Name: Hearts Of Palm Rice
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 package Hearts of Palm Rice (Trader Joe's or other brand); 1 tsp olive oil (or 2 tsp olive oil, optional for flavor); 1/4 tsp Salt (to taste); 1/4 tsp Pepper (to taste)

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Looking for a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional rice? This easy Hearts of Palm Rice recipe is the perfect solution! Made from nutrient-rich vegetables and ready in just 5 minutes on the stovetop, it’s ideal for anyone following a keto, gluten-free, or low-calorie lifestyle. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a base for a stir-fry, this veggie-packed rice substitute is delicious, satisfying, and so easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Hearts Of Palm Rice

It’s low-carb and keto-friendly. Hearts of palm is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a fantastic substitute for rice if you’re watching your carb intake. It fits perfectly into keto, paleo, and other low-carb diets without sacrificing texture or flavor. You get all the satisfaction of eating rice without the blood sugar spike. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite meals!
Quick and easy to make. This recipe takes just 5 minutes on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights. No chopping or prep work needed—just heat and stir. You’ll love how fast it comes together with barely any cleanup. It’s a true time-saver for any home cook!
It has a mild, rice-like texture. Once heated, the hearts of palm rice softens up and mimics the texture of cooked white rice. It absorbs seasonings beautifully and pairs well with so many different dishes. You can even stir-fry it or add it to bowls and burritos. It’s a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!
Versatile enough for any meal. Serve it plain as a healthy side dish, or use it as a base for stir-fries, bowls, or casseroles. Add in veggies, proteins, or sauces to make it a complete meal. You can enjoy it in endless ways, just like regular rice. It’s great for meal prep too!
Great for special diets. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, paleo, or low-calorie, this hearts of palm rice fits right in. It’s made from vegetables and contains no grains, gluten, or animal products. It’s also super light on calories, so you can enjoy a generous portion. A perfect pantry staple for healthy eating!

Ingredients For Hearts Of Palm Rice

Hearts of Palm Rice – This is the star of the recipe! It looks and feels like rice, but it’s actually made from the inner core of palm trees. Light, low in carbs, and full of fiber, it’s a great alternative to traditional grains. You can find it at Trader Joe’s or other grocery stores.
Olive Oil – Adds flavor and helps the hearts of palm rice brown slightly while cooking. You can use as little or as much as you like—or skip it altogether for an oil-free version. A non-stick pan makes it easy to cook without oil. Optional, but delicious!
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the rice and brings out its natural taste. A little goes a long way. Use your favorite kind of salt—table salt, sea salt, or pink salt all work. Season to taste!
Black Pepper – Adds a touch of spice and balance to the dish. Freshly ground pepper gives the best flavor. Feel free to skip it or add other seasonings you love. Totally customizable!

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Hearts Of Palm Rice

Non-stick frying pan – Prevents the rice from sticking and helps it cook evenly. No need for much oil when using non-stick!
Spatula – Helps break up the rice and stir it while cooking. A silicone or wooden spatula works great to protect your pan.

How To Make Hearts Of Palm Rice

Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat and add a little olive oil if using.
Pour the hearts of palm rice into the pan and break it apart with a spatula so it spreads out evenly.
Wait for the sizzling sound, which means the pan is fully heated.
Reduce heat to medium-high and stir the rice every minute for about 4 minutes.
When it’s heated through, season with salt and pepper.
Give it a final stir, remove from heat, and serve!

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hearts of Palm Rice as a side dish with juicy grilled chicken, strip steak, or broiled flounder for a low-carb meal.
Use it as a base for a shrimp and veggie stir fry—just toss in your favorite chopped vegetables and a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki.
Turn it into a grain-free burrito bowl with black beans, avocado, corn salsa, and your favorite toppings.
Mix it with scrambled eggs and chopped veggies for a quick and healthy breakfast scramble.
Try it cold in a tomato cucumber salad and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.

Tips For Success

Use a non-stick pan. Hearts of palm rice doesn’t contain fat, so a non-stick frying pan makes cooking easier and helps prevent sticking. You can add a little olive oil for flavor, but it’s totally optional. If using a regular pan, stir often and use a bit more oil to avoid sticking.
Wait for the sizzling sound. That sizzle tells you the pan is fully heated and ready. Adding the rice too early can make it soggy. Once it sizzles, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking.
Break up the rice with a spatula. Hearts of palm rice can clump together, so gently break it apart in the pan to help it cook evenly. This gives it that light, fluffy texture that mimics real rice. A spatula works perfectly for this!
Don’t overcook it. The rice is already pre-cooked—you’re just heating it through. About 4 to 5 minutes is all you need. Stir every minute until it’s hot and ready to serve.
Season it your way. Salt and pepper are a great base, but feel free to add your favorite spices. Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even a splash of soy sauce can change up the flavor. This rice is like a blank canvas—have fun with it!

