Main Course

Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Salsa

A colorful cauliflower rice bowl topped with black beans, corn, fresh salsa, avocado slices, and a lime wedge, on a wooden table with natural light.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Servings
4
MexicanEasyLunchGluten FreeVeganVegetarian

About this dish

This vibrant cauliflower rice bowl is inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street food. Diego Valdez, our spicy-tongued tequila friend, brings you a speedy, low-carb bowl that packs a punch with black beans, sweet corn, and a fresh salsa that sings.

It's the kind of weeknight hero you'll want to shout about from the rooftops.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

head of cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)

vegetable

1 medium

olive oil

fat

2 tablespoons

garlic cloves, minced

herb

2 cloves

ground cumin

spice

1 teaspoon

salt, to taste

spice

1 teaspoon

black pepper, freshly ground

spice

0.25 teaspoon

canned black beans, drained and rinsed

protein

1 can (400 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 can (15 oz)

corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

vegetable

1 cup (150 g)

tomatoes, diced

vegetable

2 medium (200 g)

red onion, finely diced

vegetable

0.5 cup (75 g)

fresh cilantro, chopped

herb

0.25 cup (15 g)

lime juice, fresh

fruit

2 tablespoons (30 ml)

ripe avocado, sliced

other

1 large

jalapeño (optional, for heat), minced

other

1

Method

1

Rice the cauliflower

5 minutes

If starting with a whole head of cauliflower, cut it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. Alternatively, use pre-riced cauliflower.

2

Cook the cauliflower

8 minutes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cauliflower rice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat.

3

Prepare the salsa

5 minutes

In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Add optional jalapeño for extra heat if desired. Season with a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Set aside.

4

Assemble the bowls

2 minutes

Divide the cooked cauliflower rice among four bowls. Top each with a generous portion of black beans, corn kernels, salsa, and sliced avocado. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Equipment

  • food processor (optional if using pre-riced cauliflower)
  • large skillet
  • knife and cutting board
  • mixing bowls

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
14 g
Protein
48 g
Carbohydrates
14 g
Fat
16 g
Fiber
680 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Don't overcook the cauliflower, or it will become watery. Aim for a tender but al dente texture.
  • To save time, use frozen riced cauliflower and canned corn (drained). The salsa can be made in advance.
  • For an extra punch of flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cauliflower while cooking.
  • If you're not strictly vegan, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco over the top for a creamy finish.

Serving suggestions

  • This bowl is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side.

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Diego Valdez

Recipe by

Diego Valdez

Specialises in Mexican cuisine

Diego Navarro makes aguachile that will clear your sinuses and your soul.

Describe yourself in three words: Spicy, loud, tequila friend.