With one pan and 25 minutes, low carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice can be on your table. This tasty side dish is the perfect addition to a festive Taco Tuesday spread and an easy way to squeeze just a little more nutrition onto your plate without sacrificing one bit of flavor! Naturally Whole30, paleo, grain free, and keto friendly.
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It’s no secret that Cameron and I love Mexican food. And it’s no secret that I love to sneak extra veggies onto our plates whenever possible.
Enter Mexican Cauliflower Rice.
To be honest, I received major side eye when I told Cameron I was making a cauliflower rice version of his beloved side dish. He was not amused.
That is, until I presented him with a bowl of this low carb flavor bomb, first smothered with my slow cooker cilantro lime chicken, and later served with a runny egg and avocado.
Instant convert! And you will be too.
This low carb and keto friendly side dish will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s packed with all of the flavor of traditional Mexican rice, but with loads more nutrients (and less guilt if that’s your thing).
How to Make Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Properly prepared, cauliflower rice is chewy, nutty, and deliciously addictive. For best flavor and texture, make the rice from scratch using a fresh head of cauliflower. Cauliflower happily absorbs seasonings, so be generous – jalapeno, garlic, tomato paste, lime juice, and cilantro are each prominent but balanced in our Mexican cauliflower rice. This dish is both easy and flexible, make in one skillet, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Divide a head of cauliflower into bite sized florets; smaller pieces will process more evenly.
- Place the cauliflower florets into a food processor fitted with a standard s-blade; for best results, don’t fill the bowl more than halfway full or the cauliflower won’t evenly process. You’ll need to do this in 2, maybe 3, batches depending on the size of the cauliflower.
- Press the “pulse” feature 20-30 times, or until the florets have been processed into a fine, rice-like texture. It’s okay if there are some slightly larger pieces. Just be sure to pulse, not blend, so that you don’t end up with mush.
- This recipe moves pretty quickly, so get your mis en place (aka “prep”) in order before you start.
- You’ll need a chopped white onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeno, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, some fresh lime juice, and lots of chopped cilantro.
- Heat oil in a 12″ non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and sautee until soft and starting to brown around the edges. Then add the minced garlic and jalapeno and sautee until very fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and salt. Work the tomato paste and spices into the vegetables until evenly distributed.
- Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet. Stir, stir, stir until the rice is worked into the skillet ingredients. Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower releases its moisture and is cooked through, but not completely soft. Be sure to stir frequently so the cauliflower cooks evenly.
- Once cooked through, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed with salt, lime juice, or cilantro.
A note about texture – depending on the size of the cauliflower rice and how much moistures it contains, the cooking time will vary. The best way to know the rice is cooked is to taste it. Fully cooked cauliflower rice will be chewy, but still a bit firm with a light bite. Overcooked cauliflower rice can be soggy, so pay attention to the pan and start tasting for texture around the 5-minute mark.
Can I use Frozen Cauliflower Rice?
Yes, but with notes and caution. Frozen cauliflower rice should first be defrosted and then thoroughly dried – simply place into a cotton kitchen towel and wring it out. Frozen cauliflower rice will cook more quickly, so be sure to pay attention to the pan.
Can I use Store-Bought Cauliflower Rice?
Again yes, but with notes. Most grocery stores carry bagged, pre-rice cauliflower in the produce section, and it sure is convenient. Look for bright white cauliflower rice, without a hint of a green tint (the latter is a signal that the cauliflower was under-ripe, or parts of the stem and/or leaves were riced). The packaging can cause the rice to sweat and release moisture, so be sure to wring it out before using.
Is Mexican Cauliflower Rice Spicy?
Not overly so! There is some spice from the jalapeno, but it’s more flavor and less heat. To make it spicier, keep some of the seeds from the jalapeno, and/or add up to a teaspoon of chili powder.
Is Cauliflower Rice Healthy?
Healthy is subjective, so – that’s up to you! I can tell you that this recipe is Whole30, paleo, and keto friendly, and naturally vegan and grain free. In our house, it’s a great way to sneak extra vegetables onto our plates without feel deprived.
What to Serve with Mexican Cauliflower Rice
You can use this Mexican cauliflower rice anywhere you’d use regular cauliflower rice:
- As a side dish for low carb tacos or fajitas
- Topped with cilantro lime chicken or seasoned black beans
- Stuffed into burritos
But my favorite way is for breakfast – yes, breakfast! I whipped up a keto bowl and it was OMG delicious. Layer the mexican cauliflower rice into a bowl with a bit of shredded cabbage for crunch; top with half an avocado, a poached egg, and a little queso fresco if you’re feeling frisky. Easy, nutritious, and filling.
Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly
- Process the cauliflower florets in batches for even ricing. Don’t fill the bowl more than halfway full, and be sure to use the pulse feature, rather than blending it on the continuous mode.
- Use a 12″ skillet. A larger skillet provides plenty of room to cook the cauliflower rice properly (a combination of sautéing and steaming for best flavor).
- Pay attention the pan and do not overcook the rice. Cooking time may vary, so it’s important to taste for texture starting around the 5-minute mark.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Crunchy Kale Slaw
- Grilled Corn Salad with Peppers and Basil
Did you make Mexican Cauliflower Rice? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.
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Recipe
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin RecipeRecommended Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rice the cauliflower. Slice the florets from the head of the cauliflower. Fit a food processor with the s-blade. Place half the florets into the bowl of the food processor and pulse until riced, scraping down the sides once halfway through to catch any larger pieces. Scrape out the riced cauliflower and repeat with the remaining florets.
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and sautee until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, 5-6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and jalapeno and sautee until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, salt, cumin, and paprika and stir into the vegetables.
