Description
Spice-packed Mexican Cauliflower Rice brings zesty flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine to your low-carb dinner table. Fresh herbs, bold spices, and riced cauliflower combine for a delicious, guilt-free side you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Base:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups riced or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Liquids and Additions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste or 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (juiced)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Transform fresh cauliflower into rice-like texture by pulsing florets in a food processor until they resemble small granules.
- If using frozen cauliflower, completely thaw and thoroughly drain any accumulated moisture.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Introduce chopped onions to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika into the skillet, gently stirring to activate their intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Blend tomato paste thoroughly with the spice mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pan.
- Fold cauliflower rice into the skillet, coating each grain with the robust spice blend.
- Maintain medium heat, cooking for 5-7 minutes and stirring periodically until cauliflower reaches a tender yet crisp consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Finish by gently mixing in fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to brighten the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with optional toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or lime wedges for added texture and zest.
Notes
- Prep the cauliflower carefully to ensure a rice-like texture, avoiding large chunks that can disrupt the dish’s consistency.
- Drain excess moisture thoroughly when using frozen cauliflower to prevent a soggy final result and maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Bloom spices briefly to unlock maximum flavor depth, creating an authentic Mexican-inspired taste profile without overwhelming heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg