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Looking for the perfect healthy side dish to pair with all your favorite Mexican meals? This Cauliflower Spanish Rice is quick, easy, and full of flavor!! With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s the low-carb, Whole30, Keto, and Paleo-friendly dish you’ll keep coming back to.
Why Cauliflower Spanish Rice Works So Well
As a nutritionist, I love finding ways to make classic comfort food a little lighter without losing flavor. Cauliflower rice is one of my favorite swaps because it’s rich in fiber, packed with nutrients, and gives you that same satisfying texture as traditional rice.
Spanish rice is extra special for me. Growing up, it was the food I could never get enough of. Bowls and bowls of it, no beans required. These days, I’ve re-created that same nostalgic taste with cauliflower. It’s just as delicious, but so much lighter and more nourishing!
If you want another comforting spin on cauliflower rice, try my Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Cauliflower Spanish Rice
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Here are my best tips for success:
- Prep the cauliflower. Chop into florets and pulse in a food processor until you have “rice” texture. Remember: pulse only! Over-blending makes mush.
- Build flavor. Sauté onion and garlic first, then stir in cumin, salt, tomato paste, and broth. Let it simmer just long enough for the flavors to come together.
- Finish fresh. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro before serving for that bright, zesty kick.
Done in just 20 minutes, which makes this one a perfect weeknight side!
Serving Suggestions
This cauliflower Spanish rice is one of those recipes you’ll want on repeat because it works with so many meals. It’s absolutely delicious served alongside Instant Pot Chicken Tinga or tucked into Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos.
It’s also a great make-ahead dish for meal prep. Store it in the fridge and use it to bulk up burrito bowls, tacos, or even as a base for stir-fries during the week.
Variations to Try
- Toss in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
- Switch up the spices. Smoked paprika or chili powder would both be fantastic.
- For regular rice, swap tomato paste with tomato sauce since it absorbs more moisture.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot. It tastes just as good the second time!!
This Spanish cauliflower rice is flavorful, nourishing, and one of the easiest sides you can make. Definitely one to save and come back to!
Be sure to rate the recipe below and comment if you make it! Also, tag me on Instagram @wholesomelicious with your creations. I love to see them!
20-Minute Cauliflower Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower*
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt, + more to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish, optional
- 1 lime, juiced, optional
Instructions
- Cut your cauliflower in half and in half again. Remove stem and discard. Chop the head of the cauliflower into chunks (1-2 inch pieces). Place inside a food processor and pulse. You probably need to do this in 2-3 batches. Between each batch, remove and set aside.
- Heat up a large skillet to medium heat. Coat the pan with oil. Add onion and saute for 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes.
- Add in riced cauliflower and saute for another 4-5 minutes. salt, and cumin. Stir around the veggie mixture to coat.
- Now add in cumin, salt, tomato paste, then 1/4 cup broth (you might not need broth with frozen rice as it produces enough moisture). Bump up heat to medium high. Continue to stir around until the tomato paste dissolves in the mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add in more broth by the tablespoon. If the mixture is slightly wet, continue to cook until the liquid dissolves.
- Serve hot with garnished cilantro, lime juice, and added salt to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was delicious. Ate it in shrimp tacos and the whole family loved it!
Yes!!! Love hearing that!
I used frozen roasted garlic cauliflower rice and this turned out AMAZING!!!
I doubled the recipe and only used 1tsp of salt since I think there was salt in the cauliflower rice that I had. I also used frozen onions and bell peppers and cooked those until the liquid was gone. My family and I LOVED this!! THANK YOU!!! 🙂
Yay!! happy to hear!!
How long do you cook it after you add in the cauliflower? I don’t see any time in the instructions.
Could I make this cauliflower verde by subbing tomatillos for the tomato paste?
Of course!
Awesome recipe! My picky eater boyfriend didn’t know the difference between this and real rice! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome! Glad you loved it!
Has anyone actually made and eaten this recipe instead of just looking at it?? If so, what is your review of the flavor, texture, etc.?
I’m going to make it tonight, so I’ll post again after we try it!
Great!!
I just made this tonight and my husband and I ate it up! I make Spanish rice frequently and have wanted to find a healthier alternative. I was nervous about how the texture would turn out but it was so good! Very flavorful!
I’ve made this and it tastes just like regular Spanish rice. Both my husband and I loved it. It reheats well too. I used frozen cauliflower and thawed it in the microwave first. I used a paper towel to absorb the excess water.
YAY!!! Glad you loved it!
Do you have the nutrition facts of this?
Hi Gina, I just added the nutrition facts to the bottom of the post in the recipe box. Hope that helps!
I added a jalepeno and lots of fresh lime and a 1/2 teaspoon “Mexican spice” from thw spice aisle!! I also added shrimp to the rice. Was amazing. Sat down and ate the entire thing and then did it again the next night!
Can i use tomato juice If I don’t have tomato paste
I would use canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes in it’s place.
Can you share the Calories per 1/2 cup serving and any Fat, Protein, and Carb macros?
They are updated in the notes of the recipe!