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    Home » Recipes » Mexican Inspired

    Published: Jul 23, 2016 · Modified: Oct 6, 2022 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice

    Jump to Recipe Pin

    This spicy Mexican Cauliflower Rice goes well in a burrito or as a compliment to a Mexican inspired meal.

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice birds eye view.

    For some reason, I am not the biggest fan of making rice. Maybe it's because it's faster to make quinoa, which I am a big fan of with its high protein content.

    Or perhaps it's because I always make a large batch of rice when I do make it, and it seems to last a little too long.

    Besides quinoa, I love using cauliflower in place of rice. I get more vegetable servings and fewer carbs. So instead of making Mexican rice, I decided to make Mexican Cauliflower Rice.

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    This is really easy to throw together, and even easier if you buy a bag of frozen pre-chopped cauliflower rice. Of course, after I made this, I discovered that you can purchase the pre-chopped variety.

    I now keep some in my freezer to have around whenever I make something that goes with rice.

    I love spicy food, so I used a serrano pepper in this. If you don't want as much heat you could use less serrano, or you could take out the seeds and the vein.

    You could also replace the serrano with a jalapeño, which is a milder pepper.

    For a recipe with rice, try some Japanese Taco Rice.

    Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes

    • Vegan Wet Burrito
    • Vegan Mexican Tortilla Pizza
    • Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Ingredients

    This is an overview of the ingredients. To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    • Cauliflower: You can use fresh cauliflower that you rice yourself, or store-bought frozen riced cauliflower.
    • Olive oil: To cook the onions. Adds flavor.
    • Onion: I used a yellow onion for its sweet flavor. You could also use a white onion.
    • Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
    • Serrano pepper: This pepper packs a lot of heat in a small package. For a milder salsa, leave out the seeds and veins or use a jalapeño pepper.
    • Tomato paste: Adds a strong tomato flavor.
    • Cilantro: Adds a fresh citrus taste. I know for some people it tastes like soap. If that's the case for you, leave it out or use fresh parsley instead.
    • Salt and pepper: To enhance the flavors. Adds flavor.
    • Fresh lime juice: For some acidity. Balances the flavors and adds a bright note.

    How To Make This Recipe

    1. If using fresh cauliflower, place it in a food processor. Pulse until it has a consistency of rice.
    2. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add chopped onion. Cook until translucent.
    3. Add minced garlic and chopped serrano pepper. Cook a minute longer.
    4. Add cauliflower rice, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
    5. Cook until tender.

    How Long Does It Last?

    This recipe will last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

    Variations / Additions

    • spices: cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika
    • tomato sauce
    • red bell pepper or green bell pepper
    • jalapeño

    Tips

    • Use store-bought cauliflower rice to make things easier and less messy.
    • Use a jalapeño for less spice or take out the seeds and membrane from serrano pepper (that's where a lot of the spice is).

    Ways To Serve

    • Bean and Mexican Cauliflower Rice Burritos
    • Vegan Refried Bean Burrito
    • Vegan Burrito Bowl

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice close up.

    Recipe

    This vegan cauliflower rice with Mexican flavors is the perfect healthy low-carb side dish!

    *Don't forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.

    📋 Recipe

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice
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    5 from 2 votes

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice

    This spicy Mexican Cauliflower Rice goes well in a burrito or as a compliment to a Mexican inspired meal.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican inspired
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 28kcal
    Author Willow Moon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • food processor

    Ingredients

    • 1  head of cauliflower approx. 8 cups, cut into large pieces
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped serrano pepper
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • salt and pepper
    • cilantro chopped
    • limes
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Put ½ the cauliflower in food processor and pulse until it resembles a rice consistency. Do the same with the other half.
    • Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Cook on medium heat until translucent.
    • Add garlic and serrano pepper. Cook another minute longer.
    • Add cauliflower, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender.
    • Serve with chopped cilantro and limes.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

     

    More Mexican Inspired

    • Mango Habanero Salsa on a plate with tortilla chips.
      Mango Habanero Salsa
    • Vegan Black Bean Jicama Tacos
      Vegan Black Bean Jicama Tacos
    • Tofu Nacho Cheese
      Tofu Nacho Cheese Sauce
    • Vegan Chilaquiles
      Vegan Chilaquiles

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Frances says

      May 19, 2018 at 3:54 pm

      I had this in your bean burritos that you made this with. Great combo and the cauliflower rice is great by itself too!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 19, 2018 at 3:54 pm

        Thanks Frances!

        Reply
    2. Amanda Kruse says

      July 27, 2016 at 8:55 pm

      I love Mexican food, so I am going to have to try this out!

      xx,
      Amanda

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 28, 2016 at 10:36 am

        Thanks Amanda, I hope you like it!

        Reply
    3. Brittany says

      July 27, 2016 at 10:28 am

      we love cauliflower rice in our house! Never thought to take a Latin spin with it!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 28, 2016 at 10:31 am

        It's a great substitute, isn't it!

        Reply
    4. Ashleigh says

      July 27, 2016 at 8:31 am

      This recipe looks wonderful, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it! I love all things cauliflower!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 28, 2016 at 10:28 am

        Thanks Ashleigh! I hope you like it!

        Reply
    5. xoxobellablog says

      July 26, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      Yummy that looks super great!!! I would love to try this!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 26, 2016 at 6:25 pm

        Thanks! I hope you like it!

        Reply
    6. Kali says

      July 26, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Yum! This sounds great!
      Xx
      Kali

      Reply
    7. Lauren Vavala says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:01 am

      I love cauliflower rice - this is a great way to add some more flavor - sounds sooo good!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 26, 2016 at 4:26 pm

        Thanks Lauren!

        Reply
    8. kirstenortez says

      July 26, 2016 at 8:00 am

      I love spanish rice, so I'll have to give this a go!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 26, 2016 at 4:06 pm

        I hope you like it! I chose to call it Mexican Cauliflower Rice because I live so close to Mexico and they don't call it Spanish rice. They actually call it arroz rojo (red rice). I liked "Mexican Cauliflower Rice" because many of my dishes are inspired by Mexican cuisine. That's what happens when you live in Tucson, Arizona!

        Reply
    9. Madeline says

      July 26, 2016 at 7:32 am

      This looks so good! I am a huge fan of rice, but I've heard cauliflower can be a good (and much healthier!) substitute.

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 26, 2016 at 3:59 pm

        Thanks Madeline! You should try it! I don't even notice that I am not eating rice!

        Reply

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