Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (2024)

Cauliflower Fried Rice will trick your tastebuds in the best way possible. This 20 minute gluten-free, low-carb recipe is a dead ringer for regular fried rice!

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Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (1)

There are a few things to be grateful for in terms of getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease, including eating fresher and healthier than ever before.

Case in point: Cauliflower Fried Rice!

I can say with 100% certainty that I would have never thought to swap regular white rice for CAULIFLOWER rice in my standard fried rice recipe had I not been diagnosed, but this is one healthy swap that I am totallyhere for. It’s a dead ringer for the real thing!

Watch How to Make It!

Grated or “riced” cauliflower is stir fried with frozen mixed vegetables, green onions, garlic, and sesame oil-laced eggs then tossed with gluten-free Tamari (or soy sauce if you’re not gluten-free) and served up hot. Absolutely delicious. A revelation. No restaurant – nor rice! – required.

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Tips for Making Cauliflower Fried Rice

  1. Fresh or Frozen: I’m showing you how to make this recipe with freshly riced cauliflower, though you can use frozen, pre-riced cauliflower instead. No need to thaw prior to cooking.
  2. Customize It: Add any/all vegetables you may have on hand. I often add frozen pepper stir fry mix and/or frozen edamame. I made it once with fresh broccoli and that was…not our favorite, just FYI.
  3. Tools Needed: While a food processor rices cauliflower in seconds, you can also use a box grater to make cauliflower rice. Additionally, a large wok works great for this recipe, though a very large, nonstick skillet does the job too.
  4. Too veggie heavy? If you’re serving Cauliflower Fried Rice to little ones, or have a dining parter that won’t go for so many veggies, feel free to cut the cauliflower rice with regular, cooked white rice.
  5. Pump up the protein: If I’m not feeling the egg, sauteed shrimp or cubed tofu is fabulous to add to this rice. Leftover diced steak or chicken is great too.

Even if you don’t need to eat gluten-free, we could all use a little more plants in our diet. This low-carb, 20 minute supper is going to make you all kindsof happy, I just know it!

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Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Start by slicing out the core ofa small head of cauliflower, then cut the head into a few big hunks.

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Next, fit a large food processor with the grating attachment. If you don’t have a food processor you can use a box grater OR, as I mentioned, you can use store-bought frozen riced cauliflower instead.

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Pop the cauliflower hunks into the shoot then let ‘er rip.

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Here’s a close up shot of the results. Visually the cauliflower is a cross between rice and hash browns.

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Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower Fried Rice

Place a large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat then add sesame oil. Measure out 4 cups grated cauliflower then add it to the hot oil along with frozen mixed vegetables and chopped green onions.

Stir fry until the cauliflower is just starting to become tender, 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Stir fry until the garlic is fragrant, another minute or so.

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Next, push the cauliflower to the sides of the wok to create a well in the center, then pour in a couple of eggs whisked with more sesame oil. Let sit until set on the bottom then scramble and toss to combine.

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Last step is to drizzle in gluten-free Tamari or soy sauce(dish will not be GF if using traditional soy sauce) then toss to combine.

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Last step is to scoop the Cauliflower Fried Rice into bowls then serve. I hope you love this healthier, gluten free take-out fake out dish – enjoy!

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More Cauliflower Rice Recipes

  • Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls
  • Vietnamese Style Caramelized Pork Bowls
  • Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl
  • Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder
  • Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Parmesan-Garlic Cauliflower Rice
  • Healthier Kimchi Fried Rice

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dairy freegluten freelow carbvegetarian20 minute meal

4.5/5 (17 REVIEWS)

Description

Cauliflower Fried Rice will trick your tastebuds in the best way possible. This 20 minute gluten-free, low-carb recipe will be a hit at your house!

Ingredients

serves 3

  • 1 teaspoon + 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, divided
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 small head cauliflower (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 green onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 - 3 Tablespoons gluten-free Tamari or soy sauce (dish will not be GF if using soy sauce)

Directions

  1. Combine 1 teaspoon sesame oil with eggs in a bowl then whisk to combine and set aside. Chop cauliflower head into big chunks then send through a food processor fitted with the grating attachment. Alternatively you could grate the cauliflower on a box grater OR use 4 cups frozen cauliflower rice. Measure out 4 cups grated cauliflower then save the rest for another use.
  2. Heat remaining 1 Tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet overhigh heat. Add cauliflower, green onions, and frozen mixed vegetables then stir fryuntil cauliflower is just beginning to turn tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and then continue to stir fryuntil garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds or so.
  3. Push mixture to the sides of the wok to create an opening in the center then add the whisked eggs and scramble. Toss mixture to combine then drizzle in 2 Tablespoon gluten free Tamari and mix again to combine. Taste then add remaining Tablespoon gluten free Tamari if desired, and then serve.
  4. Leave a comment and star rating if you loved the recipe! Thank you for considering!

Notes

  • Here is the 14-cup Food Processor I have >
  • You can use 4 cups frozen riced cauliflower instead of freshly grating your own. No need to thaw prior to cooking.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

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230 Comments

  1. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (13) Deborah Sparks 04.13.2024

    need the count on calories and carbs for low carb diabetic diet

    Reply

  2. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (14) gail 04.05.2024

    DELICIOUS………

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (15) Kristin 04.08.2024

      Hooray! So glad you thought so. :)

      Reply

  3. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (16) Abi 03.06.2024

    Can’t wait to try this tonight!

    5

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (17) Kristin 03.07.2024

      I hope you love it, Abi!

      Reply

  4. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (18) Jessica Seiter Williams 02.24.2024

    I hate cauliflower, but I LOVE this! Apparently sesame oil and soy sauce are the key to killing that “dirty sock” flavor. I’m delighted to find this because I’ve noticed that even rice makes me “edgy” and uncomfortable.

