Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A low-carb cauliflower rice stir-fry enriched with garlic butter and finished with nutty Parmesan for a comforting keto side. This italian-inspired keto (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and dry 1 medium head of cauliflower, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice, yielding about 4 cups.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and stir to coat with the garlic butter. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and slightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the cheese melts and coats the cauliflower rice.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter and Parmesan keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.