Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cauliflower Fried Rice is the perfect side dish or even a main course. It’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish. With the crisp, tender texture of cauliflower rice, plus a combination of savory ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this dish is packed with flavor while being a healthier alternative. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or protein to make it even heartier.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup chopped scallions (light and green parts separated)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 lb head of cauliflower (or 2 lbs “ready-to-cook” cauliflower rice, thawed if frozen)
- 4-5 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Asian/toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped cashews or peanuts (optional)
Directions
- If using a whole cauliflower, grate it using a food processor or a box grater to form rice-sized pieces. If using pre-packaged cauliflower rice, skip this step.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and a pinch of salt. Scramble until fully cooked, then transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
- Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then sauté the light scallions, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the grated cauliflower, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the peas and carrots and continue cooking until the cauliflower rice is tender-crisp.
- Stir in the rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark green scallions, nuts (if using), and scrambled eggs. Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- Swap the peanuts for cashews or omit them for a nut-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it before using.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even pork for a heartier meal.
How do I make cauliflower rice?
You can grate cauliflower using a food processor or a box grater to create rice-sized pieces. You can also buy pre-made cauliflower rice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
How do I prevent the cauliflower rice from being soggy?
Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower rice, as it can become soggy. Cook it just until it’s tender-crisp.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil for a different flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply skip the eggs or substitute them with scrambled tofu.
What can I serve this with?
Cauliflower fried rice works well as a side dish or with a variety of main dishes like grilled chicken, beef stir-fry, or seafood.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of chili paste or sriracha sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice that delivers all the savory, umami-packed flavors without the extra calories and carbs. Made with cauliflower rice, this dish is a flavorful and versatile option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle. Customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or spice levels to make it your own. Quick and easy, this cauliflower fried rice recipe is perfect for a nutritious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup chopped scallions (light and green parts separated)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 lb head of cauliflower (or 2 lbs “ready-to-cook” cauliflower rice, thawed if frozen)
- 4–5 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Asian/toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped cashews or peanuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice:
If using a whole cauliflower, grate it using a food processor or box grater to form rice-sized pieces. If using pre-packaged cauliflower rice, skip this step. -
Cook the Eggs:
Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and a pinch of salt. Scramble until fully cooked, then transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then sauté the light scallions, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until softened. -
Add the Cauliflower Rice:
Add the grated cauliflower, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. -
Add the Vegetables:
Add the peas and carrots, and continue cooking until the cauliflower rice is tender-crisp. -
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark green scallions, nuts (if using), and scrambled eggs. Adjust seasoning with soy sauce if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra protein, try adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
- For a nut-free version, omit the cashews or peanuts.