Keto Low Carb Cauliflower Rice Risotto
A lighter take on traditional risotto using cauliflower rice instead of arborio rice, creating a creamy, satisfying dish with flaked smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and parmesan. The cauliflower absorbs the vegetable broth beautifully while maintaining a tender texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food without the carbs. The combination of lemon zest, crème fraîche, and fresh chives brightens the rich salmon flavors, making this an elegant yet simple meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cup cauliflower rice
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ¾ ounce smoked salmon
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon white onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon crème fraîchesour cream1:1dairyadds dairy
slightly tangier
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Crush the garlic and finely chop the onion
- 2
Melt the butter in a skillet over low/medium heat and add the garlic and onion, sweating gently until tender
- 3
Add the cauliflower rice, lemon juice and zest and stir well to combine
- 4
Add the stock and bring to a simmer
- 5
Simmer for 5-6 minutes until all the liquid has evaporated and the rice is hot through
- 6
Roughly flake the salmon and finely chop the chives
- 7
Add salmon, chives, crème fraîche and parmesan to the skillet and stir through the rice to serve
Tips
Make sure to simmer until all liquid evaporates to avoid a watery risotto texture.
Don't overcook the cauliflower rice - it should be tender but still have some bite.
Add the salmon at the end to prevent it from breaking apart completely.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 2 days in airtight container. Reheat gently with splash of broth.
Can prep garlic, onion, and chives up to 1 day ahead. Best served fresh.
Serve immediately while warm for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't add salmon too early to avoid overcooking and breaking apart
Ensure all liquid evaporates to avoid watery consistency
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, but thaw and drain well first to remove excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil, crème fraîche with coconut cream, and omit parmesan or use nutritional yeast.