Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

The Ultimate Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe: Guilt-Free & Tasty

Cauliflower fried rice changes ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with its clever vegetable-based twist.

Nutritionists and home cooks alike have embraced this low-carb alternative that packs serious flavor into every delightful bite.

Smart ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that satisfies hunger while supporting healthier eating habits.

The magic happens when humble cauliflower gets chopped, seasoned, and sizzled to perfection in a hot skillet.

Robust spices and fresh vegetables elevate this recipe from simple side dish to center-of-plate sensation.

Each forkful promises a delectable combination of textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

This recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, proving healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting.

Cauliflower Fried Rice That Fools Everyone

  • Hack the Veggie Game: This cauliflower fried rice transforms traditional high-carb rice into a sneaky, nutritious alternative that tricks your taste buds with its amazing texture and flavor.
  • Lightning-Fast Meal Prep: The recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
  • Customize Your Comfort: The flexible recipe allows endless variations by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting sauces, ensuring you'll never get bored with this versatile dish.
  • Health-Conscious Deliciousness: By replacing regular rice with cauliflower, you significantly reduce calories and carbohydrates while maintaining the satisfying, savory essence of classic fried rice.

Veggie-Packed Goodness Hidden in Cauliflower Fried Rice

Main Ingredients:

Cauliflower Rice:- Cauliflower: Fresh or frozen base that mimics traditional rice, low-carb alternative with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Fresh cauliflower can be grated or processed for homemade rice.

  • Frozen Cauliflower Rice: Convenient pre-riced option that saves preparation time and reduces moisture content.

Protein and Eggs:- Egg: Provides protein and rich texture, adds golden color and creamy scrambled element to the dish.

Vegetables:- Peas, Carrots: Colorful frozen vegetables that add sweetness, nutrition, and vibrant texture to the rice.

  • Onions, Green Onions: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish, adding sharp and mild onion notes.
  • Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that brings robust and savory undertones to the fried rice.

Seasoning and Sauce:- Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that adds saltiness and depth to the entire dish.

  • Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, sweet, and slightly marine flavor complexity.

Cooking Essentials:- Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.

  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Toss and Sizzle for Fast Cauliflower Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Cauliflower Base

Remove frozen cauliflower from bag

Microwave for half the recommended time

Cut bag corner and squeeze out excess water

Allow rice to potentially clump together

Step 2: Ready Vegetable Mixture

Thaw frozen peas and carrots

Drain vegetables completely

Dice fresh ingredients:
  • Onions
  • Green onions

Mince garlic

Step 3: Create Flavor Sauce

Combine soy sauce

Add oyster sauce

Mix ingredients thoroughly

Step 4: Cook Scrambled Egg

Heat pan with vegetable oil

Crack and beat eggs

Scramble until fully cooked

Remove from pan and set aside

Step 5: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Add additional oil to pan

Toss in diced onions

Add green onions

Include minced garlic

Mix in peas and carrots

Season with salt and pepper

Cook until onions become translucent

Remove vegetables from pan

Step 6: Transform Cauliflower Rice

Increase pan heat to medium-high

Add small amount of oil

Spread cauliflower rice evenly

Break apart any clumps

Cook for approximately one minute

Pour prepared sauce

Quickly mix to coat rice

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Reduce heat

Return scrambled eggs

Add cooked vegetables

Blend ingredients thoroughly

Heat for additional minute

Remove from stove

Serve immediately

Easy Tricks for Less Mush and More Yum

  • Squeeze Out Moisture: Remove as much water as possible from cauliflower rice to prevent a soggy texture and ensure crispy, delicious results.
  • High Heat Technique: Use medium-high heat when cooking cauliflower rice to create a slightly crispy, golden-brown surface that mimics traditional fried rice.
  • Sauce Distribution Trick: Add sauce quickly and mix immediately to prevent burning and ensure even flavor coating throughout the dish.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Cook vegetables and cauliflower rice briefly to maintain their vibrant color, crisp texture, and nutritional value.
  • Flavor Layering Strategy: Cook ingredients separately and combine at the end to preserve individual flavors and prevent mushy consistency.

