Make your own favorite Mexican restaurant red rice easily at home in 25 minutes or less! This Mexican cauliflower rice is a healthier option that will quickly become an all-time family favorite!Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Large Saucepan or Large Straight Sided Skillet (with lid)
Ingredients
1(2 pound) Head Cauliflower (SEE NOTES)
2TBSOlive Oil
1small Yellow Onion – small dice (about 1 ½ cups)
2Jalapeno or Serrano Chile Peppers – seeded and finely chopped (SEE NOTES)
2ClovesGarlic– peeled and minced
1 ¼tspCumin
¾tspEACH: Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder(SEE NOTES)
2TBSTomato Paste
1CupCorn Kernels(SEE NOTES)
2Roma Tomatoes – seeded and diced (about ½ cup), plus more for garnish
6TBSUnsalted Chicken or Vegetable Stock
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
1-3TBSFresh Cilantro – chopped, to taste
For Serving: Lime Wedges, Avocado Slices, Sour Cream, Hot Sauce and/or Scallions
Instructions
Prep cauliflower: On a clean work surface, cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets. Working in batches, add the florets to a food processor or standing blender. Pulse until the cauliflower florets resemble rice, about 8-12 pulses. (DO NOT OVER PROCESS!) Transfer cauliflower ‘rice’ to a large bowl and continue to process remaining florets. Set the bowl of cauliflower rice to the side.
Sauté the vegetables and seasonings: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion and jalapeno (or serrano). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika and chili powder. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds – 1 minute. Add in the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently until tomato paste is caramelized and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cauliflower, corn and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the liquid: Add the stock and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook covered: Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, COVERED, for 4 minutes.
Uncover and continue to cook: Uncover the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the cauliflower is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 4-5 minutes.
To serve: Remove pan from heat and stir in fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with lime wedges and optional garnishes on side. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Amount of Cauliflower: 1 large (2 pound) head of cauliflower is equivalent to 10 cups of cauliflower florets or 20 ounces of riced cauliflower.
Jalapeno: If you don’t like a lot of smoky spice in your food, omit jalapeno pepper and substitute red bell pepper.
Chili Powder amount: If you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, reduce chili powder to ¼ teaspoon.
Corn: You can use frozen, defrosted corn, canned corn or leftover cooked fresh corn for this recipe. I like to use leftover grilled kernels of fresh corn in the summer. When corn isn’t in season I use canned fire-roasted corn. Make sure you defrost frozen corn or drain canned corn before proceeding with recipe.
STORAGE: Cooked Mexican rice should be stored in an airtight container. Properly stored, rice will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, the rice can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Recipe Yield: approximately 5 cupsNutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.