Broccoli Rice

Name: Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 small head broccoli about 8 oz; extra-virgin olive oil for the pan; 2 scallions diced; 1 garlic clove minced; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro stems; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves reserved; 1/4 tsp sea salt plus more to taste; freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground cumin plus more to taste; 1 lime zest and juice; 1 cup cooked brown rice optional

Whole broccoli — stalk included — pulsed into green “rice” and warmed for one minute with scallions, garlic, cumin, and lime.

DifficultyEasyTotal time20 minServes4

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook5 min

Total20 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Food processor
Nonstick skillet
Knife

Method

Trim the stalk

Trim away any tough, woody parts from the broccoli stalk. If the outside of the stalk is especially tough, peel it.

Cut into pieces

Cut both the stalk and florets into roughly 1-inch pieces.

Pulse into rice

Add the broccoli to a food processor and pulse until it breaks down into rice-sized pieces. You should have about 2 cups of broccoli rice.

Heat the skillet

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly brush it with olive oil.

Add everything

Add the broccoli rice, scallions, garlic, cilantro stems, salt, and several grinds of black pepper.

Warm briefly

Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, just until the broccoli is lightly warmed but still bright green.

Season off the heat

Remove from the heat. Stir in cumin, lime zest, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Optional brown rice

If you want a heartier side, stir in the cooked brown rice.

Taste and finish

Taste, adjust the seasoning, and finish with the reserved cilantro leaves.

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Tips

NoteDon't process the broccoli too long. Stop as soon as the pieces look like grains of rice — otherwise it starts turning into broccoli paste.

NoteAnd don't really “cook” it in the pan. One minute is enough — warm and fragrant, still green with a little bite.

NoteIt's the perfect base for a burrito bowl — beans, salsa, and avocado on top.

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Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

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Storage

RefrigeratorRefrigerate up to 3 days; best reheated briefly in a skillet rather than the microwave.

Frequently asked

Can I use bagged broccoli rice?+

Yes — skip the processing step and go straight to the pan; you'll need about 2 cups.

Is this the same as riced broccoli from the freezer aisle?+

Close — but frozen riced broccoli releases more water; thaw and pat dry, and expect a softer texture.

What do I serve it with?+

Under a burrito bowl, beside grilled anything, or folded into a grain salad.

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