Pork Free Paleo Smoky Paprika Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Smoky, fragrant, and surprisingly satisfying, this cauliflower rice pilaf is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at the dinner table. Ricing the cauliflower yourself and pressing out the moisture before cooking is the secret to getting those lightly golden, fluffy results instead of a soggy pile — it's a small step that makes a big difference. Smoked paprika and cumin do the heavy lifting on flavor, giving the whole skillet a warm, earthy depth that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. A hit of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up and keeps it feeling fresh rather than heavy. Every ingredient here is naturally free from pork and pork-derived products, so there's no label-reading required — just clean, whole-food cooking from start to finish. It works beautifully alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even as a base for a grain-free bowl loaded with your favorite toppings. Whether you're eating paleo or just looking for a lighter alternative to traditional rice pilaf, this one is genuinely worth adding to your regular rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- 1
Working in batches, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor 8–10 times until broken down into rice-sized pieces, about 3–4 cups total. Alternatively, grate the florets on the large holes of a box grater. Spread the riced cauliflower on a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- 2
Heat the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
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