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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Mexican Cauliflower Rice ๐Ÿš

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice ๐Ÿš

    Published: Sep 19, 2018 ยท Updated: Sep 8, 2023 by Cast Iron Keto ยท 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Get ready for our Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice recipe โ€” a low-carb alternative to traditional Mexican rice. It's packed with cauliflower rice and all the spices we love in Mexican food. But the best part? It's the perfect way to sneak a few extra servings of vegetables into your diet โ€” and it's just as delicious as regular rice.

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice in a cast iron skillet topped with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos
    Jump to:
    • Preparation and cooking overview
    • Chef's note
    • ๐Ÿš Ingredients for keto Mexican cauliflower rice recipe
    • Ingredient substitutions
    • Additional ingredients
    • Cooking tools required
    • Tool substitutes list
    • How to make Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice: step-by-step guide
    • Cooking methods
    • Preparation steps
    • Cooking steps
    • What to serve with keto Mexican cauliflower rice?
    • How to make it healthier?
    • Time-saving tips
    • Storage and reheating instructions
    • Recipe wrap-up conclusion
    • Frequently asked questions
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Preparation and cooking overview

    You only need one pan and 25 minutes to cook this keto rice. Sautรฉ the alliums, cauliflower rice, and Rotel in a cast-iron skillet and season it with salt to taste. It's ready to pair just like that with your favorite keto dish.

    Chef's note

    This Keto Mexican rice recipe proves that going keto doesn't mean you have to miss out on your favorite flavors. Add fresh cilantro or a dash of dried oregano while sautรฉing the rice if you love the herby taste. Also, add diced bell peppers to the veggie mix or sprinkle keto-friendly cheese on top for cheesy goodness.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 25 Minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
    • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

    ๐Ÿš Ingredients for keto Mexican cauliflower rice recipe

    To make this low-carb Mexican rice, you'll need the following simple ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • ยผ cup minced onion
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 24 ounces cauliflower rice (we use frozen Trader Joe's)
    • 1 14.5 ounce can Rotel
    • Sea salt, to taste

    Optional toppings

    • Cilantro
    • Lime
    • Jalapeรฑo, sliced
    • Avocado, diced or sliced
    • Sour cream, dairy-free if desired

    Ingredient substitutions

    If you are in for an adventure, swap the suggested ingredients with keto-friendly options.

    • Avocado oil: Use equal amounts of coconut oil or ghee instead of avocado oil.
    • Chili powder: If you don't have chili powder, replace it with cayenne pepper or paprika.
    • Rotel: If you can't find Rotel in your grocery store, use a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

    Additional ingredients

    Let's have fun adding extra layers of flavor to our Mexican rice! Here are a few keto-friendly optional ingredients:

    • Chopped cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro atop the rice for a fresh, zesty punch.
    • Diced bell peppers: Sautรฉ diced bell peppers with onions and garlic for a crunch and vibrance.
    • Shredded cheese: What's Mexican food without some cheese, right? Sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack on top just before serving.
    • Avocado chunks: Add these in when the rice is almost cooked. They will give a creamy texture.
    • Sliced jalapenos: Add a few jalapeno slices right before you dig in for a spicy kick.

    Cooking tools required

    To make this Keto Rice recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

    • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet
    • Spoon
    • Cutting board
    • Knife
    • Can opener (for the Rotel)

    Tool substitutes list

    • Cast-iron skillet: Use a regular non-stick pan if you don't have a cast-iron skillet. Just ensure it's large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

    How to make Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice: step-by-step guide

    Cooking methods

    • Sautรฉing

    Preparation steps

    1. Gather your ingredients and measure them.
    2. Finely mince the onion and garlic clove.
    3. Use a can opener to open your can of Rotel.

    Cooking steps

    1. Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Once hot, add the minced onion and garlic and cook for a minute until they begin to soften.
    3. Then, add the chili powder and ground cumin and stir for 15-30 seconds until fragrant.
    4. Next, toss in the cauliflower rice and give it a good stir. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until most of the moisture evaporates.
    5. Carefully pour in the Rotel. Stir it in and let it cook for another minute or so.
    6. Finally, season with salt and give it one last good stir. Add your favorite toppings, if desired, and serve.
    Mexican Cauliflower Rice in a cast iron skillet topped with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos

    Chef's pro tip

    Avoid overcooking the cauliflower rice; aim for a fluffy, rice-like texture rather than a mushy texture. Keep a close watch on your skillet, and cook until the moisture evaporates, usually around 3-5 minutes. Stir regularly and cook uncovered for best results.

    What to serve with keto Mexican cauliflower rice?

