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 fewer 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 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
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!
*Don't forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.
📋 Recipe
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1Â 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!