Have you jumped on the cauliflower rice train yet? This Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe is one of the most flavorful ways to enjoy it!
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together so quickly to make this easy fried rice.
- Sesame Oil – Using this oil gives the rice a bit of nutty flavor. It’s perfect for sauteing the veggies.
- Carrots – I like to chop up fresh carrots but you can substitute frozen ones, too. If so, add them at the same time as the other frozen vegetables.
- Frozen Peas – These are a classic ingredient in fried rice.
- Frozen Corn – Corn adds a bit of bright color to the dish.
- Fresh Ginger – Grate the ginger finely so that it is easy to evenly disperse it in the fried rice.
- Clove Garlic – Mince the clove of garlic finely. You can use jarred garlic, but fresh garlic will have a much better flavor.
- Rice Vinegar – This adds some acidity that complements the other ingredients well.
- Eggs – Be sure to beat the eggs before adding them to the skillet.
- Cauliflower Rice – You can rice your own cauliflower or buy the prepacked variety.
- Soy Sauce – This sauce gives the rice its signature flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – You may not need either, but keep them handy in case you want to adjust the flavor after cooking.
- Sesame Seeds – These add nuttiness and a bit of crunch.
Variations
- Vegetables – You can get creative and add any veggies you like. Red bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and cabbage are all great options.
- Onions – Saute diced white onions, yellow onions, or scallions (green onions). You can also garnish with scallions, too.
- Vinegar – Substitute apple cider vinegar for the rice wine vinegar.
- Oil – If you don’t have sesame oil handy, you can use other neutrally flavored cooking oils.
- Gluten-free – To make this dish gluten-free substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice
This recipe moves quickly so make sure that all of your ingredients are prepped before you start.
- Saute Veggies. Saute the raw carrots (if using) in sesame oil in a large skillet.
- Season. Once the carrots have become tender, add the frozen peas and corn, fresh ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Add Eggs, Rice & Soy Sauce. After several minutes, add the eggs and scramble them. Use a wooden spoon to constantly stir the mixture. Then, pour the cauliflower rice and soy sauce into the pan.
- Fold Gently. Fold in the rice gently to avoid the cauliflower becoming soft and soggy. You want the cauliflower to be tender-crisp.
- Season & Serve. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
What to Serve with Cauliflower Fried Rice
Sesame crusted tuna and yakitori chicken are great options, as are many of our other Asian inspired dishes like sesame chicken, teriyaki pork kabobs or thai coconut chicken.
It also makes an excellent base for rice bowls like our salmon poke bowl. Or it can make a vegetarian dish with the addition of tofu, roasted portobello mushrooms or PF Changs Spicy green beans.
Common Questions about Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a low-carb take on traditional fried rice. Instead of using white rice or brown rice, cauliflower is shaved into small pieces and briefly heated with the other vegetables and seasonings in a classic fried rice recipe.
Yes! You can use cauliflower rice as a substitute for rice in many dishes. Use it as a side to go with other Asian-inspired recipes or make a low-carb version of your favorite risotto. It can also stand in for grits in a cheesy grits recipe or be a substitute for orzo in a pasta salad.
Storage
This cauliflower rice is the ultimate meal-prep dish — it will last for days so that you have an easy side dish or light dinner on hand most of the week.
Make Ahead
You can make the cauliflower rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before making the dish.
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer
Freeze cauliflower fried rice for up to 3 months in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container.
More Cauliflower-Based Recipes
Cauliflower is a blank slate for so many excellent dishes. Here are more of our favorites recipes with cauliflower.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup carrots , chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger , grated
- 1 clove garlic , finely minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 eggs , lightly beaten
- 4 cups cauliflower rice , cooked
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil. Add the carrots (if raw), sauteing for 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften.
- Stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, fresh ginger, garlic and rice vinegar. Stir for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir the in eggs, stirring constantly so they break apart and don't just become fried eggs.
- When the eggs are cooked, approximately 2 minutes, add the cauliflower rice and soy sauce. Gently toss to combine. Don't stir or you run the risk of the cauliflower getting mushy.
- Give it a taste test and season with the salt and pepper as needed (if needed at all). Top with the sesame seeds for garnish.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Video
Nutrition
How do you make the cauliflower look like rice?
Hi Monna- chop it or pulse using a food processor. You’ll never get it to look exactly like a grain of rice, it’ll be more like a little ball. It honestly looks more like couscous.
I am a fan of cauliflower rice recipes. This recipe is delicious. I haven’t tried using rice wine vinegar when I make mine. Will try that when next I do.
I’ve been really enjoying easy cauliflower rice recipes for some time now, so I am very excited to try yours! It looks absolutely delicious and easy to make, too.
This looks so good. I really like that you add corn and sesame seeds in this.
I am a huge fan of riced cauliflower, it’s such a versatile concept!! I haven’t fried it yet, in fact I mostly use it raw, so this will be fun to do, love the recipe 🙂
Love incorporating new tastes into our dinner time routine. I can see this as a side to our next grilled piece of chicken!