Cilantro Lime Radish Rice

Keto Cilantro Lime Radish Rice is a refreshing twist on traditional rice dishes, perfect for those on a keto diet or anyone looking for a low-carb alternative. This dish combines the crispness of radish with the vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime, making it a perfect side dish for Mexican cuisine or a healthy base for burrito bowls.

This recipe uses daikon radish instead of regular rice to keep it keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates. The radish is processed into rice-like bits, providing a satisfying texture that absorbs flavors well. From my own experience, this approach not only enhances the dish’s nutritional value but also introduces a fresh take that can be more enjoyable than traditional cauliflower rice alternatives.

❤️ Why you will love this recipe

• Fresh and flavorful: The combination of cilantro, lime, and radish delivers a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Perfect keto side: With virtually no carbs from traditional grains, this dish fits seamlessly into a keto lifestyle. 5g net carbs per serving.
• Quick and easy: It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a fast, healthy meal.
• Versatile: This radish rice can be a side dish or the base for various toppings like grilled meats or vegetables.
• Better than cauliflower rice: Many find radish rice to be a crisper, more flavorful low-carb rice alternative.

🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions

• Daikon radish: Also known as mooli, Japanese radish, and Oriental radish, daikon is mild and slightly sweet, which allows it to take on the bold flavors of cilantro and lime beautifully. I usually buy daikon radish at Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find daikon, any large white radish, regular radish, or even turnip can be a good substitute.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the radish rice, it adds a nice richness. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for a similarly mild flavor.
• Lime juice and zest: Provides the zesty, citrusy kick. Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Basics for seasoning. Adjust these according to your taste preferences.
• Fresh cilantro: It’s crucial for that signature cilantro-lime flavor. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you might try parsley for a milder taste, though the flavor profile will change.

🥣 How to make cilantro lime radish rice

1. Prepare the radish: Start by cutting the daikon radish into 2-3 inch cubes. Pulse these cubes in a food processor until they resemble the texture of rice.

2. Cook the radish rice: Heat olive oil in a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the riced radish and lime juice to the pan.
3. Sauté: Cook the radish rice for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft.

4. Season: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet if necessary, then season the radish rice with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
5. Add herbs and zest: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and lime zest.

6. Serve and enjoy: Your Keto Cilantro Lime Radish Rice is ready to be served! Enjoy it hot as a side dish or cool as a base for a salad.

🪄 Recipe notes & tips

• Consistency: Make sure the radish is chopped uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking: Cook the radish rice just until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust seasoning: Depending on your preference, you might want to add more lime juice or zest after tasting. Always adjust seasonings right before serving.
• Drain well: If there’s excess moisture after cooking, make sure to drain it well to keep the texture of the rice crisp and not soggy.
• Freshness: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor. The freshness brings a vibrant kick to the dish that bottled lime juice and dried cilantro can’t match.
• Add flavor: For more flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder while cooking the radish rice, or top the finished dish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.

🫙 Storage instructions

• Cool & airtight: Allow the Keto Cilantro Lime Radish Rice to cool to room temperature before packing it away. Store the rice in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Refrigerate: Properly stored, the radish rice will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
• Reheat gently: When ready to eat, gently reheat the rice on the stove over low heat, adding fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavors. You can also heat it in the microwave for a few seconds.

🍽️ How to serve cilantro lime radish rice

• Taco night: Make a keto burrito bowl loaded with fajita chicken or a copycat chipotle bowl with pollo asado. It’s also great as a side with keto enchilada casserole, or crispy carnitas with some keto guacamole and taco truck green sauce. You can even mix it into crack chicken chili.
• Vegetarian dishes: It’s delicious with a bowl of vegan keto chili.
• Salads: Top a green salad with a scoop of cilantro lime radish rice for added texture and flavor. Great in my pickled beet salad recipe.

❓ Frequently asked questions

😋 More low carb side dish recipes you will love

• Plain Radish Rice
• Spicy Chinese Zucchini Noodles
• Easy Guacamole
• Sesame Broccoli
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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📖 Recipe

Cilantro Lime Radish Rice Recipe

Bethany Galloway

Keto Cilantro Lime Radish Rice is a refreshing twist on traditional rice dishes, perfect for those on a keto diet or anyone looking for a low-carb alternative. This dish combines the crispness of radish with the vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime, making it a perfect side dish for Mexican cuisine or a healthy base for burrito bowls

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Sides

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 5 Servings

Calories 59 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 900 g daikon radish 1 large daikon radish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2.5 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• Pinch of lime zest
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

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Instructions

 

• Begin by turning the radish into “rice”. Cut the radish into 2-3 inch cubes and pulse it in a food processor a few times until it looks like rice.
  900 g daikon radish
• In a medium-large pan, heat the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the riced radish and lime juice, and cook it until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  1 tablespoon olive oil, 2.5 tablespoons lime juice
• Drain off any excess liquid if needed, and season with salt and black pepper.
  1 teaspoon salt, 1 pinch ground black pepper
• Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime zest, and enjoy!
  1/4 cup fresh cilantro, Pinch of lime zest

Notes

• • Consistency: Make sure the radish is chopped uniformly to ensure even cooking.

• • Avoid overcooking: Cook the radish rice just until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch to prevent it from becoming mushy.

• • Adjust seasoning: Depending on your preference, you might want to add more lime juice or zest after tasting. Always adjust seasonings right before serving.

• • Drain well: If there’s excess moisture after cooking, make sure to drain it well to keep the texture of the rice crisp and not soggy.

• • Freshness: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor. The freshness brings a vibrant kick to the dish that bottled lime juice and dried cilantro can’t match.

• • Add flavor: For more flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder while cooking the radish rice, or top the finished dish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.

Storage & reheating instructions

• • Cool & airtight: Allow the Keto Cilantro Lime Radish Rice to cool to room temperature before packing it away. Store the rice in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

• • Refrigerate: Properly stored, the radish rice will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• • Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.

• • Reheat gently: When ready to eat, gently reheat the rice on the stove over low heat, adding fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavors. You can also heat it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 503mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg

Keyword cilantro lime radish rice, keto rice alternative, low carb, paleo, whole30

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