Learn how to make broccoli rice if you’re looking for a low-carb, Paleo, or Whole30 alternative to grains. Rice alternatives have become popular to add to meals because they are easy to prepare and neutral in flavor.
Recipe Science
- Pulsing broccoli florets in a food processor breaks them down into rice-sized pieces, creating a low-carb alternative to traditional rice while retaining the nutritional benefits of broccoli.
- Cooking the broccoli rice briefly ensures it maintains a slightly crisp texture and bright green color, preserving its vitamins and minerals.
- Using minimal water during cooking prevents the broccoli from becoming soggy, allowing it to maintain its shape and providing a satisfying texture similar to al dente rice.
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“I have been buying the riced veggies. Thank you so much, Jessica, for your help. Now I save a lot by making it myself. The recipes are awesome as well.”—C. Mitchell
Why It Works
Learning how to cook broccoli was one of the first things I did in culinary school. However, since then, I’ve learned a few new tricks in the kitchen. Like cauliflower rice, broccoli rice can be made by chopping it with a chef’s knife, pulsing it in a food processor, or mixing it in a blender.
Once cut into small pieces, it can be used in recipes as a substitute for white rice or brown rice. Broccoli delivers vitamins C, E, and K, folate, calcium, potassium, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber. Make your next meal a healthy one!
3 Ways to Make Broccoli Rice
Incorporating broccoli into your meals will boost your plate with extra nutritional benefits. Here are three simple ways to prepare broccoli rice.
#1) Chopped Method
Use a chef’s knife to cut the broccoli florets into 1-inch pieces. Then chop them into smaller grain-sized pieces, keeping some of the florets intact. This method takes the longest but allows for full control.
#2) Food Processor Method
Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets, then add 4 cups of it, or fill the processor cup ¾ of the way. Work in batches as needed, or add more if you have a larger unit.
Pulse until small grains of rice form. Stop to scrape the sides of the cup as needed.
#3) Blender Method
Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets and add about 4 cups into a high-speed blender.
Mix until small rice-sized pieces form, about 15 to 60 seconds. Use the tamper handle on top to push down the florets as needed. Stop and scrape the sides of the blender cup to process the florets evenly.
How to Cook Broccoli Rice
Two heads of fresh broccoli will yield about 4 cups of broccoli rice once chopped down. The total volume was reduced by about half. Now that you know how to prepare broccoli rice, you have a couple of options for cooking it.
The cooking methods below are for 4 cups of broccoli rice. You only need a light amount of cooking to make the florets less chewy in texture and tame the sulfurous flavors. Just cook until bright green with some bite, not to the point of being mushy.
- Sauté: Heat a large pan over medium heat, then sauté the rice in 1 tablespoon warmed oil or butter until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir-fry: Heat a wok with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil over high heat. Add the rice in a single layer, and allow it to cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Steam: Add 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 to a cheesy broccoli rice casserole as part of a rice ingredient and bake.
The stalks are edible!
The broccoli stalks or stems can also be eaten, so don’t throw them away! Simply peel the tough outer layer with a paring knife and cut it into smaller pieces. It can be added to the florets to make broccoli rice. It may take a few more minutes to make them tender, but they are packed with nutrients.
More Low Carb Recipes
If you tried this Broccoli Rice, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Broccoli Rice
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.
- Make Broccoli Rice – Select one of the three methods:#1) Hand Chop: Use a chef's knife to chop the florets into smaller rice-sized pieces.#2) Food Processor: Fill the cup about ¾ full with florets and pulse until small pieces form. Scrape the sides of the bowl and work in batches as needed.#3) Blender: Add the florets to a blender cup and process on medium-high speed until small pieces form, about 15 to 60 seconds. Stop and scrape the sides of the container. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook Broccoli Rice – Select one of the two methods:#1) Saute: Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add oil, and once hot, add the broccoli rice in one layer. Cook until it becomes bright green and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired.#2) Steam: Add broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and stir to combine. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes. Mix and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Notes
- Yield: 1 head of broccoli makes 4 cups (227g) of florets.
Nutrition Facts
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.
fatima says
what taste should I expect for this broccoli rice? I want to try but hesitant about the taste.
Jessica Gavin says
The broccoli rice has the characteristic earthy taste, but the sauteeing or stir-frying adds a nice toasted nutty flavor so the vegetable doesn’t taste as grassy.
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?
Jessica Gavin says
I would freeze the raw broccoli rice, and just reheat to cook when ready to serve.
Jen says
How long will the raw riced broccoli keep in the fridge if you’re meal prepping?
Jessica Gavin says
About 4 to 5 days.
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!
Emilie says
Can frozen broccoli be used in place of fresh?
Paul Johns says
You mention steaming in a microwave. How about regular steaming? Or in an Instant Pot-like pressure cooker?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Paul- If you have a fine-meshed steamer basket you can place the broccoli rice instead. It will only take a few minutes to steam since the pieces are chopped up. I haven’t tried it in an instant pot before, I think it would cook too quickly and become mushy in the pressure building phase.
Asha Bhan says
It came out so well…. The broccoli rice. The whole family loved it with fried fish!
Jessica Gavin says
Fried fish and broccoli rice sounds delicious!
Diana says
Hey can i store leftover in freezer ?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, just drain well.
Claire says
I’ve just discovered cauliflower rice, which is sooo delicious, and I am now going to try broccoli rice. I hated both vegetables before, so I am pleased to find a way to enjoy them.
Jessica Gavin says
That’s amazing Claire! So many things to make with cauliflower and broccoli rice.
C. Mitchell says
I have been buying the riced veggies. Thank you so much Jessica for your help now I save a lot by making it myself. The recipes are awesome as well. Thanks again!!!
Janine says
I’ve just got into broccoli rice but shop bought but now I can do it myself
Bridgett Irving says
I just love broccoli. rice and cheese. But using a food processor with the broccoli
that will be different.
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, a casserole with broccoli, cheese, and rice sounds delicious!
Sue Cutter says
I’ve been looking for ways to make broccoli appealing to me & you’ve been a great help. Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome Sue!
Jessica Gavin says
Yay, you are so welcome Sue, happy to help!
Zanna says
I used the food processor. I sauteed bacon bits and sweet onion in butter, then added the broccoli rice. OMG delicious. I use it as a bed for my chicken breast in meal prep. Makes a great and filling lunch. Thank you for the instructions!
Jessica Gavin says
Oh wow, that sounds delicious! What a great meal prep idea 🙂
Judy says
What a nice simple dish. Thank you Jessica and Happy Easter to your and your family if you celebrate. Judy
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you Judy! Happy Easter to you as well 🙂
Jennifer Johnson says
Thank you Jessica…. awesome instructions as always
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Jennifer!