- Add the cauliflower rice and stir continuously until all ingredients are incorporated. Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower releases its liquid and is dry and fluffy.
- Remove the Mexican cauliflower rice from heat. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make a Mexican Keto Bowl: combine ¼ of the cauliflower rice with half an avocado, 1 poached egg, ¼ c shredded red cabbage, and 2 tbsp queso fresco.
- Nutritional Information: 460 calories / 31g fat / 24 g protein / 13 net carb.
- To use frozen cauliflower rice:
- Defrost in the fridge overnight or in a fine mesh sieve under cool running water.
- Shake the rice to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Transfer the cauliflower rice to a cotton kitchen towel and wring out excess moisture.
- Frozen cauliflower rice will cook more quickly.
- To use store-bought cauliflower rice:
- Look for bright white cauliflower rice, without a hint of a green tint
- Store packaging may cause the rice to sweat and release moisture, so be sure to wring it out before using.
- Storage instructions:
- Store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a skillet over a medium high flame for 2-3 minutes.
- If making for meal prep, reserve fresh cilantro and add just after reheating.
Rebecca
I am buying my cauliflower already riced. About how much should I use for this recipe? Thanks!
Danielle
It’s about four cups, or a pound. This is a great question, I’ll update the recipe card to add this note. Thanks!
Gladys
You failed to update.the.recipe card!! This info is important for newbies.
Diane K (foodieforpeace)
Just finished this dish, which was a side to a local Mexican take out. Easy to prep and prepare. Still has texture but not raw at all. Way tasty. Too good NOT to put in rotation.
Gaby
Hi what are the nutritional facts if just eating the rice? Thanks!!!!
Danielle
Hi Gaby – the nutrition card below the recipe is just for the rice. The facts for the bowl are in the notes section of the recipe card.
Gaby
Thank you!!!! It was delicious!!!!
Kim Tankersley
How many servings? 13 carbs per serving or entire recipe?
Nancy
Excellent recipe! Tastes like Mexican rice but its all vegetables! Suggestion: it would be helpful to give a weight for the cauliflower, or indicate number of cups of the riced cauliflower. I ended up adding 2 more tablespoons of tomato paste to mine as it looked pink instead of reddish. I think my cauliflower was bigger than the recipe intended.
Jamie
Absolutely excellent! Wouodbt change a thing. Great recipe
joanne fleming
I have now made this three times and I’m OBSESSED. It’s the best whole30 recipe using cauliflower rice that I’ve ever found.
Tricia Vix
Great recipe! Suggestion. Many of us don’t measure with grams. Having the cup converter would be appreciated. I find myself digging on the intranet for a converter and eventually find it but it’s a pain. I’ll still make this again. Loved the extra cilantro and lime squeeze at the end!
Nancy
My mouth is watering and I want to taste this … I can’t wait to try this seems so yummy😊
Susannah
I added a little bit of the TJ Elote seasoning, chili powder and coriander but other than that, this was quick and delicious.
Mel
Best Mexican caulirice recipe I’ve tried so far! Very flavorful, quick and easy!!
Brandy
Made this last night to go with my hubby’s charro beans and some cornbread. We looooove Mexican rice, so I was worried about introducing this version but it actually turned out pretty well. I did heed the warning and prepped everything before I started cooking and I feel like it helped a lot. I followed the recipe almost exact except I used frozen cauliflower rice, I added a little chili powder and more garlic than was called for. I used 2 small bags of Jolly Green Giant cauliflower rice which came to about 4 cups total. I thawed and wrung out as much moisture as I could. The hubs said it was ok for being all veggies, but he’s willing to eat leftovers. I feel like this is a good base for this kind of receipt, but something was missing. I will use this over and over again and tweak here and there. Thank you for sharing!
Teresa McCreary
Delicious!! Great flavor.
Alana
This looks amazing!! I’ve been trying a few different kinds of cauliflower rice and I can’t wait to try this one. Thanks!
AL
This was delicious. My guests didn’t even know it wasn’t real rice. I used bagged cauliflower rice, which I dried out in a 175° oven for 30 min before adding to the skillet. This recipe will be on a regular rotation.
Pj
I made this recipe using two bags frozen riced cauliflower drained and rung out in a tea towel. Also added 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper and 3/4 teaspoon salt instead of 1 teaspoon. Delicious! My husband said “keep this recipe”, we LOVED this! Recommending this recipe to friends.
Jen
OMG, this was an amazing substitute for mexican rice! I love my starches but the family is trying to eat healthier. I tried cauliflower rice before and it was bland. I made this one and the hubby loved it! Even my stepson ate it and he doesnt like anything! LOL We had it with garlic lime flank steak.
Hubby wants me to make turkey taco bowls next time with black beans. This is definately a do-over in out household! 😋
KN
Added some cayenne and black beans – SO good. Maybe the best version of cauliflower rice I’ve ever had!
Annie
My children love to eat MEXICAN CAULIFLOWER RICE and I will try it for my children and my husband as well. If you have a recipe for Haitian Food then please do share it with me.
Jade
it’s okay
Kristen
PHENOMENAL
Meghan
This recipe was so quick and easy. Took it up a notch with some Serrano and banana peppers. used the lemon and garlic riced cauliflower from the freezer, defrosted and pat dried. Served with adobo chicken.
Angela
Absolutely love this! Left out the jalapeño and served with mixed chilli beans. Definitely a keeper!
Lin
We love this and have made it several times. I add some of the jalapeño seeds because we love spicy food. I used two bags of frozen cauliflower rice and cooked them in the microwave before following the other steps. Quick and easy way to make this. Thanks for your hard work in creating these recipes.