    This recipe goes great with any Mexican dinner. Here are some of our go-to's:

    • Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers: Enjoy delicious stuffed peppers with this Mexican rice dish to make a complete meal.
    • Chicken Tinga Recipe: This shredded keto chicken recipe makes a great protein topping option with a Mexican rice bowl.
    • Keto Enchilada Meatball Skillet: Pair our delicious rice with this meatball skillet as a perfect side dish. The flavors are robust!
    • Salsa Chicken Bake: Pair the salsa chicken with our rice to create a flavorful Mexican side dish.
    • Chicken Fajita Casserole: Ever paired a fajita casserole with keto cauliflower rice? This is going to be your favorite combination!

    How to make it healthier?

    • If possible, use organic produce and spices.
    • Replace Rotel with a homemade version to have full control of salt content.

    Time-saving tips

    • Buy pre-made spice mix: Use a pre-made Mexican spice blend instead of individual spices to save a few minutes.
    • Use pre-riced cauliflower: Using pre-riced cauliflower, especially the frozen kind, saves you the hassle of chopping and ricing a cauliflower head. Also, there's no need to thaw it. Add it straight to the skillet and break it while cooking.

    Storage and reheating instructions

    Storage instructions

    If you have leftover rice, let it cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    Reheating best practices

    • Microwave: Transfer a portion of the cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heat distribution.
    • Stove: Add the cauliflower rice to a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and heat until it's warmed about 5-7 minutes.

    Recipe wrap-up conclusion

    Our Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice is sure to be your new go-to meal. It's so versatile that it fits right in your lunch fiesta or a delicious Mexican dinner. And you can serve it with a plethora of foods. Now, that's a well-deserved meal that keeps you on track with your health goals!

    Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking! We can't wait to hear how your keto Mexican rice turns out.

    Frequently asked questions

    Traditional Mexican rice isn't keto-friendly. It uses regular rice and has a high carb count. Our cauliflower Mexican rice, however, is a low-carb alternative made with keto-friendly ingredients.

    Absolutely! You can easily make your cauliflower rice by chopping cauliflower florets into chunks and pulsing it in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like texture.

    Definitely! Adding a lean protein like chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey would be a fantastic way to make this dish more substantial.

    If you don't have fresh onions, use 1 teaspoon of onion powder as a substitute in this recipe.

    Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store the rice in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat it in the microwave or stove.

    Certainly! Experiment with other spices that you have on hand. Paprika, coriander, or even a pre-made taco seasoning mix work well.

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice in a cast iron skillet topped with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and jalapenos

    Mexican Cauliflower Rice

    This easy Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice is a great low carb side dish that goes great with any fiesta themed meal! Made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, you're going to love this healthy dish!
    4.50 from 8 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: keto mexican cauliflower rice, low carb mexican cauliflower rice
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 60kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • ยผ cup minced onion
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 24 ounces cauliflower rice we use frozen Trader Joeโ€™s
    • 1 14.5 oz can Rotel
    • Salt to taste

    Optional Toppings:

    • Cilantro
    • Lime
    • Jalapeรฑo sliced
    • Avocado diced or sliced
    • Sour cream dairy-free if desired
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Once hot, add the minced onion and garlic and cook for a minute until they begin to soften.
    • Then, add the chili powder and ground cumin and stir for 15-30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Next, toss in the cauliflower rice and give it a good stir. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until most of the moisture evaporates.
    • Carefully pour in the Rotel. Stir it in and let it cook for another minute or so.
    • Finally, season with salt and give it one last good stir. Add your favorite toppings, if desired, and serve.

    Notes

    *Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Mexican Cauliflower Rice
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 60 Calories from Fat 36
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 4g6%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Cholesterol 5mg2%
    Sodium 50mg2%
    Potassium 298mg9%
    Carbohydrates 6g2%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 353IU7%
    Vitamin C 41mg50%
    Calcium 34mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    *

    Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

    # Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Crystal Matula says

      September 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm

      Making this tonight topped with carnitas.

      Reply
    2. evy says

      October 09, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      Yummmmmm! Loved this โ™ฅ๏ธ I put all the ingredients for the bread part into my mixer instead of doing the melted cheese thing. I added some more almond flour as the dough was a bit too wet. SO GOOD!!!! Great recipe!

      Reply
    3. Trish says

      April 10, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      This is the best! I made this for fajita night. You're recipes are saving my keto diet. After 18 months the food was getting boring.

      Reply
    4. Brianna says

      June 12, 2019 at 2:56 am

      This was so good, I made it into healthier burrito bowls with some taco ranch chicken I did in the Crock-Pot! It was amazing and just what I needed to curb my Mexican cravings!

      Reply
    5. Susan Gravina says

      June 22, 2020 at 5:17 am

      5 stars
      This rice is fantastic!! My first attempt at any cauliflower rice. This has made me a believer! It's super tasty. I've loved every recipe I've tried from your site. Thank you!!!

      Reply
    6. Lisa says

      October 06, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      That looks delicious!

      Reply

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