Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Transform your keto Mexican food cravings with this vibrant, flavorful cauliflower rice that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Key Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
• Calories: 85 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Food processor or box grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Alternative: Use pre-riced cauliflower to skip the food processor

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 medium cauliflower head (about 3-4 cups riced) [600g]
• 2 tbsp olive oil [30ml]
• 1 medium onion, diced [150g]
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Add-ins:

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced [200g]
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Method

1. Rice your cauliflower: Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized (do not over-process).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion, cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. Add garlic and jalapeño, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in cumin, paprika, and black pepper.
6. Add cauliflower rice, stir well to combine.
7. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally (cauliflower should be tender but still have a slight bite).
8. Mix in diced tomatoes, cook 2 minutes more.
9. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and lime juice.
10. Season with salt to taste.

Crucial Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
• Keep heat at medium – too high will make cauliflower mushy.
• Stop processing cauliflower when it reaches rice size – avoid mush.
• Drain excess liquid if using frozen cauliflower rice.

Storage & Variations

Storage:

• Keeps 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Up to 3 months in freezer bags.
• Reheating: Pan-fry with a splash of oil until hot.

Variations:

• Add diced bell peppers for extra color.
• Mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
• Sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend.
• Top with avocado slices.
• Add chipotle peppers for smoky heat.

Common Mistakes:

• Overprocessing cauliflower.
• Overcooking until mushy.
• Not draining excess moisture.
• Under-seasoning.

This recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavors while keeping carbs low. Perfect as a side dish or base for burrito bowls!