Description
Healthy Mexican Cauliflower Rice is a vibrant, fast, and veggie-packed side dish that mimics traditional Mexican rice using cauliflower. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's naturally low-carb and gluten-free, perfect for busy weeknights. The family will love the familiar taco seasoning while you sneak in extra vegetables. Great for meal prep and versatile enough for burrito bowls or taco fillings.
Ingredients
1 large head Cauliflower rice (or 4 cups frozen)
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 small Onion, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 medium Tomato, diced
2 tablespoons Tomato paste
2 tablespoons Taco seasoning
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Lime juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Stir in diced tomato and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes
- Add cauliflower rice, taco seasoning, and salt. Stir everything together
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy
- Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top and stir in cilantro
- Serve immediately
Notes
Do not overcook the cauliflower rice; it should be tender, not watery.
Use a large skillet to avoid steaming; let it sauté, not steam.
For maximum flavor, toast the spices briefly before adding cauliflower rice.
If using frozen cauliflower rice, cook a few extra minutes to evaporate moisture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For a protein boost, add black beans or cooked ground turkey.
For more heat, add a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper.
Swap taco seasoning for chipotle powder for a different flavor profile.
Can also use bell peppers instead of tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cauliflower rice, Mexican, healthy, low-carb, gluten-free, quick, vegetarian