This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Learn how to make cauliflower rice with this simple Mexican cauliflower rice recipe. This easy cauliflower recipe cooks in less than 20 minutes and is packed with fresh flavor.
Mexican cauliflower rice is one of my favorite side dishes. It’s easy to make in less than 20 minutes and is a great low carb alternative to traditional rice or quinoa. We love serving this rice with simple grilled chicken or on the side of a stir fry recipe like cilantro lime chicken teriyaki stir fry. Switch out the quinoa in these cilantro lime shrimp quinoa bowls for a tasty low carb alternative. This Mexican cauliflower rice recipe even tastes great on its own.
Try servings this rice with Mexican Corn for another tasty side dish!
How to make cauliflower rice
Cauliflower rice is a simple side dish that is so easy to make. Learn how to rice cauliflower in a few simple steps. Chop one head of cauliflower into florets. Add the florets to a food processor or chopped. We love using this large KitchenAid food processor because it’s easy to use and clean. Puree the cauliflower into small pieces (about the size of rice). You can puree larger or smaller pieces, depending on your preference, but you may need to adjust the cook time.
After the cauliflower is pureed into small pieces, add olive oil to a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the cauliflower with the olive oil. Add additional ingredients like tomato sauce and spices such as cumin or chili powder, if desired. Cook until the rice pieces are cooked through and all of the ingredients are combined, about two to three minutes.
To make Mexican Cauliflower Rice, follow the full recipe below.
Tips for making mexican cauliflower rice
- You can also use the bagged cauliflower rice at the store instead of processing a head of cauliflower. The bagged cauliflower rice is generally located in the freezer section. If frozen, you may need to cook the rice slightly longer.
- Cut the onion, jalapeño and carrot very small. You don’t want large chunks of vegetables in the rice.
- Cook the rice over medium heat and use a nonstick pan to prevent burning.
- A little bit of seasoning goes a long way. For this entire recipe, we use 1/4 cup tomato sauce and less than 3 teaspoons of seasoning. Too much seasoning or sauce will weigh down your rice. Keep it nice and fluffy by using a few simple ingredients.
- Store leftover rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This tastes great as leftovers!
Cauliflower rice nutrition
- Cauliflower is a low carb alternative to standard rice. If you’re cutting carbs, cauliflower rice is a great choice. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients and vitamins.
- This cauliflower rice recipe is paleo.
- Cauliflower rice is gluten free.
- Cauliflower rice is dairy free.
More cauliflower recipes
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower with Lemon Garlic
- Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Vegan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower florets to a food processor or chopper and pulse until the cauliflower resembles small bits (like rice.)
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the onion, jalapeño, carrots and peas and stir fry until the onion is translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the riced cauliflower and garlic and cook 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Add tomato sauce, salt, cumin, paprika and black pepper to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Video
Notes
- Use a food processor or chopper to rice the cauliflower. You can adjust the size of the rice, depending on your taste.
- To make it spicier, add an additional jalapeño or add hot sauce, to taste.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and comment below. Your feedback helps us create high quality recipes!
So many good flavors in one dish!! Going to be in my recipe rotation, for sure!
This made a great addition to taco night! Thanks for the great recipe!
We love cauliflower rice, but I usually prepare it like fried rice. This Mexican-inspired version is delicious!
This was the perfect side dish for our tacos last night!
I’m so glad to hear you loved this recipe! Thanks so much for your feedback, Alyssa!