Cauliflower Fried Rice (Printable)

Light grain-free fried rice with riced cauliflower, fresh vegetables, and Asian-inspired seasonings. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.3 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
03 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Eggs

08 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (omit or substitute for vegan version)

→ Sauces & Oils

09 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil or neutral oil, divided
10 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

→ Seasonings

12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the cauliflower florets and pat dry. Place in a food processor and pulse until the texture resembles rice. Work in batches if needed.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove eggs to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add carrots, bell pepper, and peas; cook for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
04 - Add riced cauliflower and cook, stirring frequently, for 4–5 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
05 - Stir in soy sauce, pepper, and salt to taste. Return scrambled eggs to the pan along with green onions. Toss to combine, and heat for 1 minute more.
06 - Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if using. Remove from heat and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is remarkably similar to traditional rice when cooked properly, but youll feel energized rather than weighed down afterward.
  • Its endlessly customizable with whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer, making it perfect for those nights when grocery shopping just isnt happening.
02 -
  • Never cover the cauliflower while cooking or youll end up with soggy, steamed rice instead of the distinct separated grains we want.
  • Cooking the vegetables and cauliflower separately before combining allows each component to reach its ideal texture without compromising the others.
03 -
  • The key to non-soggy cauliflower rice is letting it dry completely after rinsing and using a very hot wok to quickly evaporate moisture during cooking.
  • Pre-cook all ingredients separately and combine at the last minute for the perfect texture, just like restaurants do with traditional fried rice.
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