Chipotle's Keto Bowl: Cauliflower Rice's Carb Count

Chipotle's Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a keto-friendly, Whole30-approved, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan option. It is grilled, chopped cauliflower seasoned with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and salt. A 4-ounce serving of this rice contains 40 calories, 7g carbs, 3 g fiber, 3g protein, and 1 g fat. It is a tasty component to a keto-approved meal when combined with proteins and fats.

The nutritional value of a Chipotle Keto Bowl with cauliflower rice

Chipotle's Keto Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a nutritious and tasty option for those following a keto diet. This bowl is not only keto-friendly but also vegan, vegetarian, Whole30-compliant, and paleo.

Carbohydrates and Calories

The cauliflower rice in the Chipotle Keto Bowl contains 4 grams of net carbs and has 40 calories per 4-ounce serving. This is significantly lower in carbs and calories compared to a bowl with classic white or brown rice.

Protein and Fat

In terms of protein and fat content, the cauliflower rice provides 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat per serving. When combined with other keto-friendly proteins and fats, such as chicken, steak, cheese, or guacamole, the bowl becomes a well-rounded and satisfying keto meal.

Vitamins and Minerals

The Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It provides 210 mg of sodium, 4% of the daily value of Vitamin A, 70% Vitamin C, 2% calcium, and 4% iron.

Comparison to White Rice

It is important to note that cauliflower rice has a different taste and texture compared to white rice. Cauliflower rice has a nuttier flavor with bitter undertones, while white rice is relatively neutral in taste. The texture of cauliflower rice is also different, as it is tender with a bit of a bite, unlike the soft and slightly sticky texture of white rice.

Customization Options

Chipotle's Keto Bowl can be customized to your liking. You can choose from various proteins, such as steak, chicken, or barbacoa, and add toppings like cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that provides antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, and choline. It can aid in weight loss, enhance digestion, and support learning and memory. Additionally, a diet rich in plant foods, such as cauliflower, has been linked to a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

In summary, the Chipotle Keto Bowl with Cauliflower Rice is a nutritious and delicious option for those following a keto diet. It is low in carbs and calories, provides essential vitamins and minerals, and can be customized to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

How to make a keto bowl with cauliflower rice at home

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make a keto bowl with cauliflower rice:

• Cauliflower
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Your choice of protein (e.g. ground beef, shredded beef, chicken, etc.)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, diced onion, salsa

Instructions

• Cut the cauliflower head into quarters and remove the core. Cut into small florets.
• Use a food processor, box grater, or knife to turn the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
• Season the raw cauliflower rice with sea salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir.
• Stir in the riced cauliflower and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender, but not mushy.
• In a separate skillet, cook your chosen protein with taco seasoning (or other preferred seasoning).
• Season the cauliflower rice with lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.
• Divide the meat and cauliflower rice into bowls.
• Add your desired toppings, such as guacamole, shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa.

Tips

• You can also use store-bought riced cauliflower or frozen cauliflower rice, but ensure it is fresh and doesn't have any brown spots.
• When using a food processor, use the grater disc or grate attachment for more uniform rice and longer grains.
• Use more florets and fewer stems for better flavor and texture.
• Cook uncovered over medium-high heat to prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy.
• Don't use water when cooking the cauliflower rice.
• If adding the rice to a soup, add it at the end so it only cooks for a few minutes.
• For casseroles, pre-cook the riced cauliflower to avoid a watery dish.
• You can also add other ingredients to the rice for more flavor, such as garlic, fresh herbs, dried seasonings, lemon zest, or coconut aminos.

The ingredients in Chipotle's Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice

Chipotle's Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a healthy, plant-based option that is keto-friendly, Whole30-approved, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan. It is made with just four ingredients: grilled, riced cauliflower, hand-chopped cilantro, lime, and salt.

The cauliflower rice is grilled, and Chipotle cooks spray the grill with sunflower oil to cook the rice. They also use a citrus mix of lemon and lime juice to add a tangy kick to the dish.

The Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice can be used as the base of a burrito bowl or inside a burrito, taco, or salad. It is a great option for those who prefer not to eat white or brown rice, or who are looking for a low-carb alternative.

One serving of the Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice (4 ounces) has 40 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

The Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice costs an additional $2 and is available in US and Canadian restaurants for a limited time.

The taste and texture of cauliflower rice

Cauliflower rice can be grilled, sautéed, roasted, or microwaved, and different cooking methods can affect its texture. For example, grilling or roasting cauliflower rice can make it tender with a bit of bite, while microwaving it can result in a softer, more tender texture.

To enhance the flavour and texture of cauliflower rice, various ingredients can be added. For instance, butter or olive oil can be used for a richer flavour, while garlic adds a toasty, garlicky taste. Fresh herbs like green onions, chives, parsley, dill, cilantro, or basil can bring a burst of flavour, and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Additionally, almonds or other nuts and seeds can be mixed in for a crunchy texture.

When it comes to Chipotle's Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, the rice is grilled and seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. While some people find it tasty, others may find it soggy or too salty. The portion size might also be smaller than expected, especially considering the additional cost. However, it is a good option for those following a keto, vegan, or low-carb diet, as it is low in calories and carbs while being high in fibre.

How to order a keto-approved bowl at Chipotle

Chipotle has introduced Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, a plant-based option that is keto-friendly, and can be used as the base of a burrito or one of the lifestyle bowls (keto, Whole30, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, or high protein). Here's how to order a keto-approved bowl at Chipotle:

Choose a base

You can choose the Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice as the base of your bowl, or go for the Keto Salad Bowl option with romaine lettuce as the base.

Pick your protein

Chipotle offers a range of keto-friendly proteins, including chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, and fajita veggies.

Add some fats

Include toppings like sour cream, cheese, or guacamole to increase the fat content and make your meal more keto-approved.

Choose your salsa

Tomatillo red-chile salsa and fresh tomato salsa are good keto-friendly options to add some flavor to your bowl.

Put it all together

Here's an example of a keto-approved bowl you can order at Chipotle:

• Base: Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice
• Protein: Steak
• Fats: Sour cream, cheese, guacamole
• Salsa: Tomatillo red-chile salsa

You can also create your own combinations by choosing from the keto-friendly options on Chipotle's menu. It's important to note that the Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice has an additional cost of $2, and the portion size might be smaller than expected.

Additionally, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option or prefer to make your own keto bowl at home, there are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process.

Frequently asked questions