Cauliflower Fried Rice

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then sauté the light scallions, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the grated cauliflower, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the peas and carrots and continue cooking until the cauliflower rice is tender-crisp.
  6. Stir in the rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark green scallions, nuts (if using), and scrambled eggs. Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce as needed.
  7. 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.


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Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower Fried Rice

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  • Author: Amy
  • 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)
  • 45 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.
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