Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and swaps traditional rice for a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative. For another speedy, high-protein dinner idea, try the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe.
Ingredients
This cauliflower fried rice recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that create a savory, satisfying dish with the perfect texture.
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower (see notes for fresh option)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 stalks green onion
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (sub with 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce)
- salt and pepper to taste
Timing
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Context: This cauliflower fried rice recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, as it skips the need to cook traditional rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
Start by pulsing fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. For best results, do this in batches to avoid a mushy texture. You can also use pre-riced cauliflower to save time.
Tip: Spread the riced cauliflower on a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This prevents your final dish from becoming soggy.
Step 2 — Chop Vegetables and Protein
Dice onions, carrots, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. For protein, have cooked, shredded chicken, shrimp, or scrambled eggs ready. Having everything prepped and within reach is key for a smooth stir-fry process.
Step 3 — Heat the Pan
Place a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or sesame oil and let it get hot. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
Step 4 — Sauté Aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
Step 5 — Cook Vegetables and Protein
Add the harder vegetables like carrots first, stir-frying for 2 minutes. Then add bell peppers and your chosen protein, cooking until everything is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 6 — Add the Cauliflower Rice
Increase the heat to high and add the dried cauliflower rice to the pan. Stir-fry constantly for 5-7 minutes. The cauliflower is done when it’s hot, slightly toasted in spots, and no longer tastes raw.
Step 7 — Season the Dish
Push the contents to the side and pour coconut aminos or tamari into the center of the pan. Let it bubble for a few seconds before mixing everything together. Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper to taste.
Step 8 — Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped green onions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a final flavor boost. For extra freshness, garnish with cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | ~185 kcal |
| Protein | ~12 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Fat | ~8 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sodium | ~480 mg |
Note: These are approximate values for one serving of this cauliflower fried rice recipe. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact quantities used.
Healthier Alternatives
- Swap Soy Sauce for Coconut Aminos — This creates a gluten-free, lower-sodium version with a slightly sweeter, umami flavor that complements the cauliflower rice perfectly.
- Use Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil — These are excellent dairy-free and high-heat stable alternatives to traditional oils, adding a subtle, clean richness to the dish.
- Add Edamame or Chickpeas — For a plant-based protein boost, these legumes add great texture and a nutty flavor, making the fried rice more satisfying.
- Incorporate Extra Egg Whites — To increase protein while lowering fat and cholesterol, use two egg whites instead of one whole egg, maintaining a light, fluffy texture.
- Choose Lean Ground Turkey or Shrimp — These are fantastic lower-fat protein alternatives to pork or beef, offering a mild flavor that absorbs the sauce well.
- Boost Veggies with Broccoli Slaw or Zucchini — Adding these increases volume and nutrients for an even lower-carb, fiber-rich meal with a delightful crunch.
- Top with Nutritional Yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavor without the sodium of parmesan, this adds a savory, nutty finish to your cauliflower fried rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe with a simple protein like grilled shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or pan-seared tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve it as a vibrant, low-carb side dish at a summer barbecue alongside grilled meats and a fresh cucumber salad.
- Pack it for a healthy and flavorful lunch; it holds up well in a container and tastes great at room temperature.
- For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or small bowls for individual portions at a dinner party.
- Top with a fried egg, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or coconut aminos for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep staple, or a creative way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge.
- For elegant plating, use a ring mold to shape the rice neatly on the plate and garnish with finely sliced green onions and a lime wedge.
This versatile Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe from Sugarless Crystals adapts beautifully to any occasion, making healthy eating both delicious and visually appealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using frozen cauliflower rice without thawing and draining it first. Fix: Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture in a clean towel to prevent a soggy final dish.
- Mistake: Overcrowding the pan with all ingredients at once. Fix: Cook in stages—sauté aromatics first, then scramble eggs, then add cauliflower to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Mistake: Skipping the high-heat sear for the cauliflower rice. Fix: Crank up the heat when adding the riced cauliflower to quickly evaporate moisture and develop a nutty, toasted flavor.
- Mistake: Adding soy sauce or other liquid seasonings too early. Fix: Stir in sauces at the very end of cooking to keep the cauliflower rice grains distinct and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Mistake: Not seasoning each component layer. Fix: Lightly season the eggs, the vegetables, and the cauliflower rice separately as you cook for a more complex, balanced flavor throughout.
- Mistake: Using only large-curd riced cauliflower. Fix: Pulse half the cauliflower into a finer “rice” for a better texture that more closely mimics traditional fried rice.
- Mistake: Forgetting to include a source of umami. Fix: Boost savory depth with a dash of toasted sesame oil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or a splash of coconut aminos at the finish.
- Mistake: Stirring the mixture constantly like a stir-fry. Fix: Let the cauliflower rice sit undisturbed in the hot pan for a minute at a time to develop those desirable crispy, caramelized bits.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Cool your cauliflower fried rice completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled fried rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot, stirring frequently. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
For best texture, avoid reheating the cauliflower fried rice more than once. If frozen, it’s best to reheat directly from thawed, not refrozen.
Conclusion
This cauliflower fried rice recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. We hope you love this easy, low-carb alternative. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more tasty cauliflower ideas, check out our Garlic Butter Cauliflower Recipe or Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes!
Print Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower (see notes)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 stalks green onion
- 1/4 diced yellow onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (sub for dark soy sauce measurements below)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep cauliflower rice, peas and carrots
- Cooking the fried rice
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before cooking. This prevents your Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe from becoming soggy.
What protein can I add to this cauliflower fried rice?
This recipe is versatile. You can easily add diced chicken, shrimp, scrambled eggs, or tofu. Simply cook your chosen protein first, then follow the main recipe steps to combine everything.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore texture; microwaving can make the dish too wet. This Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe tastes great the next day.
