Whole30 Mexican Cauliflower Rice is the perfect quick and simple side dish! You are not going to believe how much flavor is packed in this cauliflower rice that only takes 10 minutes to make! Perfect for meal prep as well!
Why this recipe works?
- Everything you love about Mexican Restaurant style rice but lower in carbs and packed full of vegetables!
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice is so easy to make, it only takes 10 minutes and is perfect for lunch or dinner! Great for parties too! It’s gluten free, vegan, paleo, Whole30, low carb and keto friendly!
- Add this Mexican cauliflower rice to burrito bowls, tacos, taco salads, with fajitas, or with homemade guacamole and salsa and your favorite protein!
How to make cauliflower rice:
There are three ways you can make cauliflower rice for this recipe:
- Grated by hand with a hand grater (very messy, I don’t recommend this method)
- Pulsed in a food processor (see below for directions)
- Store bought (see below for where you can buy cauliflower rice)
To make this dish in under 10 minutes, I prefer to use store bought frozen cauliflower rice. It’s easy to keep stored in the freezer and I don’t to worry about it spoiling in the fridge.
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How to rice cauliflower in the food processor:
- Start by removing the green outer leaves as well as the thick stem.
- Place the cauliflower head on the counter and slice 1 inch thick steaks of cauliflower or chop into florets. You don’t need to worry about this looking pretty.
- Add about ½ of the cauliflower to the food processor and process on high until it resembles rice (takes about 20-30 seconds).
- Repeat with the rest of the cauliflower.
- Store in the fridge in a well-sealed container for up to 3 days before cooking or freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container.
Where to buy cauliflower rice
Most stores now carry cauliflower rice in the frozen food section. Bird’s Eye and Green Giant both have frozen riced cauliflower in most grocery stores.
You can also find store brand frozen cauliflower rice at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Whole Foods in the frozen section.
Cauliflower rice is also sold in many stores in the fresh produce section. CeCe’s Veggie Co, Eat Smart, Green Giant brands can be found at most stores. Also, you can usually find fresh riced cauliflower at Trader Joe’s and Costco as well.
How to make Mexican Cauliflower Rice in the skillet?
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add avocado oil and the white onion. Cook 2-3 minutes to soften the onion.
Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the onions and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Take off the heat and add the spices, stir well.
Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro off the heat and stir well.
Serve hot or cold.
Ways to add more spice to this vegan Mexican Cauliflower Rice recipe:
- Sliced jalapenos (fresh or jarred)
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Chipotle powder
How do you store Mexican Cauliflower Rice?
This Mexican cauliflower rice can be stored in a well sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
It can also be stored in well sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or in the microwave or on the stove.
Tools to make easy Mexican Cauliflower Rice:
- Cast iron skillet or stainless steel skillet
- Lime juicer
- Food processor (optional for fresh cauliflower rice)
If you love this cauliflower rice recipe, you should try:
- Whole30 Cauliflower Dirty Rice
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Green Cauliflower Rice
- Apple Cinnamon Cauliflower Oatmeal
- Chocolate peanut butter low carb oatmeal
- Low carb cauliflower bagels
- Low Carb Savory cauliflower waffles
- Coffee Banana Protein Smoothie
Whole30 Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 bags frozen riced cauliflower - or 1 large head cauliflower, riced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the avocado oil and coat the bottom of the pan
- Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the frozen cauliflower rice and cook well until fully defrosted and hot.
- Add the spices and stir well.
- Remove from heat and add the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
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Notes
- Start by removing the green outer leaves as well as the thick stem.
- Place the cauliflower head on the counter and slice 1 inch thick steaks of cauliflower or chop into florets. You don’t need to worry about this looking pretty.
- Add about ½ of the cauliflower to the food processor and process on high until it resembles rice (takes about 20-30 seconds).
- Repeat with the rest of the cauliflower.
- Store in the fridge in a well-sealed container for up to 3 days before cooking or freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container.
Nutrition Information
Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in January of 2018, but was published again in July 2019 to include step by step directions, recipe notes and new photos. In August 2019 a video was added.
Tammy
Fast, easy and delicious! Thank you!!
Nel
Fast and easy to make on my first attempt. It definitely needs the lime, so don’t leave that off (I did leave the cilantro off, though). Quick and easy to prepare. It was really dry, though, which was the reason for the 4 stars.
Jenni
How much is in a bag of frozen riced cauliflower?
Also, could you make this with fresh cauliflower?
Sam
Yes you could make it with fresh cauliflower that you rice yourself. Just be sure to steam it for a few minutes first, the frozen cooks quickly where fresh takes a few more minutes to get tender. A bag of frozen is 3 cups!
Miz Helen
This recipe looks awesome, we will love it! Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit
I’m craving this! Thanks for sharing!