Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (2024)

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Gluten FreeLow CarbVegetarianVeganPaleo

A spicy keto cauliflower rice dish that is full of spice, heat and flavour! Although I made this as a side dish, it would make a hearty main dish too. I had a bowl of it by itself for lunch whilst the Chief Taster enjoyed his as a side to some chicken. Both of us were happy, so that's something! Wine wasn't involved either so another tick!

I added the zucchini as I wanted a vegetable that would go well with the spices without absorbing them too much. Yes, I'm looking at you eggplant. So my good friend zucchini stepped up. Feel free to add another vegetable or even omit it. Just enjoy the spices!

Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (1)

You might want to serve this spicy cauliflower recipe with a side a yogurt and cucumber dip to help cool your mouth from the spices. If I made it again I would definitely be reaching for the yogurt pot. It's quite nice to have a smooth dip along with something spicy.

I don't mind a bit of heat and spicy but if you are more on the mild side of taste, you may want to use less spice and perhaps omit one of the heat spices. Perhaps put the chilli aside? Or add bit by bit, tasting the zucchini mixture as you go along before you combine it with the cauliflower rice.

Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (2)

What to Serve with this

Although this low carb cauliflower dish is a meal in itself, this makes a great side dish with chicken or beef. For those of you who may find the dish dry by itself and need a sauce, then serve with this spicy stir fry sauce. The flavours of the spicy stir fry sauce go very well with the cauliflower and you could happily drizzle the sauce over it too. Or add to your chicken or beef. For a hearty spicy cauliflower rice packed with protein try a Keto Jambalaya.

How to Cook Cauliflower Rice

I enjoy cauliflower rice as a quick side dish and usually stir fry it but am starting to prefer the texture when it baked in the oven. The heat from the oven dries out the water in the cauliflower and gives it a great texture. If you are in a rush, cook the cauliflower rice in the microwave.

Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (3)

Other Cauliflower Rice Dishes

  • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  • Coconut Cauliflower Rice
  • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice with Chicken
  • Vegetable Cauliflower Rice
  • Cauliflower Jollof Rice

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Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (4)

Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice

Angela Coleby

A cauliflower rice dish packed with flavour.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 zucchini trimmed and cut into cubes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 jalapenos deseeded and chopped
  • 6 spring onions finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon chilli powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F degrees

  • Trim the leaves and stalks from the cauliflower and cut into florets.

  • Make the cauliflower rice by either grating the florets, or using a food processor to blitz them.

  • Place the cauliflower rice on a parchment paper lined baking tray and drizzle with half of the oil.

  • Bake for 15 minutes, turning over half way through with a spoon or spatula.

  • Heat half of the olive oil in a frying pan.

  • Add the zucchini and cook for 5 – 8 minutes until slightly golden.

  • Add the jalapeno and spring onions and cook for a further 5 minutes.

  • Add the spices and stir thoroughly. Set aside.

  • When the cauliflower rice is cooked, stir in the spicy zucchini mixture until all of the cauliflower is coated.

  • Eat and enjoy!

Notes

Serves 2

Nutritional Info per serving – 84 Calories, 2g Fat, 6g Protein, 16g Total Carbs, 7g Fibre, 9g Net Carbs

Any nutritional analysis on the website is based on an estimate, calculated by http://nutritiondata.self.com from the individual ingredients in each recipe. Variations may occur for various reasons, including product availability and food preparation. We make no representation or warranty of the accuracy of this information."

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 6gFat: 2gFiber: 7g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe? Mention @Divalicious_Recipes or tag #divaliciousrecipes

More Side Dishes

  • Palak Halloumi
  • Roasted Red Cabbage
  • Keto Baked Beans
  • Cabbage Fritters

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Yes it would freeze great. Once it has been defrosted, I would heat it up in a skillet.

      Reply

  1. CINDY

    will be making this tonight with shrimp added! YUM!!!

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Sounds a great combination! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply

  2. Susan P

    Gonna try this. I've not had luck with cauliflower, mine always turns to mush. What is the secret as I see so many dishes using it.

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Don't grate it too small. I find baking it in the oven gets rid of the moisture too.

      Reply

  3. Nancy

    Delicious. Added some sauteed garlic butter chicken pieces..yum!

