Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice (keto + low carb)
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice is low calorie, low carb, keto-friendly and packed with flavor! This is a 20 minute meal your entire family will love!
Okay friends, this recipe comes to you by popular demand! Recently on Instagram, I asked readers what food they wanted to see recreated in a low carb, keto-friendly option. An overwhelming request was for GOOD low carb Mexican style food. You guys are missing your rice, tortillas, and tacos! I understand completely!
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice is a breeze to make. It is loaded with flavor, and I really think it will help to satisfy your Mexican food cravings! This recipe does include both separate recipes: the Cilantro Lime Shrimp, as well as Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. You can make these together or separately. We love this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice in bowl topped with taco meat, cheese, and guacamole! It is a delicious keto meal!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice
As always, you will find the complete recipe below, just keep scrolling. This is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Olive oil: you can substitute avocado oil if you prefer
- Butter
- Garlic
- Limes: you will need two full limes to make both the rice and the shrimp. I also suggest at least one additional for squeezing over your bowl before serving.
- Cilantro
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper
- Shrimp: for ease of use, I prefer to purchase shrimp where the shells have already been removed.
- Frozen Cauliflower Rice: I suggest frozen cauliflower rice over fresh for the best taste and texture.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cauliflower Rice
- Use Frozen Cauliflower Rice: for the best results, I recommend using frozen cauliflower rice. The standard size is 10 ounces for the frozen packages, which should serve 4. You can easily use two bags if you wish and double the recipe.
- Watch the Steam: you will notice a lot of steam comes off the frozen rice as it cooks. As long as steam is still escaping there is still moisture in the rice, and it will be soggy. You want to pay close attention; when the steam has dissipated, the rice is done!
- Turn up the Heat: in the final minute or two of cooking, turn the heat up to really be sure you get all the moisture out. This results in fluffy, perfect cauliflower rice!
- Season to Taste: cauliflower rice needs a good dose of salt and pepper. Liberally season the rice to your liking.
How much is a serving size?
This recipe serves four. The cauliflower rice reduces as it cooks, so the serving size is roughly 3/4 cup each. You can enjoy 3/4 cup of Keto Cilantro Lime Rice and 1/4 pound of the Cilantro Lime Shrimp in garlic butter sauce for just 6 net carbs!
Other Keto Mexican Recipes
This Easy Keto Taco Casserole is one of my favorites. This is a one pan casserole that is loaded with taco meat, vegetables and cheese for about 6 net carbs a serving! It is also great for meal prep, because it reheats and freezes well! Some of my other favorites are:
- Keto Zucchini Tortillas: about 1 net carb each and so delicious! Perfect for wraps, tacos and more!
- Cheesy Keto Taco Soup: an easy, cheesy no bean taco soup! Less than 6 net carbs per serving!
- One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken: a simple, one pan meal that is ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe has over 600 five star reviews, it is really that good!
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice (keto + low carb)
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeño, chopped and seeds removed
- 1 10 ounce bag frozen Cauliflower Rice
- Zest from 1 lime, about 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Juice from 1 lime, about 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 -1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped (add to your preference)
- salt and pepper to taste, this NEEDS salt and pepper, do a taste test and add to your liking
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 pound shelled shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest from 1 lime
- Juice from 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan, saute the minced garlic, red onion and jalapeño 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the frozen cauliflower rice (tap the bag on the counter top a few times before opening to help break up any clumps)
- Saute the cauliflower rice 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice will produce a lot of steam as it cooks, it is almost done when the steam has dissipated.
- Turn the heat up slightly (this helps to remove any additional moisture) stir in the zest, lime juice, cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add any additional lime zest, juice or cilantro to your liking.
For the Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Heat the 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the garlic about 30 seconds.
- Add the shelled shrimp, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, stir to coat.
- Sauté the shrimp 2-3 minutes until they have turned pink.
- Stir in the zest, juice, and remaining three tablespoons of butter and cilantro. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the butter has melted completely and the butter garlic sauce has begun to thicken.
- Serve immediately over the cilantro lime cauliflower rice above.
- Garnish dish with additional lime wedges, cilantro and salt and pepper to taste.
