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 am all about keeping frozen veggies in my freezer. It has been in the 100s here in Tucson, and I don't have AC in my car at the moment. So the less trips to the grocery store the better!
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.
I love how Mother Nature shows you which peppers are spicier. Have you noticed that the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is? Pretty cool, right!
Other Mexican Inspired Recipes
- Smothered Vegan Burritos
- Vegan Mexican Tortilla Pizza
- Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Sriracha Hummus Taquitos with Pineapple Mango Dipping Sauce
- Bean and Corn Enchiladas
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
Recipe
This vegan cauliflower rice with Mexican flavors is the perfect healthy low carb side dish!
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Mexican Cauliflower Rice
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
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.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Frances says
I had this in your bean burritos that you made this with. Great combo and the cauliflower rice is great by itself too!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Frances!
Amanda Kruse says
I love Mexican food, so I am going to have to try this out!
xx,
Amanda
Willow Moon says
Thanks Amanda, I hope you like it!
Brittany says
we love cauliflower rice in our house! Never thought to take a Latin spin with it!
Willow Moon says
It's a great substitute, isn't it!
Ashleigh says
This recipe looks wonderful, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it! I love all things cauliflower!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Ashleigh! I hope you like it!
xoxobellablog says
Yummy that looks super great!!! I would love to try this!
Willow Moon says
Thanks! I hope you like it!
Kali says
Yum! This sounds great!
Xx
Kali
Lauren Vavala says
I love cauliflower rice - this is a great way to add some more flavor - sounds sooo good!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Lauren!
kirstenortez says
I love spanish rice, so I'll have to give this a go!
Willow Moon says
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!
Madeline says
This looks so good! I am a huge fan of rice, but I've heard cauliflower can be a good (and much healthier!) substitute.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Madeline! You should try it! I don't even notice that I am not eating rice!