Instant Pot Cauliflower Risotto (with Mushrooms)
If you are looking for a quick and comforting dish, this Instant Pot cauliflower risotto is so tasty and healthy and takes less than 30 minutes to make! The scent of sautéed mushrooms and garlic will fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, and that first creamy bite will make you forget you're eating a grain-free version of traditional risotto. This delicious cauliflower risotto is a great way to enjoy comfort food while keeping things healthy!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time14 minutes mins
Pressurizing Time15 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cauliflower rice, cauliflower risotto recipe, whole30 cauliflower, whole30 instant pot recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 299kcal
Author: Jean Choi
- 1 medium head of cauliflower or 4-5 cups of pre-riced fresh or frozen cauliflower
- 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil for AIP or dairy sensitivity
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 lb small shiitake mushrooms, sliced or cremini or white mushrooms
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup bone broth or chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or more, to taste
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- Ground black pepper to taste (omit for AIP)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Remove the leaves off the cauliflower and cut off the florets from the roots.
Use a cheese grater or a food processor with a grater attachment, and grate the cauliflower into the size of rice.
Instant Pot Method
Add ghee or coconut oil to the Instant Pot and set it to "Sauté." Let it heat for 5 minutes and make sure to coat the bottom of the pan. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic and cook stirring for 7 minutes, until the mushrooms have sweat and are tender.
Add coconut aminos, and stir cooking for 2 minutes until the vegetables are browned. Turn off the Instant Pot.
Add cauliflower rice, coconut milk. bone broth, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. Stir everything together.
Seal the lid, make sure the pressure valve is set to close, and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" for 2 minutes.
Once it finishes to a beep, immediately release the pressure valve and open the lid. You can drain some of the liquid if there's too much (this depends on how much moisture was in your cauliflower).
Sprinkle tapioca starch over the risotto and stir until thickened. Add more salt if desired. Add ground black pepper, if using.
Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Stovetop Method
In a large saucepan over medium high heat, add ghee or coconut oil.
Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic and cook stirring for 7 minutes, until the mushrooms have sweat and are tender.
Add coconut aminos, and stir cooking for 2 minutes until the vegetables are browned.
Add cauliflower rice, coconut milk. bone broth, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. Stir everything together to combine.
Lower the heat to medium low, then simmer for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Once most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in tapioca starch until thickened.
Remove from heat, then add more salt if desired. Add ground black pepper, if using.
Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped parsley.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cauliflower Rice: Fresh yields the best texture. If using frozen, drain thoroughly first or you'll end up with soup instead of risotto (learned this the hard way!).
- Mushroom Varieties: My Korean upbringing taught me to appreciate different mushrooms—each brings its own flavor. A mix of shiitake and cremini creates amazing depth.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For non-paleo occasions, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. For dairy-free, an extra spoonful of coconut cream works beautifully.
- Brightness Boost: A squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest brightens all the flavors.
- Herb Variations: While parsley is classic, fresh thyme or rosemary adds wonderful complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Great as a side dish, but makes an excellent main when topped with protein.
- For Special Occasions: A tiny drizzle of truffle oil transforms this into a restaurant-worthy dish!
Serving: 1serving - makes 4 | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 546mg | Potassium: 1037mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg