How to Make Broccoli Rice (3 Ways)

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Learn how to make broccoli rice with three easy preparation techniques. This simple recipe creates a low-carb, Paleo and Whole30 alternative to grains. Saute, steam or eat this vegetable rice raw for a nutrient-rich side dish.

Broccoli rice in a white serving bowl

Broccoli rice is a healthy fiber-rich side dish when you’re looking for a grain and gluten-free alternative. We’re all familiar with eating broccoli florets cooked in different ways. It’s most likely the first vegetable that most of us were introduced to as kids.

It’s not a surprise, the cruciferous green from the Brassica family delivers nutrients like vitamin C, E, K, folate, calcium, potassium, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber. No wonder our parents kept pushing those little green edible treetops!

Rice alternatives have become popular to add to meals because they are easy to prepare and neutral in flavor like cauliflower rice. Broccoli can be made similarly with three simple techniques; chopping with a chef’s knife, food processor or blender. Once the broccoli is cut into pieces the size of grains of rice, it can be cooked in different ways and will be a new go-to recipe.

Three Ways to Make Broccoli Rice

Incorporating broccoli into your meals will boost your plate with extra nutritional benefits. Here are the simple ways to prepare and cook the rice.

1) Chopped

Broccoli rice being chopped on a wooden cutting board

Use a chef’s knife to cut the broccoli florets into small 1-inch pieces. Chop into smaller grain-sized pieces, keeping some of the florets intact.  This method takes the longest, but worth the extra time.

2) Food Processor

Broccoli florets in a food processor

Broccoli rice inside a food processor

Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets. Add about 4 cups of florets or ¾ of the way full in a food processor, working in batches as needed. If you have a larger unit, more florets can be added. Pulse the broccoli until small rice-sized pieces are formed and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

3) Blender

Broccoli florets inside a blender

Broccoli rice inside a blender

Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets. Add about 4 cups of florets in a high-speed blender. Blend the broccoli until small rice-sized pieces are formed, using the tamper handle on top to push down the florets, about 15 to 60 seconds. Scrape the sides of the blender cup to process the florets evenly.

Different ways to cook broccoli rice

This recipe is made to mimic white or brown rice. Two heads of broccoli will yield about 4 cups of rice once chopped down. The volume reduces by about half. Now that you know how to prepare the broccoli rice, there are numerous ways to cook it.

Cooking broccoli rice in a stainless steel skillet

The cooking methods below are for 4 cups of rice. I’ve found that a light cooking of the broccoli makes the florets less chewy in texture and tames the sulfurous flavors. The broccoli should be cooked until bright green with some bite, not to the point of being mushy.

  • Sauté: Heat a large pan over medium heat, sauté the rice in 1 tablespoon warmed oil or butter until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir-fry: Heat a wok and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil over high heat. Add rice in a single layer, allow to cook until lightly browned for about 2 minutes.
  • Steam: Add broccoli to a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Mix with 1 tablespoon of oil and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave for 2 minutes, stir and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until tender.
  • Casserole: Add broccoli rice in with casserole ingredients and bake.

More Side Dish recipes

The stalks are edible!

The broccoli stalks or stems can also be eaten so don’t throw it away! Simply peel the tough outer layer with a paring knife and cut into smaller pieces. It can be added to the florets to make broccoli rice. It may take a few more minutes to make tender, but they are packed with nutrition and have a pleasant flavor.

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Broccoli Rice

Learn how to make broccoli rice with three easy preparation techniques. This simple recipe creates a low-carb, Paleo and Whole30 alternative to grains. Saute, steam or eat this vegetable rice raw for a nutrient-rich side dish.
4.85 from 33 votes
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Course Side
Cuisine American

Ingredients  

  • 2 heads broccoli
  • 1 tablespoon oil, olive, vegetable, butter or ghee
  • kosher salt, for seasoning
  • black pepper, for seasoning

Instructions 

Preparation

  • Use a knife to cut the broccoli into 1-inch sized florets.
  • Select one of the three techniques below to breakdown florets into rice-sized pieces.
  • 1) Knife: Use a chef's knife to finely chop the florets into smaller rice sized pieces.
  • 2) Food Processor: Add florets ¾ full into a food processor and pulse until small pieces form, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Work in batches if needed.
  • 3) Blender: Add florets to a blender and process on medium-high speed until small pieces form, about 15 to 60 seconds, scraping the sides of the container. Work in batches if needed.

Cooking (2-Ways)

  • Saute Method: Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add oil, once hot add the broccoli rice in one layer.
  • Allow rice to cook until it becomes bright green and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Steaming Method: Add broccoli to a microwave safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and stir to combine.
  • Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes. Mix and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until the broccoli rice is bright green and tender. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

  • 1 head of broccoli yields 4 cups florets (227g).
 

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 4 servings
Calories 71kcal (4%)Carbohydrates 8g (3%)Protein 3g (6%)Fat 4g (6%)Saturated Fat 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 1gSodium 37mg (2%)Potassium 359mg (10%)Fiber 3g (12%)Sugar 2g (2%)Vitamin A 700IU (14%)Vitamin C 138.6mg (168%)Calcium 50mg (5%)Iron 0.9mg (5%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

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30 Comments Leave a comment or review

  1. Chris says

    I am wondering about using frozen broccoli too since I have a lot on hand right now. Anybody? Jessica hasn’t commented for a year. Is she OK??

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Hi Chris- I’m here and doing ok! You can roast broccoli without having to thaw the florets. You can also defrost them in the microwave to remove the excess moisture before sauteeing so it’s not so much. You can steam it from frozen, then toss it with some seasonings for a healthy side dish. I like to make a crustless broccoli quiche too for a healthy breakfast. Let me know what you make!

  2. Jennifer says

    I have been buying frozen I am so happy to find this recipe. Would u cook then freeze or could I freeze then cook while I defrost?

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