Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (2024)

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (1)

Cauliflower Fried Rice - looks and tastes exactly like fried rice! But SO much healthier for you!

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Our 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!

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (2)

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

  1. 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.)
  2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Saute onions until soft and add in the frozen vegetables and cook until soft.
  3. Add in the cauliflower rice and cook stirring often, until heated. Add the soy sauce and mix well.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic salt to preference.
  6. Optional: Top with some chopped green onion or add in your favorite protein like chicken, tofu, steak, or shrimp.
  7. Serve immediately.

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (3)

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (4)

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.

  1. Trim off the florets off of a head of cauliflower, cut off as much of the stem as possible.
  2. 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).
  3. If you do not have a food processor, you can also use a box grater.
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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!

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (6)

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Cauliflower 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.

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4.62 from 134 votes

Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (8)

Fried Cauliflower Rice

Author — Jennifer Fishkind

Serves — 4

Cauliflower Fried Rice – looks and tastes exactly like fried rice! But SO much healthier for you!

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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

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Cauliflower Fried Rice - Super easy recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cauliflower rice not soggy? ›

Easy DIY Raw Cauliflower Rice Recipe (That's Not Mushy!)

In a food processor, add the cauliflower florets and pulse for 30-60 seconds. Add 2-3 cups at a time and remove as it is riced. This will prevent the cauliflower from being over-processed. With a towel, pat dry or squeeze the liquid out from the cauliflower.

What gives restaurant fried rice its flavor? ›

Signature flavor

To give your dish that signature fried rice taste, you'll need to drizzle in sesame oil and soy sauce, but feel free to use as much or as little as you wish. You can even mix in things like garlic powder, ginger root, or Sriracha sauce and chili pepper for a bit of a kick.

How do you get the water out of cauliflower rice? ›

I've done it. It really is as simple as putting the cooked and cooled cauliflower on a clean flour sack towel , wrapping it up and squeezing all the water out. I like to use flour sack towels because they're large and really thin, which makes them easy to squeeze tight and get out as much water as possible.

Why is my cauliflower fried rice soggy? ›

Be sure to thaw frozen riced cauliflower before using, and wring out any excess moisture to keep your fried rice from getting soggy.

Why is my fried cauliflower mushy? ›

When you fry cauliflower with batter, it also cooks the cauliflower. So if you parboil beforehand, you will end up with mushy cauliflower. With the no-parboil technique, the cauliflower will still be fully cooked through, but have an incredible no-mush texture.

Why is my cauliflower not softening? ›

"When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk. Be sure to check them before you turn the oven off and give them extra time if they are still too firm.

What is the secret ingredient in Chinese fried rice? ›

Here's what goes in Fried Rice Sauce: Chinese cooking wine or Mirin (secret ingredient!) – this is the secret to a really great fried rice that truly stacks up to your favourite Chinese restaurant.

What is the best spices for fried rice? ›

The Perfect Nigerian Fried Rice
  • 2 bay leaves.
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 2 Tasty Cubes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper (substitute other ground pepper)
  • 2 teaspoon curry powder (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme.

How do you thicken riced cauliflower? ›

The key to a thicker consistency is to drain the steamed cauliflower really well before pureeing or blending it up. Put the puree back into the warm pan and add grated cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and you should have a nice, thick texture. You can also add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum.

What happens when you add lemon juice to water when cooking cauliflower? ›

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

Why is cauliflower rice so filling? ›

It can also serve as a low calorie substitute for high calorie foods, such as rice and flour. As a good source of fiber, cauliflower slows digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This may help reduce the number of calories you eat throughout the day, an important factor in weight control ( 2 , 9 ).

How do you keep fried rice fluffy? ›

The moisture, not temperature, of your rice is crucial for good fried rice. I make my rice using a 1:1 rice to water ratio, and then use it - straight from the rice cooker and piping hot - to make fluffy fried rice with distinct grains.

How do you make fried rice less gummy? ›

While it may sound unusual, you can quickly fix mushy rice with some table salt.
  1. Fill a small sauce bowl with salt.
  2. Place the bowl with the salt inside the pan of rice.
  3. Leave it in there and the salt should absorb all the extra moisture.
May 5, 2023

Can you overcook cauliflower rice? ›

The key to preventing soggy cauliflower rice is making sure you don't overcook it. Once the 'grains' are hot, you're ready to serve.

Why is my cauliflower rice so wet? ›

Cook on a low-medium heat. The cauliflower rice will release liquid as it heats, so will initially look a little mushy. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally. The water will evaporate, and you will get a nice cauliflower rice that isn't soggy.

What is the remedy for soggy rice? ›

Another easy way to fix sticky and soggy rice is by spreading them over a parchment paper and heating/baking them for 10-15 minutes at 200 degree celsius, this will extract the excess moisture from the rice and give a perfect texture to the rice.

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