Variations And Substitutions

Add vegetables. Turn your hearts of palm rice into a full meal by adding your favorite chopped veggies. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach all work great. Sauté them in the pan before adding the rice, or stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to boost flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Mix in protein. Make it a complete dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, ground turkey, or tofu. You can cook the protein separately or stir it in during the last minute to warm it through. This makes it perfect for a quick and healthy one-pan meal. You’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Try different seasonings. The flavor of hearts of palm rice is very neutral, so it pairs well with all kinds of seasonings. Add garlic powder, chili flakes, curry powder, or Cajun spice for a bold kick. For a more Asian twist, try soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of green onions. You can even turn it into a Mexican-style rice with cumin, lime juice, and cilantro!
Make it creamy. Stir in a little cream cheese or shredded cheese toward the end of cooking to make it rich and creamy. A splash of coconut milk also works great for a dairy-free version. This adds a comfort food vibe while still being low carb. Serve it warm and melty for extra satisfaction.
Swap the oil. Instead of olive oil, try using butter, ghee, avocado oil, or even flavored oils like garlic or chili oil. This changes the flavor and adds a different touch to your rice. You can also go oil-free if you’re watching fats—just stick with a non-stick pan and stir frequently. Either way, it’ll still taste great!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator storage: Store any leftover hearts of palm rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked hearts of palm rice for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and flatten it out for easier thawing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply add it to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Avoid overcooking when reheating: Since hearts of palm rice is already soft, be careful not to overheat it or it may become mushy. Add a small splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir well to bring back its fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hearts of palm rice healthy?

Yes! Hearts of palm rice is a healthy, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional rice. It’s naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, making it ideal for anyone following a keto, low-carb, paleo, or gluten-free diet. It also contains fiber and some vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C, depending on the brand.

Does hearts of palm rice taste like real rice?

It doesn’t taste exactly like white or brown rice, but it has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a similar texture when heated. It absorbs seasonings really well and works great as a base for savory dishes. While it won’t fool your taste buds into thinking it’s actual rice, it’s a delicious and satisfying alternative that works in almost all the same ways. Many people actually come to prefer it!

Can I use this rice in stir-fries and other cooked dishes?

Absolutely! Hearts of palm rice is very versatile and can be used in stir-fries, casseroles, grain-free bowls, burritos, and more. Just be sure not to overcook it—it’s already pre-cooked and only needs to be heated through. You can also mix it with other ingredients like meat, veggies, and sauces to create one-pan meals.

Where can I buy hearts of palm rice?

Trader Joe’s carries it in a convenient shelf-stable package, but you can also find it at many grocery stores, health food stores, and online. Brands like Palmini also make versions of hearts of palm rice that are widely available. Check in the canned or packaged vegetable aisle or the health food section. It’s becoming more popular, so keep an eye out!

Can I eat it cold or use it in salads?

Yes! Hearts of palm rice can be eaten cold and works well in veggie-packed salads. Just drain and rinse it, then toss it with your favorite chopped veggies and dressing. It’s a great base for summer salads or meal prep bowls that don’t need to be reheated.

Other Easy Rice Recipes

High-Protein Bone Broth Rice – This flavorful rice is simmered in rich bone broth for a delicious protein boost in every bite.

Quick Carrot Rice Side Dish – A light and healthy veggie rice dish that comes together in minutes using shredded carrots and simple seasonings.

Creamy Avocado Rice – Mashed avocado and warm rice come together for a creamy, satisfying side dish packed with healthy fats.

Mango Fried Rice – A sweet and savory stir-fried rice loaded with juicy mango chunks and bold, tropical flavors.

Pressure Cooker Mexican Rice – This easy Instant Pot recipe makes fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice in just minutes with minimal effort.

Instant Pot Coconut Rice – Creamy coconut milk infuses this rice with rich flavor and a perfectly soft texture, all made hands-off in the pressure cooker.

Chicken Stir Fry with Zucchini, Mushrooms & Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb one-pan meal full of tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and flavorful cauliflower rice.

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Cooked hearts of palm rice on a white plate – a low-carb, keto-friendly rice alternative that's quick and easy to make on the stovetop.

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