Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe is a unique twist on the usual rice recipes. As an Asian, rice is my staple, but whenever I want something different and healthy, this dish is my main option.
Growing up, we rarely had different kinds of rice dishes at home. Everybody loved the usual white rice. The love for it was so profound that, although the side dishes changed, the main staple, i.e., rice, remained the same.
However, one day, being bored with it, I asked my mother to make something new, and that is when we were introduced to this dish. I was surprised but also mesmerized by the unique textures and flavors. From that day on, Cauliflower Fried Rice has been everybody’s favorite, and since I am sharing this recipe, you know I still feel the same way about it.
This dish is simple, healthy, time-efficient, and cost-effective. Now that I am an adult and make my own food, these food-related terms are my favorites.
Another reason why I love this recipe is that you can use leftover ham and bacon, making it perfect for clearing out the fridge. So, if you want to try something new and give yourself a healthy break, this recipe is a must-try.
Equipment Required
- Skillet: To make Cauliflower Fried Rice, I am using a skillet.
- Spatula: For mixing everything together, I am using a spatula.
- Bowl: Since I am making a homemade sauce for this rice, I have a small bowl with me.
- Whisk: To mix everything in the sauce, I am using a whisk.
Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 5 people. You can increase or decrease the quantities for more or fewer servings.
- 1.5 Tablespoons Oil, Separated (Vegetable, Canola, Peanut)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- ½ Onion, Finely Chopped
- 75g / 2.5 Oz Ham or Bacon, Diced: You can also add bits of chicken.
- 1½ Cups Frozen Diced Peas, Carrots, Corn (Mix, Or Other Diced Fresh Veg Of Choice)
- 400g (4 Cups) Cauliflower Rice, Raw (Note 1)
- 2 Eggs, Lightly Whisked
- 2 Green Onions, Finely Sliced
- Sauce Mix
- 1 Tablespoon Mirin (Or Chinese Cooking Wine) (Sub Dry Sherry Or Cooking Sake): If you don’t like mirin, then you can use dry white wine or sweet rice wine vinegar for this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce (Sub Hoisin): When I don’t have oyster sauce, I go for tamari sauce.
- 1.5 Tablespoons Soy Sauce, Light or All Purpose: Don’t have soy sauce? Then go for Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil, Toasted
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Cauliflower Fried Rice At Home
Step 1
I start preparing the sauce by adding mirin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to a bowl.
Step 2
Then, add oil to a pan. Once it is hot enough, you can add finely diced onions, garlic, and ham.
Step 3
After sautéing them well, I add peas, corn mix, and carrots to the pan.
Step 4
Once everything is nicely cooked, add the soaked rice to the pan.
Step 5
Mix them properly and add the sauce to the pan.
Step 6
Once it is well-cooked, make a hole in the center and add some oil and whisked eggs.
Step 7
Cook them together and serve them hot! Garnish it with a few green onions as finishing touches.
Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- When I make Cauliflower Fried Rice in large quantities, I like to do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan with too much food at once can make the rice soggy by generating too much steam.
- I have kept it simple, but you can also add shrimp, tofu, chicken, or more veggies while making this recipe.
- If you’re running low on time, you can use a blender or mixer to make the cauliflower rice instead of scraping it with a knife. Just remove the chunks from the cauliflower and add them to the blender.
- A cooking tip I follow to ensure the Cauliflower Fried Rice stays fluffy and not soggy is to uncover the pan. If you cover it, the steam stays in the pan, which makes your rice soggy.
- To keep this recipe authentic, I avoid using store-bought cauliflower rice. I go for authentic cauliflower rice by scraping off the cauliflower.
- While making Cauliflower Fried Rice, if your rice is drying out, you can add a little broth. I prefer using chicken or vegetable stock for this recipe.
- Since this is a quick recipe, you have to be very fast; otherwise, the ingredients can burn.
FAQs About Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
What’s good about this recipe is that it is healthy to enjoy. Cauliflower Fried Rice is low in calories; hence, people can enjoy it regularly. To know more about it in detail, you can have a look at the nutritional chart below:
| Calories | 144 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholestrol | 72 mg |
| Sodium | 660 mg |
| Potassium | 438 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 4132 IU |
| Vitamin C | 46 mg |
| Calcium | 48 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Another good thing about this recipe is that it is entirely soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. This recipe is also completely vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. Hence, people following most diets can enjoy this without any restrictions.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Gluten-Free: To make a gluten-free version of cauliflower fried rice, simply replace traditional soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari, coconut aminos, or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, as regular soy sauce typically contains wheat.