Store and Reheat Cauliflower Fried Rice Without Sadness

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled cauliflower fried rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Skillet Refresh: Warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and restore texture.

Sauces, Toppings, and Add-Ons for Cauliflower Fried Rice

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the cauliflower's delicate flavor and cut through the savory umami notes of soy and oyster sauce.
  • Match with Asian-Inspired Protein Side: Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or honey-glazed salmon to create a balanced meal that enhances the fried rice's Asian-inspired profile.
  • Boost with Crunchy Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Top the dish with quick-pickled cucumber or radish to add a tangy, crisp contrast that brightens the overall flavor and provides textural interest.
  • Complement with Light Beer: Choose a Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi, which offers a clean, crisp finish that works perfectly with the subtle vegetable and egg elements of the fried rice.

Fun Flavor Combos That Reinvent Cauliflower Fried Rice

  • Low-Carb Asian Fusion: Swap cauliflower rice with zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-packed meal. Add grilled shrimp or tofu for extra protein and enhance flavors with ginger and sesame oil.
  • Spicy Vegetarian Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a kick. Replace oyster sauce with tamari and add roasted cashews for crunch and additional protein.
  • Mediterranean-Style Transformation: Use Mediterranean spices like oregano and cumin. Include diced bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Substitute soy sauce with lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Add cooked chicken or lean ground turkey directly into the cauliflower rice. Include additional vegetables like spinach or kale for nutrient density. Drizzle with sriracha or chili sauce for extra zest.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Quick Chinese-inspired cauliflower fried rice brings restaurant-style comfort to home kitchens without heavy carbohydrates. Packed with colorful vegetables and protein, this lighter dish provides a delicious alternative that satisfies your craving for classic takeout flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (280 grams) frozen cauliflower
  • ½ cup (75 grams) frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 large egg

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 stalks green onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) diced yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce

Finishing Ingredients:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Transform frozen cauliflower into “rice” by microwaving slightly less than package instructions to prevent burning. Carefully cut the bag’s corner and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture, allowing some natural clumping.
  2. Rapidly thaw frozen peas and carrots until ice crystals disappear. Drain completely and combine with finely diced onions and green onions in a preparatory bowl.
  3. Whisk eggs in a separate container and create a flavor-enhancing sauce mixture using soy sauce and oyster sauce.
  4. Heat a skillet or wok over medium temperature. Pour a thin layer of vegetable oil and swiftly scramble the whisked eggs until soft and fluffy. Transfer eggs to a waiting plate.
  5. Introduce additional oil to the cooking surface, then sauté diced onions, green onions, minced garlic, peas, and carrots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, gently seasoning the vegetables.
  6. Once onions become translucent, carefully remove the vegetable medley from the pan.
  7. Elevate heat to medium-high, adding a touch more oil. Spread cauliflower “rice” across the surface, breaking apart any dense clusters. Allow to cook briefly.
  8. Rapidly drizzle the prepared sauce over the cauliflower, quickly incorporating to ensure even distribution before liquid evaporates.
  9. Reduce heat and reintroduce scrambled eggs and previously cooked vegetables. Gently fold ingredients together, warming through for approximately one minute.
  10. Remove from heat immediately and serve piping hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Squeeze out excess moisture from frozen cauliflower to prevent soggy fried rice and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Precook frozen vegetables briefly to remove ice and maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
  • Create a flavor-packed slurry using soy and oyster sauces to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Cook ingredients in stages to prevent overcrowding and maintain individual ingredient integrity.
  • Use medium-high heat when adding cauliflower rice to achieve a slightly toasted, authentic fried rice experience.
  • Mix sauces quickly into the cauliflower rice to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star