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If you’re a fan of Spanish rice, this Spanish cauliflower rice is an absolute must-try! Packed with bold tomato sauce and authentic spices, it’s the perfect flavorful side dish that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version. Every time Ella and I go out for Mexican food, she always orders her meal with no beans and extra Spanish rice, while I opt for all beans to cut down on carbs. But now, with this Cauliflower Spanish Rice, we can both have the best of both worlds!

It’s so good, I promise you won’t even miss the rice. This dish is a game-changer, it’s perfectly spiced, light, and delicious. This cauliflower rice is the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. We hope you give it a try and see why it’s become one of our absolute favorites!

Why You Will Love This Cauliflower Spanish Rice
What Is Spanish Cauliflower Rice?
Ingredients Needed
How To Make Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
Storage Instructions
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes To Try Next!
SPANISH CAULIFLOWER RICE Recipe

Why You Will Love This Cauliflower Spanish Rice

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This cauliflower rice is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Spanish rice without the carbs. It’s a great low-carb and keto-friendly recipe!
Weight Watchers: This low-carb Spanish rice is 0 points on Weight Watchers!
Quick and Easy: There’s minimal prep and cooking time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have this delicious side dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Flavorful: The smoked paprika, cumin, and tomato sauce add so much flavor! It tastes like the real thing, you don’t even notice the cauliflower. For another delicious flavor, try our cilantro lime cauliflower rice!
Customizable: You can easily customize this cauliflower Spanish rice by adding peas, carrots, or diced bell peppers to make it your own.
Wholesome Choice: This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and grain-free.

What Is Spanish Cauliflower Rice?

Spanish cauliflower rice, also called Mexican cauliflower rice, is a low-carb take on traditional Spanish rice, made with riced cauliflower instead of regular rice. It has an authentic taste due to the tomato sauce and spices, making it just as flavorful and satisfying as the original. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in no time!

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for Spanish cauliflower rice

Frozen Riced Cauliflower: Use 12 ounces of frozen riced cauliflower. This keeps this recipe super quick and easy! If you don’t have frozen, you could rice one medium head of fresh cauliflower instead.
Olive Oil Spray: Add a light spray of olive oil to the skillet.
Onion: Sauté the diced onion in the skillet.
Garlic: Sauté the crushed garlic in the skillet. It adds so much incredible flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Adds rich, savory depth and a classic Spanish rice flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the dish.
Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and an earthy flavor.
Chili Powder: Provides a hint of heat and bold flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to season and enhance the flavors.
Frozen Peas: As an option, add frozen peas or carrots.
Cilantro: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

How To Make Spanish Cauliflower Rice

Step 1: Lightly spray a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the diced onion and crushed garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add the frozen riced cauliflower to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, to remove any excess moisture and for the cauliflower to become slightly tender.

Step 3: Add the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix, then, add the tomato sauce. After that, stir to coat the cauliflower rice evenly and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Tomato sauce in skillet for cauliflower Spanish rice

Step 4: If desired, add the frozen peas or carrots. Then, stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Cooked Spanish cauliflower rice in skillet

Step 5: Remove the Spanish cauliflower rice from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This Spanish-style cauliflower rice is such a delicious side dish! Here are some ways to serve it.

Mains: Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, slow cooker chicken tinga, air fryer shrimp, or your favorite Mexican dish.
Bowls: Use it as a base for a burrito bowl or enchilada bowl.
Guacamole: It’s delicious with a dollop of guacamole, protein guacamole, or sliced avocado on top!
Lime: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over top before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta cheese over top for added flavor.
Beans: Serve this Spanish rice with a side of refried beans or charro beans.
Tacos: Enjoy it as a side dish with slow cooker chicken tacos, air fryer shrimp tacos, or sheet pan tacos!

Expert Tips

Sauté The Onions and Garlic: Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in the skillet to build a solid flavor base.
Cook The Frozen Cauliflower: Add the frozen riced cauliflower to the skillet and sauté until moisture evaporates for a better texture.
Texture Tip: If your frozen cauliflower rice is too soggy after cooking, simply continue to sauté it for a few extra minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This will help achieve the perfect texture for your Spanish cauliflower rice!
Top With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Meal Prep: You can easily double or triple this recipe to serve a crowd or have leftovers for the week! Just make sure to use a larger skillet to allow the cauliflower to cook evenly, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Storage Instructions

For the best flavor, enjoy this Spanish cauliflower rice warm after making it. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations

Use Fresh Cauliflower: If you prefer using fresh cauliflower, simply chop it into small florets and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. Avoid over-pulsing it so it doesn’t become mushy. You’ll need about one medium head of cauliflower. Or, you can use 12 ounces of fresh riced cauliflower. Follow the same steps, but add a couple of tablespoons of water or more olive oil when cooking it. Also, you will need to cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes for the perfect texture.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of vegetables such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for even more texture and flavor.
Add Protein: Add some cooked chicken, ground beef, black beans, or lentils to the skillet while cooking.
Make It Spicy: If you like your rice with a little more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or finely chopped seeded jalapeños to increase the spice level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Cauliflower Instead Of Frozen?

Yes, you can! If using fresh cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. You’ll need about one medium head of cauliflower for this recipe or 12 ounces of fresh riced cauliflower. When cooking the fresh riced cauliflower, add a couple tablespoons of water or additional olive oil and increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Can I Freeze Spanish Cauliflower Rice?

Yes, this Spanish cauliflower rice recipe is freezer-friendly. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months. When ready to serve, reheat it in a pan over medium heat on the stove until warm.