20-Minute Spicy Cauliflower Rice With Ground Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This 20-Minute Spicy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Turkey is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with vibrant spices and fresh veggies, it’s a healthy twist on classic stir-fry dishes. You’ll love how easily it comes together without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 6oz (180g) ground turkey
• 3 cups cauliflower rice (about 1 small head)
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp coriander
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey with about ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the turkey is mostly cooked through.
2. Step 2: Remove the lid and add turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, coriander, cumin, 1 tsp of paprika, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir for 2-3 minutes, uncovered, until any extra water has evaporated.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium, then add chopped carrot and red bell pepper. Stir in the cauliflower rice, 1 tbsp olive oil, the remaining 1 tsp paprika, and salt to taste. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid, add the remaining garlic cloves, pickled jalapeños, and the last tbsp of olive oil. Stir well for 2 more minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more pickled jalapeños or sprinkle in additional crushed red pepper flakes.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright finish.
• If you don’t have pre-made cauliflower rice, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized pieces form.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave briefly. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic cloves can be chopped or grated for this recipe. Just be sure to evenly distribute it when adding during cooking for consistent flavor.

Is cauliflower rice a good low-carb alternative to regular rice?

Absolutely! Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and calories while providing fiber and nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy rice-like texture with added health benefits.

20-Minute Spicy Cauliflower Rice With Ground Turkey Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

A quick and flavorful 20-minute spicy cauliflower rice recipe featuring ground turkey, vibrant spices, and fresh vegetables that make for a healthy, low-carb, and satisfying meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 6oz/180g ground turkey

Vegetables

• 3 cups cauliflower rice (about 1 small head)
• 1 carrot, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp pickled jalapenos
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp paprika (divided)
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp coriander

Oils and Others

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey: In a pan over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey and about ¼ cup of water. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes until the turkey is mostly cooked through.
2. Add Spices and Garlic: Remove the lid and stir in turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, coriander, cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the water evaporates and the turkey is well coated with spices.
3. Add Vegetables and Cauliflower Rice: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chopped carrot, red bell pepper, cauliflower rice, 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining 1 tsp paprika, and salt to taste. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Finish with Garlic, Jalapenos, and Oil: Remove the lid, add remaining garlic cloves, pickled jalapenos, and the other tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes for a final flavor boost.
5. Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot as a healthy, spicy main dish or side.

Notes

• You can adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and jalapenos.
• If you prefer, substitute ground chicken or turkey with ground beef or plant-based mince.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the flavor and can be added just before serving.
• This dish is low in carbohydrates and can be part of a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
• Use fresh cauliflower to make your own cauliflower rice by grating or pulsing in a food processor.

Keywords: spicy cauliflower rice, ground turkey recipe, healthy low-carb meal, quick dinner, paleo, gluten free, turmeric cauliflower rice