Description
Mexican Cauliflower Rice is a flavorful, low-carb side dish packed with fresh veggies, vibrant spices, and clean ingredients. It offers a healthy alternative to traditional rice, ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or clean eating lifestyles. This versatile dish brings a burst of zest and authentic Mexican flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh preferred)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Grate or pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Be careful to avoid overprocessing to retain a good texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and jalapeño (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cauliflower Rice: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and mix thoroughly so it’s evenly coated with the tomato and spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but retains a slight firmness.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten and freshen the dish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower for better texture; frozen can be used if drained well.
- Avoid overcooking the cauliflower to keep a satisfying, al dente bite.
- Adjust cumin and chili powder amounts to match your preferred spice level.
- Cook in batches if making large quantities to ensure even cooking and avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh lime juice for optimal flavor over bottled versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg