Some days, my kitchen feels like a chaotic workshop, with ingredients flying (not literally) and flavors colliding. But amidst the madness, this easy cauliflower fried rice emerges like a culinary lighthouse, guiding me to healthy eating bliss. It’s like a hug from your favorite sweater—warm, comforting, and just what you need after scrolling through endless TikToks.
Steps
- Grate the cauliflower using a food processor or a box grater, and set it aside if you’re not using pre-prepared cauliflower rice.
- Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt, scramble them until cooked, then remove them from the pan.
- Add more oil to the skillet and sauté the light parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the grated cauliflower with soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt, cooking for about 3 minutes.
- Add peas and carrots to the skillet, cooking until the cauliflower is tender but still crisp and the vegetables are warm.
- Mix in rice vinegar, sesame oil, dark green scallions, optional nuts, and scrambled eggs. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt
- 1 cup chopped scallions, separated into light and dark green parts (approximately 5-6 scallions)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger, from a 1-inch piece
- One 2-pound head of cauliflower or 2 pounds of cauliflower rice, thawed if frozen
- 4-5 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped cashews or peanuts (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1092 | Fat: 68 g | Saturated fat: 8 g | Carbohydrates: 88 g | Sugar: 32 g | Fiber: 28 g | Protein: 48 g | Sodium: 6868 mg | Cholesterol: 372 mg
FAQ
- What is cauliflower rice and how is it used in this recipe?
- Cauliflower rice is simply cauliflower that has been grated into rice-sized pieces. It acts similar to rice by absorbing the flavors of its seasonings. In this dish, it’s sautéed with aromatics, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs to mimic traditional Chinese fried rice while keeping it low-carb.
- Can I use pre-packaged cauliflower rice for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-packaged cauliflower rice found in the produce or frozen vegetable section of most supermarkets. If it’s not available, you can easily make your own by grating a head of cauliflower using a food processor or hand grater.
- What should I do to prepare my ingredients for this dish?
- As with any quick stir-fry, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This includes grating the cauliflower, chopping the scallions, mincing the garlic, and beating the eggs.
- Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- The recipe is adaptable for a gluten-free diet, provided you ensure that all the ingredients, particularly the soy sauce, are gluten-free. Always check the labels to confirm.
- What are some variations or additions I can try with this dish?
- You can customize your cauliflower fried rice by adding different vegetables or proteins. Optional ingredients like nuts can also be added for extra texture and flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preference.
Tips
- Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready, as this is a quick stir-fry recipe.
- If you can’t find grated cauliflower in the store, use a food processor or hand grater to prepare it yourself.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more soy sauce or salt as needed after mixing all ingredients together.
- For an added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating optional nuts like cashews or peanuts into your dish.
Equipment
- Food Processor with Grating Disc – Essential for grating the cauliflower if you’re not using pre-grated cauliflower rice.
- Large Nonstick Skillet (10 or 12-inch) – Necessary for cooking the ingredients without sticking.
- Box Grater or Hand-held Grater – Alternative to a food processor for grating the cauliflower.
