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!
- 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 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:
- Pulsed in a food processor (see below for directions)
- Grated by hand with a hand grater (very messy, I don’t recommend this method)
- Store bought (see below for where to 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.
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.
How to make cauliflower rice without food processor
- Remove the green leaves but keep the stem.
- Using a box grater, grate the cauliflower around the stem using the largest grater holes.
Tip: Work on one side of the cauliflower until you reach the steam. Do not continusally turn.
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 brands at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Whole Foods in the frozen section.
In many stores it is also sold 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
- 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 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.
Recommended kitchen tools
How to add more spice to cauilflower rice
- Sliced jalapenos (fresh or jarred)
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Chipotle powder
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How to store Mexican cauliflower rice
This cauliflower rice lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure you store in a well sealed container.
You can freeze cauliflower rice and store it in well sealed container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or in the microwave or on the stove.
If you love this cauliflower rice recipe, you should try
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.
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.
Jeannie
Thursday 10th of June 2021
This was awesome!! So very yummy!
Carly Green
Monday 31st of May 2021
This cauliflower rice is very tasty, although it has much more of a salsa flavor than a Mexican rice flavor. I made it with white chicken enchiladas so it was great with them, and it's veg and easy. Win-win for me. I'll be playing with the spices is the future. Thank you for sharing this!
Tammy
Tuesday 17th of November 2020
Fast, easy and delicious! Thank you!!
Nel
Sunday 19th of April 2020
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
Sunday 6th of May 2018
How much is in a bag of frozen riced cauliflower?
Also, could you make this with fresh cauliflower?
Sam
Sunday 6th of May 2018
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!