Name: Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower (approx. 8 cups, cut into large pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons finely chopped serrano pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; salt and pepper; cilantro (chopped); limes

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

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 less carbs. So instead of making Mexican rice, I decided to make Mexican Cauliflower Rice.

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 for 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.

Other Mexican Inspired Recipes

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

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

Recipe

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

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5 from 1 vote