    5

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (19) Kristin 02.26.2024

      Hahaha, they’re a dynamic duo, that’s for sure. ;) I’m so glad you gave the recipe a try — thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  5. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (20) Nabeela 02.02.2024

    I’m a dedicated vegan, and this recipe truly brightens my day. I even shared it with my trainer, and she loved it so much.

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (21) Kristin 02.05.2024

      I love to heart that, Nabeela! So glad this recipe is a winner for you!

      Reply

  6. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (22) Vana 11.14.2023

    Definitely a win recipe! Both my husband and I liked it.

    4.5

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (23) Kristin 11.20.2023

      I’m thrilled to hear it, Vana! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  7. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (24) Valerie 08.14.2023

    I have diabetes and kidney disease. I had to leave out the salt and make my own sodium-free soy sauce. Both with and without soy sauce, this recipe was a flop. It tasted like air with texture. Any ways to give it some oomph?

    1.5

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (25) Kristin 08.17.2023

      Hi Valerie! Sorry to hear this dish wasn’t for you! The gluten free Tamari is what flavors this dish, so I’m not surprised you didn’t care for the flavor. Next time you could add more vegetables (frozen edamame, thinly sliced peppers or a frozen pepper/onion stir fry mix,) and add more garlic and ginger for flavor.

      Reply

  8. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (26) Annabelle 08.10.2023

    Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe. May I please ask if it’s okay to keep in fridge and consume within 6 days or is that too long? Thank you5

    5

    Reply

  9. Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (27) Rita 06.05.2023

    My go to recipe! The sesame oil is key, I may be a little heavy handed!

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (28) Kristin 06.06.2023

      SAME! Love sesame oil so much!

      Reply

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hi, i'm kristin!

I’m a Midwestern wife and Mama, and after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2013 I began sharing delicious and approachable gluten-free recipes made with everyday, in-season ingredients. Welcome!

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Cauliflower Fried Rice - Light and Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Is cauliflower rice healthy for weight loss? ›

Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

What is the nutritional value of cauliflower fried rice? ›

Nutrition summary

There are 242 calories in 1 serving of Cauliflower Fried Rice. Calorie split: 67% fat, 17% carbs, 16% protein.

Is cauliflower rice high in carbs? ›

In addition, cauliflower rice is low in carbs. It provides only 3 grams of net carbs per cup (107 grams) — 18 times fewer carbs than the same quantity of rice ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).

Is store bought cauliflower rice healthy? ›

It's always better to make your own food, it's important to note that the nutrition of most pre-packaged cauliflower rice products is good as well. Cauliflower rice packed with a number of antioxidants and vitamins. It's a simple dish, which is perfect for those of us who struggle with cooking.

Is cauliflower rice good for belly fat? ›

Using cauliflower rice, which is rich in fibre, will benefit weight loss. Moreover, the cauliflower will give you additional nutrients, making your meal healthier without sacrificing the flavour and taste.

Is it OK to eat riced cauliflower everyday? ›

The fact that it's a vegetable makes cauliflower automatically good for you. Additionally, cauliflower is packed with nutrients that give it unique benefits, such as fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and choline. These properties give you a good reason to eat it frequently or even daily.

Is cauliflower rice a carb or protein? ›

One cup of cauliflower rice has: 25 calories. 2 grams of protein. 4 grams of carbohydrates.

How healthy is fried cauliflower? ›

Fried cauliflower contains 1.6 g of saturated fat and 8.5 mg of cholesterol per serving. 85 g of Fried cauliflower contains 3.40 mcg vitamin A, 13.7 mg vitamin C, 0.09 mcg vitamin D as well as 1.24 mg of iron, 27.20 mg of calcium, 130 mg of potassium. Fried cauliflower belong to 'Fried vegetables' food category.

Which is better broccoli or cauliflower rice? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

Is too much cauliflower rice bad for you? ›

While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.

Does cauliflower rice spike insulin? ›

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice that may benefit people with diabetes. Also, it has a lower glycemic index (GI) than regular rice, which causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Additionally, cauliflower is a good source of fibre.

What is the difference between cauliflower rice and riced cauliflower? ›

As far as we can tell, it's the same thing, just a different name. The term “cauliflower rice” didn't become an internet sensation until around 2012. But ever since then, this nutrient-rich rice substitute has been booming in popularity!

Is Trader Joe's cauliflower rice healthy? ›

For a larger serving, the Trader Joe's cauliflower version provides far less calories and total carbs and slightly more fiber than traditional risotto. It also has no added sugar and low total sugar.

What color cauliflower is healthiest? ›

Purple. Purple cauliflower is the healthiest option, with numerous advantages. The purple hue is due to the antioxidants called anthocyanins. These are the pigments present in various other plants and plant-based products, including red cabbage and red wine.

Is cauliflower rice a processed food? ›

Basic cauliflower rice is nothing more than finely processed raw cauliflower. There are several ways you can rice cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower florets using a large chef's knife into tiny pieces about the size of rice grains.

Should I replace rice with cauliflower rice? ›

Is it as good as rice? Not on its own, but it's a great starting point health-wise and texture-wise. When it's seasoned well and used in a recipe with other great flavors and textures going on, it IS delicious and you'll feel great about getting more vegetables into your day!

Is cauliflower rice better than brown rice for weight loss? ›

Cauliflower rice is low in calories and carbs, which can help you lose weight. But brown rice is more filling than cauliflower rice because it has more carbs and fiber. It provides long-lasting energy and protein. When you nourish your body, you will be more successful at losing weight.

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