Cauliflower fried rice puts a healthy twist on a classic Chinese fried rice recipe. It’s made from cauliflower rice and vegetables then tossed in sesame oil and sauces. This 15 minutes low-carb recipe will be a hit at your house!
This Cauliflower Fried Rice is a great low carb veggie loaded side that comes together quickly and easily. Dairy-free and easily made gluten-free, this makes for a great vegetable side for lots of your favorite Asian recipes. Enjoy this for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
WHAT IS CAULIFLOWER RICE?
Cauliflower rice is simply cauliflower that has been chopped into tiny pieces to resemble grains of rice. You can buy fresh cauliflower rice in bags in the produce area, make it yourself, or buy it in the freezer section.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED?
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower rice is a great low carb alternative and it’s so tasty! Loaded with vitamins and minerals, it’s a great healthy swap. You can make your own cauliflower rice or buy rice cauliflower.
- Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a great nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil or any cooking oil.
- Garlic: Freshly-minced.
- Vegetables: Green onions, onion, peas, carrots just like in regular fried rice recipes. This is the base mix of veggies that I always use for fried rice, but feel free to add in other stir-fry veggies you love.
- Soy sauce: Here I have used traditional soy sauce but if you are using light-sodium soy sauce then add little more. Use tamari to make this dish gluten-free
- Rice Vinegar: It gives flavor of restaurant style fried rice.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
Here’s how you’ll make:
In a skillet, heat sesame oil and saute the garlic and green onions for 1 minute.
Then add in chopped carrots and green peas and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the sauces and seasonings and mix well.
Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir together for another 2-3 minutes.
Add green onions and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
TIPS FOR MAKING CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE:
- Use pre-riced cauliflower. Cauliflower rice has become so popular recently that many stores sell cauliflower rice prepackaged and ready to use in recipes. You can find them in the produce isle or in the freezer isle with the other vegetables. Here I have used Fullgreen Riced Cauliflower
- Use high heat when you add the cauliflower: This will help to brown the rice and vegetables well. You want to avoid the steaming the vegetables and having them stick together, but instead fry them.
- Add in cooked protein to the rice to turn it into a full meal. Rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp stirred into the dish at the end of cooking work really well.
CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE VARIATIONS
While this is a basic fried rice recipe, you can always add a few more greens, proteins, or spice! Here’s a few delicious add-ins.
- Protein: Add 1 1/2 cups of cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu to the pan.
- Greens: Stir in some kale or spinach leaves towards the end of the cooking time.
- Spicy: Add either crushed red pepper flakes or a few teaspoons of sriracha.
HOW TO STORE THIS CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE?
This side dish is great for make ahead meals. Once it has cooled, place it in an airtight container and it will keep well for up to 3 to 5 days. It also freezes really well. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat in the stovetop.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE?
You can serve this rice with any Indo- Chinese gravy dishes.
One of the easiest Chinese recipes of all time, Fried Rice can be served with Gobi Manchurian, Kung Pao Tofu or any Chinese gravy.
CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE RECIPE:
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cauliflower rice
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks green onions
1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped
1/4 cup green peas
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper powder
DIRECTIONS:
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté the garlic and green onions for 1 minute.
- Then add in chopped carrots and green peas and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the sauces and seasonings and mix well.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add green onions and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
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