What is Riced Broccoli: How to Prepare and Use it

If you find yourself asking What is Riced Broccoli, then look no further! Broccoli Rice is a great grain-free alternative to serve up with your next meal. It is easy, versatile, gluten-free, paleo, whole 30 compliant, and just delicious. Plus it is a fantastic way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables for big or little people. Find out how to make it and serve it in my step-by-step instructions. 

Broccoli Rice

Have you guys tried out Broccoli Rice yet?

I know the whole cauliflower rice thing has been all over the internet for the past year or so, but while I was at Trader Joe's last week I noticed they now stock broccoli rice as well.

I was tired and looking for an easy out for dinner, and bought the bag of pre-riced stuff.

Sometimes you just gotta go with what's easy, right?

Well, EVERYONE loved it! It was so quick to cook up (it cooks in 6 minutes, so even faster than throwing normal rice in the rice cooker).

AND I didn't have to fight with the kids to eat their greens, because 'green rice' is apparently beyond awesome!! Who would have guessed?

What Is Broccoli Rice And How Do I Make It At Home?

The next night I made it again but riced it myself.

Let me tell you, we are officially hooked!

Riced Broccoli is just that: broccoli that has been prepared in a manner so that it resembles rice. You simply:

• cut the head of broccoli into florets
• chop it finely if you don't have a blender or food processor
• OR throw it in a blender or food processor and whizz until it resembles rice.

I use a Vitamix for ricing broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. It gives such a great consistency in a really short time. However, any good blender or food processor would do the job.

Once you have the right consistency, then you can either steam it or pop it into the saucepan, or a wok with some cooking oil of choice and a little bit of salt.

After a few minutes, you have a great grain-free low-carb alternative to serve up with your next meal.

You can even eat broccoli rice raw!

Don't Forget The Broccoli Stems

Don't waste the broccoli stem.

It is full of nutrients and tastes really good too.

Just peel off the knobby bits, chop to a size similar to the broccoli florets you have chopped, and throw them into the food processor with the rest of the florets.

Why Broccoli Rice Over Traditional Rice?

Broccoli rice is:

• low carb;
• paleo;
• whole 30 compliant;
• gluten-free;
• fiber-rich;
• nutrient-rich, containing everything from vitamin C, E, K, to folate, calcium, potassium, omega 3, 6 fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber;
• a great alternative to grains.

What To Serve With Broccoli Rice.

Try serving it up in place of your normal rice in:

• burritos
• fried rice
• rice salads and salad bowls like this Brown Rice Sesame Bowl (just switch the rice for riced broccoli)
• in these Broccoli and Feta Fritters
• In this Pesto Broccoli Rice
• or in this Goat's Cheese and Quinoa Broccoli Bowl
• In these 5 Ingredient Cheddar and Riced Broccoli Fritters

This Quick Vietnamese Pork and Veg Bowl with Broccoli Rice is my absolute favorite way to serve it up.

What About Leftovers?

Broccoli rice can even be frozen too!

So, if you happen to overcommit with the Costco-sized broccoli (you too?), you can:

• blend it up
• pop it in a Ziploc bag
• and store that stuff in the freezer until needed
• some people prefer to blanch it for a couple of seconds before freezing to stop the broccoli from having a bitter taste. I have never experienced that but worth mentioning if you are sensitive to bitter flavors.

Have you tried riced broccoli yet? What is your favorite way to serve it up?

Happy Eating

xx

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group!