Cauliflower Fried Rice - looks and tastes exactly like fried rice! But SO much healthier for you!
Jump to RecipeOur healthy Cauliflower Fried Rice looks and tastes just like regular Chinese-style fried rice. But this 20-minute recipe is low-carb, gluten-free and perfect as a side dish, and hearty enough as a main course!
About Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a family favorite side dish and quick dinner! I never thought I would prefer for a healthy fried rice over our traditional take out fried rice.
This easy fried rice recipe starts out with riced cauliflower, which you can pick up in the freezer section of your local grocery, or use Trader Joe’s riced Cauliflower (it’s our favorite) and frozen vegetables.
After sauteing your veggies in a pan and mixing in the cauliflower rice, you are going to season it with soy sauce and add in an egg. Throw in some salt, pepper and garlic and you are good to go.
We sometimes like to add in some protein, like chicken or shrimp, to make it our main dish!
If you love fried rice but are trying to watch your carbs, gluten-free or paleo, you will love this recipe. It is super easy and takes no time at all to make!
Riced Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients
- Frozen riced cauliflower or a head of cauliflower
- Sesame oil (substitute option: canola oil)
- Onion
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Broccoli
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Salt
- Egg
Fresh Cauliflower Rice vs. Frozen Cauliflower Rice
When I first started making this recipe years ago, there was only one way to rice the cauliflower, by hand. Now there are such great already-riced cauliflower packages out there, please save yourself the step! Our favorite is Trader Joe’s frozen riced cauliflower. We always have some in our freezer.
Fried Cauliflower Rice Substitutions and Additions
- Swap the Oil – Personally, I think the flavor of the toasted sesame oil makes the dish feel more authentic, however, if you do not have sesame oil, you can use canola oil or vegetable oil.
- Add Some Protein – Adding protein can really enhance this dish. Throw in some cubed tofu or shrimp. Got some leftover chicken or steak, throw it in!
- Freshen Up the Veggies – While using frozen veggies saves a lot of time, I love to use fresh vegetables too. Fresh broccoli and carrots are easy to quickly chop up and throw in.
How to Make Cauliflower Fried Recipe
- Either rice your cauliflower (see below instructions) or, even easier, grab frozen pre riced cauliflower. Let the cauliflower and frozen vegetables thaw slightly. (They don’t need to be totally defrosted, just enough so that you can break up the chunks. This will make it easier to cook.)
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Saute onions until soft and add in the frozen vegetables and cook until soft.
- Add in the cauliflower rice and cook stirring often, until heated. Add the soy sauce and mix well.
- Slide the cauliflower mixture over to one side of the pan and add the eggs on the other side of the pan and scramble. Break the scrambled eggs into small pieces and once cooked, mix with the rest of the mixture and add additional soy sauce.
- Add the salt, pepper, and garlic salt to preference.
- Optional: Top with some chopped green onion or add in your favorite protein like chicken, tofu, steak, or shrimp.
- Serve immediately.
How to rice cauliflower for Cauliflower Fried Rice
If you prefer to use fresh cauliflower here are instructions for how to turn a head of cauliflower into cauliflower rice.
- Trim off the florets off of a head of cauliflower, cut off as much of the stem as possible.
- Put the florets in the food processor and pulse until the cauliflower resembles a grain similar to couscous. (be careful not to over-process it).
- If you do not have a food processor, you can also use a box grater.
What to serve with Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
Make a cauliflower fried rice stir fry!! I served thecauliflower fried rice with an easy to make beef stir fry and it was a huge hit, even my kids loved it! They didn’t even realize they were eating cauliflower!
I also love to serve this with our Korean Beef Bowl to keep it low-carb or with our Garlic Buttered Steak Bites!
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Jump to RecipeCauliflower Fried Rice Recipe FAQs
How do you make cauliflower rice not soggy?
If you saute it for too long, it can get soggy. You really just want to cook it until it is soft and tender.
Does Fried Cauliflower Rice freeze well?
Uncooked riced cauliflower is good in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. When you are ready to cook the cauliflower just remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Is cauliflower Rice Low-Carb?
Yes, cauliflower is a low-carb food and riced cauliflower is a perfect substituion for low carb or keto diets.
Do I need to Thaw the Frozen Cauliflower Rice before Cooking it?
No, you can add the frozen cauliflower directly to the pan and you do not need to thaw it first.
Is cauliflower rice better for you than rice?
The answer is yes! Cauliflower rice has many health benefits that regular white rice can’t offer. It’s high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, making it a healthier option for those looking to manage their weight or cut down on calories.
How to store Cauliflower Fried Rice
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Low-Carb Recipes
Chaffle | 2-Ingredient Bagels | Cauliflower Pizza Crust | Roasted Cauliflower Popcorn | Cauliflower Breadsticks| Cauliflower Mac and Cheese | Zucchini Boats
4.62 from 134 votes
Fried Cauliflower Rice
Author — Jennifer Fishkind
Serves — 4
Cauliflower Fried Rice – looks and tastes exactly like fried rice! But SO much healthier for you!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Bag of frozen Trader Joes Riced Cauliflower or a head of cauliflower chopped up and “riced” in a food processor let it sit on counter for a few minutes so that it is slightly thawed…bang it a little to break up the chunks, you will need about 1½ cups chopped
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil you can use canola if you don’t have sesame
- 1 Small onion chopped
- 1 Cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- ¼ cup broccoli chopped
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic salt optional
- 1 Egg
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium/high heat.
Saute onions until tender. Add peas, carrots, and broccoli and cook until soft.
Add frozen cauliflower (or fresh riced cauliflower) to the pan. Mix with vegetables and continue to saute until the cauliflower is no longer frozen.
Add approximately 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well.
Slide the rice to one side of the pan and scramble the egg on the other side of the pan.
Once the egg is cooked, mix in with the rice and add additional soy sauce (to taste preference)
Add salt, pepper and garlic salt to preference.
Serve immediately.
Jenn’s Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Video
Nutrition Info
Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 795mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2405IU | Vitamin C: 13.4mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
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Originally posted: June 15, 2016