Storing & Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Countertop: After my Cauliflower Fried Rice is ready, I leave it on the countertop for only 2 hours. After this, it goes straight into the fridge for further storage.
- Refrigeration: To refrigerate Cauliflower Fried Rice, I let it cool first. After this, I pack it in airtight containers, which keep it fresh for about 5 days.
- Freezing: When I want to extend the shelf life of Cauliflower Fried Rice even further, I like to freeze it. To do this, I place it in an airtight container and freeze it for about 2 months.
Reheating
- Skillet: I like to reheat Cauliflower Fried Rice in a skillet since it is easy to control. I heat up some oil in a skillet and add the leftovers. After that, I gently toss them until the rice is warm.
- Microwave: For heating Cauliflower Fried Rice in small portions, I prefer using a microwave. I start by transferring the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish, then heat it at medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Oven: When I’m hosting a feast at home, I reheat Cauliflower Fried Rice in the oven. I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then spread the rice on a baking dish. Then, I cover it with foil and heat it for about 10 minutes until it is warm enough.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I like to enjoy bold flavors with this dish. To enjoy this dish, I like to have it with Grilled Chicken, sautéed tempeh, or Grilled Salmon.
To keep it simple and lighthearted, you can also enjoy it with roasted veggies of your choice. Another simple way to enjoy this is with a poached egg on top.
Printable Version
Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 Tablespoons Oil Separated (Vegetable, Canola, Peanut)
- 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
- ½ Onion Finely Chopped
- 75 g/ 2.5 Oz Ham Or Bacon Diced
- 1½ Cups Frozen Diced Peas Carrots, Corn (Mix, Or Other Diced Fresh Veg Of Choice)
- 400 g 4 Cups Cauliflower Rice, Raw (Note 1)
- 2 Eggs Lightly Whisked
- 2 Green Onions Finely Sliced
- Sauce Mix
- 1 Tablespoon Mirin Or Chinese Cooking Wine (Sub Dry Sherry Or Cooking Sake) (Note 2)
- 1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce Sub Hoisin
- 1.5 Tablespoons Soy Sauce Light Or All Purpose
- 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil Toasted
Equipment
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
Instructions
- I start preparing the sauce by adding mirin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to a bowl.
- Then, add oil to a pan. Once it is hot enough, you can add finely diced onions, garlic, and ham.
- After sautéing them well, I add peas, corn mix, and carrots to the pan.
- Once everything is nicely cooked, add the soaked rice to the pan.
- Mix them properly and add the sauce to the pan.
- After it is well cooked, make a hole in the center and add some oil and whisked eggs.
- Cook them together and serve them hot! Garnish it with a few green onions as finishing touches.
Video
Notes
- When I make Cauliflower Fried Rice in large quantities, I like to do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan with too much food at once can make the rice soggy by generating too much steam.
- I have kept it simple, but you can also add shrimp, tofu, chicken, or more veggies while making this recipe.
- If you’re running low on time, you can use a blender or mixer to make the cauliflower rice instead of scraping it with a knife. Just remove the chunks from the cauliflower and add them to the blender.
- A cooking tip I follow to ensure the Cauliflower Fried Rice stays fluffy and not soggy is to uncover the pan. If you cover it, the steam stays in the pan, which makes your rice soggy.
- To keep this recipe authentic, I avoid using store-bought cauliflower rice. I go for authentic cauliflower rice by scraping off the cauliflower.
- While making Cauliflower Fried Rice, if your rice is drying out, you can add a little broth. I prefer using chicken or vegetable stock for this recipe.
- Since this is a quick recipe, you have to be very fast; otherwise, the ingredients can burn.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a wonderful way to spice up your life with something new. Made with just a few pantry staples, you can feast on this dish all week long.
Now that you’ve come across this recipe, be sure to try it out. It’s worth a try, and after one bite, you’ll be looking forward to trying it again. So, try it and let me know how much you loved it.
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