Let’s make some delicious and simple low carb Mexican cauliflower rice!
I love Mexican food and Tex-Mex food! And, this recipe for Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice is a perfect side dish and a great way to get in your veggies.
Mexican style cauliflower rice
Mexican riced cauliflower can be a great alternative to traditional Mexican rice, if you’re looking for a way to decrease carbohydrate in your next meal. But, it can also just be another great way to get in some tasty veggies.
Regardless of why you’re trying this recipe, I know you’re going to love it.
How many carbs are in traditional Mexican rice?
One cup of traditional Mexican rice will have 40-45g carbohydrate depending on how it is prepared.
And, one cup of our Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice has 7g carbohydrate. That’s a lot less. And this may be beneficial for some people.
But remember, people with diabetes can absolutely enjoy traditional rice dishes of any kind. Just make sure to pair it with other sources of fiber (like veggies) and lean proteins. And be mindful of the fat content of your dishes. Higher fat dishes can possibly cause delayed spikes in blood sugars. When you combine this with a higher carbohydrate meal, it increases the risk of experiencing prolonged blood sugar spikes. As a dietitian living with diabetes myself, my best tip for avoiding this is really focusing on adding fiber into your meal.
Does cauliflower rice have carbs?
There are 7g of carbs in cauliflower rice. And most of those carbs come from fiber. Thus, it is not likely that cauliflower rice will have much of an impact on your blood sugar levels.
How many calories are in cauliflower rice?
Our recipe for Mexican cauliflower rice has ~60 calories/ serving.
What type of cauliflower rice should you buy?
I prefer to buy frozen cauliflower rice out of convenience, and it is what I use for this particular recipe.
But, you can also buy it fresh at some grocery stores. Or, rice a head of cauliflower yourself using a food processor or grater.
What can you eat with Mexican cauliflower rice?
I love pairing Mexican cauliflower rice with any of the following:
And, it makes the perfect side dish to pair with my sheet pan steak fajita recipe!
Mexican cauliflower rice recipe tips
When you’re ready to make Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice, keep these tips in mind:
- Starting with frozen cauliflower rice will prevent it from drying out.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your preferences.
- If you need a lower-sodium version, omit the salt and choose a low-sodium tomato sauce.
How to make Mexican cauliflower rice
In a large skillet, heat your avocado oil over medium heat for several minutes.
Add your riced cauliflower and tomato sauce to the pan and cook with the lid off for 10-15 minutes until it begins to bubble.
Add in your seasonings and stir until fully combined. If it appears dry, add in 1-2 Tbsp water and continue cooking for 3-5 additional minutes.
How to season cauliflower rice
I like to make my own taco seasoning (or buy it from the store) for cauliflower rice.
On its own, cauliflower rice doesn’t have the best flavor so it definitely needs a hefty dose of seasonings.
What about the Mexican cauliflower rice at Trader Joe’s?
One of my favorite store-bought cauliflower rice options is the spicy Mexican Cauliflower Rice from Trader Joe’s. It will run you about the same cost as making it at home. So, if you don’t mind the kick (it’s spicy for sure!), that may be another great option.
Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Avocado oil
- 6 cups frozen riced cauliflower
- 2 cups no salt added tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1-2 Tbsp water as needed
- Lime juice optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat your avocado oil over medium heat.
- Add your riced cauliflower and tomato sauce to the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes until it begins to bubble.
- Add in your seasonings and stir until fully combined. If it appears dry, add in 1-2 Tbsp water and continue cooking for 3-5 additional minutes.
- Squeeze a lime wedge or sprinkle some lime juice on top just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
References
- Impact of short-term high-fat feeding on glucose and insulin metabolism in young healthy men, Journal of Physiology, (2009).
- Fiber: The carb that helps you manage diabetes, CDC, (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/fiber-helps-diabetes.html
