The beauty of cauliflower fried rice is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up a restaurant-worthy dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Base:
1 medium head of cauliflower (or 4 cups of pre-riced cauliflower)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil if preferred)
For the Stir-Fry:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Add-Ins:
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein
Sliced green onions for garnish
A dash of chili flakes for heat
Prepping the Cauliflower
How to Rice Cauliflower Like a Pro
Don’t let the term “ricing” intimidate you—it’s much easier than it sounds. Here’s how you can transform a humble cauliflower into fluffy, rice-like grains:
By Hand: Chop the cauliflower into small florets and grate them using the large holes of a box grater.
Using a Food Processor: Place florets into a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice grains. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with mush.
Store-Bought Shortcut: If you’re short on time, grab a bag of pre-riced cauliflower from the store.
Once riced, pat the cauliflower dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures your fried rice isn’t soggy.
Cooking the Perfect Cauliflower Fried Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part: cooking! Follow these steps for a foolproof, delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil.
Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Toss in your mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Add the Cauliflower Rice
Stir in the riced cauliflower, mixing it well with the vegetables.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Incorporate the Sauce
Pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and mix well.
Wrapping It All Up
A Dish to Keep in Your Recipe Arsenal
Cauliflower fried rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It’s easy, customizable, and healthy without sacrificing flavor. Once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to swap your takeout habit for this guilt-free, homemade delight? Trust me, your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that head of cauliflower and get cooking!