    Reply

  4. Kanda Lawson

    If I buy the cauliflower already riced (at Trader Joe's), how much do you think I'd need for this recipe?

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      About 2 cups

      Reply

  5. Erin Haagenson

    Yummy.I added red bell pepper and regular onion. It has heat but not too spicy.

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Ooh, nice addition

      Reply

  6. Jennifer Burgstahler

    Awesome recipe - my mouth is happy with this combination of spices. I added avocado. Thank you for posting this recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Oooh, good choice with the avocado addition.

      Reply

  7. Elaine @ foodbod

    Love it! Great flavours and packed full of goodness 🙂

    Reply

    • Angela Coleby

      Definitely along your delicious flavour combinations! Hope you are well x

      Reply

Spicy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice - Divalicious Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you hide the taste of cauliflower rice? ›

You can minimize it by cooking it quickly, and not overcooking it. Cauliflower rice is chopped into very small pieces, and requires only minimal cooking. If I were trying to reduce the odor, I would saute it instead of boiling, to caramelize it and bring out some sweeter flavors.

How do I substitute cauliflower for rice? ›

If using a box grater, cut the cauliflower into large chunks and use the medium-sized holes (see photo – the side commonly used to grate cheese), to grate into “rice.” If using a food processor, cut into small pieces and use the grater attachment to grate the cauliflower into “rice.”

Can cauliflower rice taste like rice? ›

Cauliflower rice is a great switch in burrito bowls and other rice-forward dishes, but if you expect the same flavor — think again. That's because it will require a little more work for the cauliflower version of rice to have enough flavor as well as a successful ricey texture.

How do you take the bitterness out of cauliflower rice? ›

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cauliflower and sauté until heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to help remove any bitterness from the raw cauliflower.

Why does cauliflower rice make me bloated? ›

The reason for this is that cauliflower, as well as other cruciferous veggies, such as kale and broccoli, contains raffinose and other oligosaccharides. These are specific types of sugars that remain undigested until bacteria in the gut ferment them, producing gas, and, in turn, causing bloating and gas.

Is cauliflower rice actually healthy? ›

Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

Is it cheaper to make cauliflower rice or buy it? ›

Cheaper: Making riced cauliflower from scratch will save you money in the grocery store. A head of cauliflower is cheaper than buying fresh or frozen riced cauliflower. Tastes Great: Because it's made fresh, it also tastes better. You can use it in any recipe that calls for rice.

Why is cauliflower rice soggy? ›

Sautéing for too long. Riced cauliflower can benefit from a quick sauté, but be mindful of the clock. Leave riced cauliflower on the heat too long and it will become soft and soggy.

Is cauliflower rice good for weight loss? ›

Cauliflower has several properties that may help with weight loss. First, it is low in calories with only 27 calories per cup (107 g), so you can eat a lot of it without significantly increasing your calorie intake ( 1 ). It can also serve as a low calorie substitute for high calorie foods, such as rice and flour.

Which is healthier, cauliflower rice or quinoa? ›

Brown rice actually has more selenium (good for heart health) and vitamin B3 (needed for the production of sex and stress hormones) than quinoa, but quinoa is still the healthier choice. Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, gluten-free and nutrient-dense way to replace the white rice on your plate.

Which is better broccoli or cauliflower rice? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

How to neutralize cauliflower taste? ›

To mellow the flavor, soak the entire head (leaves removed) in cold, salted water for 30 minutes before steaming. Some of the bitter components will leach out. Soaking cauliflower will also give your cauliflower a snow-white appearance.

How to mask the taste of cauliflower? ›

Blanch: Cut the cauliflower into small flowers and blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove and drain. Blanching removes the astringency of cauliflower and makes it taste more like broccoli.

How to get rid of cauliflower rice smell? ›

To avoid cauliflower smell while cooking, add a few drops of white vinegar - it kills the smell.

What is the point of cauliflower rice? ›

Cauliflower rice is a food trend with some surprising benefits. Instead of using traditional rice, some people use shredded or grated cooked cauliflower as a low-carb, low-calorie alternative. Cauliflower works as a rice substitute because it has a mild taste and you can cook it in a variety of ways.

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