Broccoli Rice
Updated Sep 29, 2025
Learn how to make broccoli rice as a way to add more vegetables to your meals or switch up from having rice; it's low-carb and delicious!
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Make Broccoli “Rice”
When I want to add more veggies to my meals, I often make this Broccoli Rice for dinner. No, it doesn’t taste like rice or even look like rice, but it’s small and granulate like a grain of rice, which is where its name came from. It will never actually replace rice but I love using it for grain bowls, stir frys or even soups. You just need a buzz through the food processor and this veggie rices up in an instant.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
How to Make Broccoli Rice
Broccoli Rice
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the thick parts of the broccoli stem. Cut the broccoli into large chunks
- Prepare a food processor with the "S" blade, add the broccoli into the bowl of the processor. Pulse until the broccoli is grated and looks like rice or couscous, being careful not to over-pulse.
- Place a pan large enough to hold the broccoli on the stove on medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, and once you see the oil shimmer, add the grated broccoli and saute for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cover, cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper and any other seasoning, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Cut broccoli with minimal waste. Grab my easy tutorial for how to cut broccoli so you minimize waste and chop it up very quickly and effortlessly if you don’t have a food processor.
- Pulse carefully. The aim is tiny pieces but not mush. It’s a fine line.
- Stop and scrape down the sides of food processor as needed. You want to make sure all broccoli bits get evenly distributed and uniformly chopped fine.
- Use the freshest broccoli. Since its taste shines alone in this dish, you want the best flavor possible.
- Flavor up. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite spices to the saute pan. Try a few minced garlic cloves in the oil before adding the broccoli or soften some onions or shallots in the oil prior to putting in the broccoli. A sprinkle of lemon zest? Celery salt? Whatever you like!
Recipes to Make with Broccoli Rice
- Beef and Broccoli Rice Stir Fry
- As a side for Oven Baked Balsamic Chicken
- Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon served on top of sautéed broccoli rice
- As a side Cast Iron Skillet Steak
- As a base for this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl or Vegetarian Buddha Bow
FAQs
You can make a large batch of broccoli rice to use for recipes throughout the week. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-6 days.
Yes! It’s a great idea to freeze broccoli rice for a quick side dish. Pack the broccoli rice tightly inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It should last at least 6 months.
Yes! You can chop into rice-sized pieces by hand (a great workout!) or if you think your blender is up to the challenge, whirl it in there, but you may have to work in batches to accommodate the entire head of broccoli.
