to freeze your cauliflower rice:

  1. Before storing, make sure to pat dry the cauliflower rice.
  2. Scoop enough portions of cauliflower rice into freezer bags. Press out as much air before sealing. Label and date the freezer bags to track the expiry date.
  3. Flatten out the freezer bags when stacking to maximize freezer space.

The best part of freezing cauliflower rice is that you do not need to defrost it before use. Now you have a good reason to stock up on it and follow a healthy eating journey. Once you know how to freeze and defrost cauliflower rice, there is so much you can make with it. Read further to find out more about freezing your cauliflower rice.

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cauliflower on wooden board. Raw cauliflower. How To Freeze Cauliflower Rice

Freezing Cauliflower Rice

Freezing is your best bet if you want to have a ready supply of cauliflower rice for your meals. The good thing is, it is easy to freeze. Of course, you must not blindly toss it in the freezer if you want your cauliflower rice to last. If you want to freeze the dish for longer, you must consider the following tips:

Organic Paleo Cauliflower Rice served on a bowl

Dry The Rice

When making cauliflower rice using a blender, always pat it dry to get rid of the excess moisture. By doing so, you can prevent the rice from getting soggy. If you use a food processor, a grater, or a knife in making your homemade rice, you can immediately freeze it.

Make Enough Portions

Storing cauliflower rice in smaller portions allows you to get enough rice for meal preparations. You can also prevent any leftovers when storing the right amount of cauliflower rice. With small portions, the cooking time will also be quick and easy.

Get Air Out

Before sealing and freezing the cauliflower rice, make sure to press out as much air as you can. In this way, you can avoid any freezer burns when you freeze the rice. Letting the air out can also help maximize the space in the freezer.

Flatten The Bag

Aside from letting air out from the freezer bag, letting it lay flat in the freezer also maximizes space. You can stack bags of cauliflower rice and still have room for other frozen goods stored in the freezer.

Label the Bag

It is also important that your cauliflower rice is still good after freezing. If you do not want to miss out on its freshness and nutrients, label the freezer bags. Write the date when you prepared the rice and the quantity inside the bag.

How Do You Defrost Cauliflower Rice?

Frozen cauliflower rice does not need defrosting. You only need to break the clumps beforehand. Water quickly evaporates when the rice cooks. When heating the frozen cauliflower rice, close your frying pan with the lid for a few minutes. After this, you can proceed with seasoning and other ingredients.

If the recipe calls for defrosting at room temperature, it can take up at least 15 minutes. You need to totally dry out the cauliflower rice to get rid of the water. Also, it is not advisable to defrost the rice in the microwave. When cauliflower rice defrosts, it releases water, which can make the rice soggy.

Cauliflower rice with basil in a wooden bowl, wooden spoon on the side

How To Cook Frozen Cauliflower Rice?

After finding out that you do not need to defrost frozen cauliflower rice, you can now make your healthy meals. The dish is a good choice for Whole30, paleo, keto, or gluten-free diets. You can either steam, boil, fry, or roast it. The rice on its own will taste bland, but you can be creative in making your cauliflower recipes with a variety of ingredients you can add. Follow this simple cauliflower rice recipe that you will love doing over again.

Garlic Cauliflower Rice

In making this recipe, you can either use store-bought or homemade cauliflower rice. The ingredients in this recipe are readily available in your kitchen pantry. Below are the ingredients and procedures you need to create your favorite meal:

Ingredients

  • Garlic (minced)
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • Green onions (sliced)
  • Cauliflower rice (not defrosted)

Procedure

  1. Melt some butter on a large skillet.
  2. Caramelize the minced garlic with the butter over medium heat. Mix in the cauliflower rice.
  3. Stir the rice until tender, or it picks up some color. Add some salt or pepper to taste. This can take around 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Put off the heat. Add the green onions to the rice.

Can I Freeze Cauliflower Rice Without Blanching?

It is important, but not necessary, to blanch food before freezing. It is necessary when you plan to freeze food for more than 2 months. Blanching kills any microorganisms that stay in the food. Blanching also helps maintain the flavor, texture, and nutrients of the food. Blanching is the process of quickly boiling food in salted water. After this, the cooling process must also be quick to prevent the food from getting mushy when cooking.

For cauliflower rice, you can freeze it without blanching. Just divide portions of the rice and store them directly into freezer bags. If you are making homemade cauliflower rice, it is best to blanch before ricing it.

How Long Does Cauliflower Rice Last In The Freezer?

Cauliflower rice can last in the freezer for 4 to 6 months. Proper handling of the rice before freezing is key to maintain the shelf-life. Make sure to let as much air out when storing it in freezer bags. If making cauliflower rice on your own, dry it thoroughly before storing it. Any moisture can make the cauliflower rice soggy when cooked. Also, do not forget to label the bags to track the expiry dates.

Frozen cauliflower florets on light grey marble table

How Do You Tell If Frozen Cauliflower Has Gone Bad?

If you are planning to make cauliflower rice from scratch, you can freeze the cauliflower before processing it. Frozen cauliflower can last for 8 to 12 months in the freezer. If you have doubts that your cauliflower is still good even if frozen, you can check these signs:

  • Having a soft, rubbery, or mushy texture
  • Covered with mold or spots
  • Significant discoloration
  • Smells rotten

If these signs are present, discard the cauliflower immediately. You can always buy fresh cauliflower that you can use. Do not risk your health for spoiled cauliflower.

You can find out more about freezing cauliflower here.

Final Thoughts

Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to carbohydrate-rich foods. If you are on a diet, cauliflower rice is easy to prepare and freeze for future meal preps. There is so much you can do with it. Freezing helps retain the taste, texture, and nutrients of cauliflower rice. You do not need to blanch it before freezing. Like freezing, cooking cauliflower rice is also quick and easy. There is no need to thaw the dish before cooking it. Freeze your cauliflower rice now to start your healthy journey.

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